LA SALLE, Mich. — A new organization in Michigan is setting sail for cancer survivors and for those still in the fight.
Serenity Sailing allows family members or friends to nominate someone for the experience to relax and spend a day out on the lake.
Following the loss of her husband to lymphoma, the founder of Serenity Sailing, Robin Cutcher, wanted to give back to the western Lake Erie community that gave them so much support.
"When you go through something hard, it's very important to learn from others, but also help them get through something that was difficult for you," Cutcher said.
After sailing together for years, Cutcher said she believes her husband would have wanted to share the joy they found in sailing with others.
"We sailed together right up until he went into hospice," Cutcher said. "To be able to share that with others, especially if they're going through something hard, I think it's a way he would be able to offer support."
Through the Serenity Sailing website, people are able to nominate others for an afternoon on the water with volunteer staff who use their personal boats, all at no cost.
One attendee was a sailor for over 40 years.
"I can't begin to tell you how happy I am about today," said 90-year-old Merald Sockwell, a prostate cancer survivor. "I've been looking forward to this, I've been, ever since I heard about it, and I couldn't wait to get here."
Sockwell said it has been years since he has had the ability to go out on the water due to his physical limitations following his diagnosis.
"I've survived that, so I'm doing well. I'm very happy," Sockwell said. "I'm also cancer-free now, and that's the best part yet."
Sherri Guldi, Sockwell's daughter, went along with him on the excursion Tuesday, which launched from La Salle.
She said she never thought she would see her father sail again. It brought back memories of her childhood on her father's boat.
"He's been so sad since he hasn't had his own boat anymore," Guldi said. "It just almost brings a tear to your eye, it's so special."
It was something that did more than just bring back memories for Guldi.
"You get out on that water and it's like everything just washes away," Guldi said. "The troubles, the cares, the medications, the hospital visits. Everything I would imagine just kind of melts away and they can be a family."
Sockwell said his message to others is simple.
"Get up, get moving, get out, and enjoy life," Sockwell said. "The problem with this (experience) is going to be, I'm going to remember this all night long and I probably won't sleep tonight."
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