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Flatwater’s Annual Paddle Fundraiser Raises $1.6 Million to Support Central Texas Families Navigating Cancer

The annual Lake Austin fundraiser will help cover 15,300 therapy sessions for people impacted by cancer

Chelsea Hardee, left, and Alyssa Cornett attend Flatwater’s Post-Paddle Party at the Lower Colorado River Authority’s Redbud Center on Monday, June 8, after the nonprofit’s 17th annual Dam That Cancer fundraiser on Lake Austin.
Chelsea Hardee and Alyssa Cornett attend Flatwater’s Post-Paddle Party at the Lower Colorado River Authority’s Redbud Center on June 8, after the nonprofit’s 17th annual Dam That Cancer fundraiser on Lake Austin. (Photo by Buster Jetter)

Flatwater’s 17th annual Dam That Cancer brought 230 paddlers to Jessica Hollis Park on Monday, June 8, for the nonprofit’s signature stand-up paddleboard fundraiser on Lake Austin. Severe weather cut the traditional 21-mile route short after 11 miles, but the Austin-based nonprofit still raised a record $1,612,392, surpassing its $1.5 million goal. The total will cover 15,300 mental health therapy sessions for individuals, couples and families impacted by cancer at any stage of the journey.

Matt Lutz, Mark Garza and Jessica Garza.
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Matt Lutz, Mark Garza and Jessica Garza. (Photo by Buster Jetter)
Jenna Noons, Alyssa Cornett and Veronica Pulido
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Jenna Noons, Alyssa Cornett and Veronica Pulido. (Photo by Buster Jetter)
Flatwater Executive Director Alyssa Cornett addresses paddlers during the nonprofit’s 17th annual Dam That Cancer fundraiser on Monday, June 8, at Lake Austin.
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Flatwater Executive Director Alyssa Cornett addresses paddlers during the nonprofit’s 17th annual Dam That Cancer fundraiser on June 8, at Lake Austin. (Photo by Buster Jetter)

Flatwater’s impact

Flatwater provides access to therapy for people directly and indirectly affected by cancer, including patients, survivors, caregivers, friends and family members. The organization’s work centers on the emotional toll that often accompanies a diagnosis, offering mental health support during a time that can be isolating, overwhelming and financially difficult.

Research published in January 2022 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that two years after diagnosis, adults with cancer were 71% more likely to experience financial problems than those without a cancer diagnosis. For many families, the added cost of therapy can become another barrier to care.

Dam That Cancer was created to help remove that barrier.

Carey Kepler, center, paddles with other participants on Lake Austin during Flatwater’s 17th annual Dam That Cancer fundraiser
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Carey Kepler, center, paddles with other participants on Lake Austin during Flatwater’s 17th annual Dam That Cancer fundraiser. (Photo by Buster Jetter)
Katie Joyce paddles on Lake Austin during Flatwater’s 17th annual Dam That Cancer fundraiser in support of mental health therapy for people impacted by cancer.
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Katie Joyce paddles on Lake Austin during Flatwater’s 17th annual Dam That Cancer fundraiser in support of mental health therapy for people impacted by cancer. (Photo by Buster Jetter)
Paddlers take part in Flatwater’s 17th annual Dam That Cancer fundraiser on Lake Austin
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Paddlers take part in Flatwater’s 17th annual Dam That Cancer fundraiser on Lake Austin. (Photo by Buster Jetter)

Even after the weather-shortened paddle, the day ended with the kind of community gathering that has become central to the event. Paddlers, supporters and community members came together from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lower Colorado River Authority’s Redbud Center for the Post-Paddle Party, which featured local food and drinks, giveaways and a celebration of the funds raised.

The event is one of several Flatwater hosts throughout the year to support therapy access for those impacted by cancer. In November, the nonprofit will bring back Flatwater Fest for its second year after launching the event in 2025. Additional details will be announced at a later date.

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