For 2026, I was invited back to the OpenWater's Women's Team: this time as a mentor. As someone who never paddled before Jan 2025, completed a team channel crossing in April 2025, and began a new year on the team in October 2025... it's quite an honor to help six new women discover this sport and complete their first channel crossing on April 12. We’ll be paddling our OpenWater canoe in the Wild Buffalo Relay, from Catalina Island to Newport Beach (roughly 32 miles).

This event supports the mission of OpenWater and aims to raise money in support of the health and wellness of first responders, veterans, and their families.  These women are first responders, dispatchers, military veterans, spouses of first responders, veteran caretakers (just to name a few)... I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the profound impact OpenWater has on transforming lives (including my own). Through adventure, exercise, and fellowship, Team OpenWater provides me and my teammates with a safe space to share experiences, find understanding, and support each other.

You can learn more about the organization here at beopenwater.org or on Instagram (@beopenwater).

I have set a goal to raise $1,500 and I invite you to join me by donating today. Thank you for supporting me, this mission, and this community!