A Trans-Atlantic Voyage to Benefit Children's Brain Cancer
Research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute
The Cause
Pediatric Brain tumors are the #1 cause of solid tumor deaths in children. Pediatric Low Grade Astrocytomas (
PLGA) are unequivocally the most common form of childhood brain tumors. The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States estimates that there are over 20,000 children with PLGAs today and over 700 new children are diagnosed with some type of PLGA each year. They occur in all locations of the brain and tend to predominate in younger children.
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The Journey
The 42 foot sailing vessel 'Vision Quest' will sail across the Atlantic Ocean in an effort to raise awareness and research funds for this terrible form of Cancer that is devastating children and their families everywhere.
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Please Help Us
We are racing against time. You can help us by donating now! The journey of Vision Quest is entirely self funded by her owner, all donations go directly to the PLGA program at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Please give what you can, whether it is $10 or $1000 dollars, every donation counts. Press the 'Donate Now' button and make a difference!
Security & Donation Information
Voyage Information
News
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May 30, 2009 - Crew makes final preparations - It's been a crazy time getting down the home stretch but we are finally ready to go! Please follow the blog for up to date information on where we are and how we are doing. Thanks to all who have helped us get ready and a special thought for Mom and Lisa; I love you and will see you in 5 weeks!


May, 2009 - Washington, DC - Maritime MedicalAccess (MMA) joinsourexpedition as a Gold level sponsor. In operation since 1989, MMA provides a vital link to the delivery of appropriate medical care for shipping vessels, aircraft, yachts and teams in remote locations. "MMA is an important service for any long range sailing or expedition team" says Dana Anderson, Captain of Vision Quest." "There are no 'treat and transport' services on the high seas. We have to be able to stabilize the patient for up to a week before we can get help. MMA has helped us assemble our medical supplies and will be available for consult via Satellite phone to help us from everything from minor illness to serious trauma."
MMA website
May 2009, Kittery Maine - Kittery Point Yacht Yard (KPYY) has just launched Vision Quest and is now assisting the crew getting her ready for the voyage. "KPYY has been instrumental in helping us prepare Vision Quest for the upcoming voyage" comments Dana Anderson, her Captain". Special thanks to John Glessner and Tom Allen for going 'above and beyond' to make sure we don't have any major problems.
KPYY website
March, 2009 - Rome, Italy - The Make A Wish Foundation grants Caroline's wish to meet the Pope! "Last week we had the pleasure of traveling to Rome to experience Caroline’s Make-A-Wish: a blessing Pope Benedict XVI! What an amazing trip it was."
full story
November 22, 2008 - Kittery, ME. The crew of Vision Quest has just completed their fall training. Fall is a great time to train because the winds are strong and there is no fog! We had lots of laughs and plenty of action. Visit our crew training page for exciting pictures and videos!
Crew Training
September 28, 2008- York, ME Stormy skies and the threat of Hurricane Kyle approaching the Coast of Maine did not hinder PLGA Quest-Journey for a Cure’s Official Campaign Kick-Off! Family, friends and sponsors gathered at Dockside Restaurant to enjoy a delicious brunch, the music of Woody Allen and bid feverishly on silent and live auction items. NESN Sportscaster, Jack Edwards graciously served as our MC/Auctioneer. All were inspired and motivated by the words from a PLGA parent (Sarah Hamilton); patient (Lexie Williams); sibling (Emily Williams) and lead Dana-Farber Researcher (Dr. Charles Stiles). Captain Dana Anderson shared some of the logistics regarding the preparations for the VQ’s journey. All in attendance left with increased awareness and commitment to our cause. Our Journey has just begun…
Event Photo Gallery
September 25, Portsmouth, NH -Sarah & Dana joined Ralphie & Suzanne on their morning show at WERZ radio. We appreciated them helping us reach an audience of considerable size to raise awareness for PLGA. Ralphie and Suzanne are wonderful people and it was a pleasure to meet them. Many thanks to Matter Communications and WERZ for setting up the interview! Click the picture for more!
September 22, South Casco, ME - Sabre Yachts has joined our team as a Gold level sponsor. We are grateful for their support and thrilled that they will be
attending our kickoff event. Vision Quest is a Sabre 426; a very capable yacht which will keep us safe as we make our way across the Atlantic. Read more about Sabre Yachts, the 426, Vision Quest, and her modifications
here.
September 13, Newport RI - The Team hit the Newport Boat Show with our bright orange shirts to draw attention to our cause! Our mission was to attract interested people, not 'accost' them. Many people did notice our 'bright orange posse' and asked what we were doing. We handed out a lot of cards with the web address for further information and donations. Thanks to all at the show that spoke with us! Click the graphic for a larger view and a cast of characters!
July 2008, Newburyport, MA - Matter Communications, a public relations agency based in Newburyport, Mass., and with offices in Providence, R. I. and San Francisco, has joined our team in the fight against PLGA. Over the summer, the folks at Matter heard about the sail and our plans to help raise funds for research to help beat this childhood disease. The agency volunteered to form a team of professional communicators to help tell our story in the media locally, regionally and nationally in an effort to raise awareness and drive donations to help us on our quest for a cure. Matter is happy to be able to use their considerable PR talent as a gift to the children whose lives have been irrevocably changed by PLGA, and we’re thrilled to have Matter aboard. To learn more about Matter, visit them at www.matternow.com. If yo
u are a journalist and would like Matter’s help in arranging interviews, obtaining photos, or gathering more information, contact our crew there at plgaquest@matternow.com .
July 2008, York ME - After careful searching, we have found the perfect
establishment for our September kickoff event. Dockside Guest Quarters and Restaurant in York, Maine is one of the few places in our area that can not only host the event in style, but also have Vision Quest on the dock ready for your inspection. Please email PLGAQuest@gmail.comto request an invitation.
June 2008, Kittery Maine - Kittery Point Yacht Yard (KPYY) has just launched Vision Quest and is now preparing her for sea trials this summer. The riggers have been busy with making sure everything is 'dialed in' just right.
May 2008, York Maine. The 'PLGA Quest: Journey for a Cure' website has been officially launched. Working together with the PLGA Foundation, we will be seeking funds to help the researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute find less toxic and more effective treatments and ultimately a cure for children with PLGA.
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