This cancer survivor is paddling for a cure in Bellingham Bay. She wants you to join her

Rachel Showalter
·2 min read

After being diagnosed with low-grade serious ovarian cancer (LGSOC) at age 44, Kari Neumeyer set out to raise awareness about the disease and raise money for advances in research.

LGSOC is a rare subtype of ovarian cancer that tends to affect younger women more. It also has a high rate of recurrence and fewer effective treatments.

After the cancer prompted Neumeyer to undergo a major surgery in 2020, she has had no evidence of the disease. But, due to the likelihood of it returning, Neumeyer is counting on advances in ovarian cancer research to extend her life.

Neumeyer has a love for paddle boarding and kayaking that motivated her to organize ‘Ride the Teal Wave,’ a fundraiser and awareness event that started last year in Bellingham.

For the second time, a year later — during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month — community members will paddle on kayaks and paddle boards along the shores of Bellingham Bay to raise awareness for ovarian cancer, a disease once called a “silent killer” due to vague symptoms often leading to late-stage diagnoses.

Members of the ovarian cancer community gathered on Sept. 3, 2022, for the first-ever ‘Ride the Teal Wave’ paddle fundraiser event in Bellingham Bay. The group will gather for its second annual fundraiser event on Sept. 3, 2023.
Members of the ovarian cancer community gathered on Sept. 3, 2022, for the first-ever ‘Ride the Teal Wave’ paddle fundraiser event in Bellingham Bay. The group will gather for its second annual fundraiser event on Sept. 3, 2023.

‘Ride the Teal Wave,’ named for ovarian cancer’s awareness ribbon color, will start at the Community Boating Center in Bellingham on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 12:30 p.m. Members of the ovarian cancer community will help educate people about the disease while informing participants about common symptoms associated with it.

This year’s fundraising goal is $20,000. Last year’s event raised $15,000.

Registration is $10 and participants can rent kayaks at the Community Boating Center for $10 or bring their own kayak or paddle board. The group will paddle from the Community Boating Center at 555 Harris Ave. to Boulevard Park.

Or people can make a donation at STAAR Ovarian Cancer Foundation to support research for effective treatments to improve outcomes for people who have low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

After paddling, participants are invited to Skylark’s Hidden Cafe in Bellingham, for refreshments and a drawing for prizes donated by business including The Chrysalis Inn & Spa, Village Books, Haggen, Green Labyrinth Sanctuary, Trader Joe’s, Mallard Ice Cream, Sirena Gelato, Pure Bliss, Moondance Kayak Tours, Black Sheep, Stone’s Throw Brewing Co. and Fairhaven Runners and Walkers.

Almost 20,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023. More than 13,000 of those people will die, according to the American Cancer Society.

Ovarian cancer symptoms can include:

▪ Bloating.

▪ Unexplained weight gain.

▪ Frequent urination.

▪ Feeling full quickly.

▪ Abdominal, pelvic and/or back pain.

▪ Indigestion.

▪ Fatigue.

▪ Pain with intercourse.

▪ Constipation.

▪ Menstrual irregularities.