Noordam/On Deck for the Cure......

[sail7seas]

I mentioned before our cruise we hoped to participate in the "Holland America On Deck for the Cure" while on Noordam.

We and about 100 others met in Ocean Bar at about 8:15 A.M. on the sea day after leaving San Juan. DH and I didn't complete the whole walk but were very happy it was held and that we got to participate.

It is such a great cause and it was good to see lots of folks out and walking and enjoying taking part. We plan to do it on every cruise for as long as HAL sponsors it.

[mfd25]

This is such a wonderful event!!! My fiancee and I both participated in honor of friends and family who are fighting breast cancer. It was so uplifting to see so many out for this good cause at a relatively early hour on their hard earned vacation. I applaud HAL for this wonderful program and plan on walking for the cure on all my future cruises.

--Matt

[2hot4thehottub]

I walked for my best friend's mother, who is battling cancer for the 3rd time. It felt so good to do SOMETHING, anything to help women with breast cancer. When the cruise director, Drew, asked the assembled walkers how many had been affected by breast cancer in some way and almost everyone raised their hand, I was amazed. I told my best friend later about it and it comforted her to know that so many other families had gone through the same thing that she and her family had. I plan to participate in "On Deck for the Cure" on every cruise I take. (I'm still wearing my pink bracelet!)

[CDRMark]

DW and a number of HAL-O-ween DAM cruisers did this extremely worthy event. HAL recently announced that they will exceed their goal of 250K$.
Nice to see altruism at its best.
Cheers
Mark

[mechcc]

DW and a number of HAL-O-ween DAM cruisers did this extremely worthy event. HAL recently announced that they will exceed their goal of 250K$.
Nice to see altruism at its best.
Cheers
Mark
Mark - I do have to add that while not all of the HAL-O-Ween-Dam Cruisers actually participated in the walk - 100% of us signed up and made at least the minimum $15.00 donation. Hopefully HAL will continue this program as it is so worthwhile.

[PAHORNER]

DH and participated on the Zuiderdam recently, one thing I did not realize was that HAL matches $ for $ on each walk. How wonderful is that.

[RuthC]

...one thing I did not realize was that HAL matches $ for $ on each walk.
I did not know that. That might make a difference in my giving pattern.
I make an annual donation to the American Cancer Society local affiliate, but if HAL will match then I can get more bang for my charitable buck by sending some of it that way. It's not like I actually have to get out there early and walk. It's the money.

[RuthC]

I guess some things are worth repeating.

[caribbean girl]

Thanks for the 'heads up' on this most worthy cause. Will certainly be looking for information about it on our upcoming Noordam cruise on Feb. 7th.:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

This might be of interest to you all:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Holland America Line Surpasses $250,000 Annual Fundraising Goal for Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Tuesday January 23, 6:20 pm ET
SEATTLE, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line has exceeded its $250,000 fundraising goal for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure three months early. Commencing April 2006, Holland America Line and the Holland America Line Foundation took the fight against breast cancer to the high seas with On Deck for the Cure(TM), an onboard, non-competitive 5K fitness walk.
In celebration of the success of this program, Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer, presented representatives from Komen for the Cure with a $250,000 check on January 16, 2007, at Holland America Line corporate headquarters. "We are very proud that our cruise guests and staff have fully supported this fundraising event that takes place on every cruise throughout our fleet of 13 ships. With three more months to go, we anticipate the final annual contribution to be more than $350,000," said Kruse.
Details of On Deck for the Cure
On April 1, 2006, On Deck for the Cure officially rolled out across the entire Holland America Line fleet, with approximately 500 On Deck for the Cure walks taking place on Holland America Line cruises worldwide in one year. Guests receive an in-room invitation to the event suggesting a $15 donation to the Holland America Line Foundation. Then participants simply put their sea legs to good use by walking around the ship's deck for a total of five kilometers. Depending on the ship, guests may choose to walk up to 12 laps to reach 5K. Each participant receives an On Deck for the Cure t-shirt and On Deck for the Cure pink wristband as well as an invitation to a pink lemonade reception following the walk.
The Holland America Line Foundation donates 75%, or a minimum of $11.25, of each $15 donation to Komen for the Cure.
This month, Windstar Cruises will roll out its own version of On Deck for the Cure. Guests sailing with Windstar are invited to participate in an onboard fitness event benefiting Komen for the Cure. Depending on the ship, the fitness event will be either a walk or calisthenics class. A minimum donation of $20 per person to participate is suggested.
On Deck for the Cure, presented by the Holland America Line Foundation, builds upon Holland America Line's existing charitable programs including cash sponsorships, in-kind shipboard events, free and reduced-fare cruise donations for nonprofit fundraising events, United Way participation and other philanthropic activities.

[LizB1]

We were also very pleased to have participated in this "On Deck For The Cure" walk.

As a breast cancer survivor but now with bone cancer in my back I was limited on how much walking I could do, but at least my DH was able to walk around the deck 3-times...this after having a complete knee replacement just a year ago.

Thanks to HAL for having raised so much towards cancer research. We will plan to do this again on the Maasdam in June.

[lizf]

LizB1-You are certainly an inspiration. How tragic for your misfortune and thank you for sharing it with us. I will never again miss the walk "On Deck for the Cure" and I will be doing it for you. LizF

[sail7seas]

Thanks for sharing the press release, KK.


Good to read. How great they will exceed their set goal. I feel good DH and I contributed a teeny little portion by participating each time we saw the Walk offered on the ship we were sailing.

[Tricia724]

The eye opener when doing this walk is to see how many people are walking in honor/memory of someone who has faced this miserable disease. I would guess about 75% of the people doing the walk last time with me dedicated their efforts in this manner. This disease touches so many people, and I think it's wonderful that Holland America has joined the fight.

[Sea King]

congratulations to HAL and to everyone who participates in the "walk"

each of us can, especially when away and on a wonderful cruise, forget those who are battling a disease such as breast cancer

the walk, which takes less than 1 hour of your time, is one way of stating that "you care" ..

what a wonderful feeling to know you've made a difference:)

[Toad]

All through Chemo and radiation, I kept telling my S/O, that if I survived we were going cruising every year afterwards. We were in our forties. That was seven years ago, and cruise # 7 is this March! The walk is worth it, and do it even if you cannot finish. Show your support! Thanks to everyone who joins in!