Paddle for a cure or support the Salem Kayak Rentals Team, to help the (Walk to End Alzheimer's) in Salem Oregon. Followed by a ceremony, BBQ hosted by: Miller's BBQ & contest for most purple. (FREE SHUTTLE & KAYAK RENTALS or BRING YOUR OWN). Must purchase an optional $12 BBQ ticket a head of time, donate a mim. $50 to join the paddle /or enter ceremony.

WHEN: Sept. 10th 2023 at 1:30PM.

WHERE: We launch from West Salem Boat launch and float to Keizer Rapids Park Boat Launch.

Expect, to finish by 3-3:30PM (or) you can join us on land for ceremony. (Wear Purple)

FOLLOWED BY: 3:30PM - 4:30PM The Ceremony/ BBQ/Contest at KEIZER RAPIDS PARK next to the playground.

TO PARTICIAPTE: Donate a mim. $50 to our TEAM (Salem Kayak Rentals) 100% of the proceeds goes to the Walk to End Alzheimer's fundraiser. You will need to (first) sign a waiver & RSVP from Salem Kayak Rentals website at www.SalemKayakRentals.com. You will also need to make sure rentals are still available for float. By sending a (TEXT TO 503-877-8449) to check availability. Safety Requirements required to borrow kayak. Must be 6'1" or shorter, 230pds and under.

SHUTTLE FOR FLOAT: Park & Meet at Keizer Rapids Park Boat Launch at NOON.

JOIN OUR TEAM (or) MAKE A MIM. $50 DONATION TO OUR TEAM LINK: http://act.alz.org/goto/SalemKayakRentals

RSVP at SALEM KAYAK RENTALS LINK:

Alzheimer's Awareness Fundraiser Float | Salem Kayak Rentals

((This fundraiser is dedicated to my father)) who suffered and recently passed away October 22nd of 2022 from Alzheimer’s. It took his life very quickly. Age of 69yrs old. His name was Kurt Edward Hansen. Born and raised in California. Had a dream of moving his Family to Salem Oregon. To share his dream and love for the outdoors.

He bought a Marina in Salem Oregon. Called the Boat Barn, and laid carpet called Hansen's Flooring for himself. He inspired me, that I could do whatever my heart desire and my dreams are always within reach. My father had us grow up on the Marina, when we were young, we lived on top of the bait shop on the Willamette River. Where my back yard was literally the river in the beginning of my childhood. My Dad ran the first ever tour jet boat excursion, my mom help pump gas for motor boats and they store boats there. Later, my father moved into building Jet boats, and building other parts for boats. Same time introducing us to all the beautiful outdoors of Oregon. Learned the love of the river and being on it, fishing, camping, being out all in natures 4 seasons. He loved to hunt and ride horses as well. Taking a real appreciation for the outdoors.

My father was a huge inspiration. I grew up chasing my dreams and successfully have own several businesses of my own. With running a Oregon Guided Kayak Tour businesses, being one of my favorites. That allows me not just earn money doing what I love. But, to also give back to the community offering free community kayaking excursions all year round, and donating free rentals and kayak excursions to fundraisers for many nonprofits, along with my other businesses.

My dad asked me before he continue to decline, if I could do a kayak fundraiser, like I did for my Domestic Violence Awareness Fundraiser. And help people like him. He said, they need help. And people don't understand how hard it is, in what they go through. My father was scared as he realized the disease was taking him. It was such a horrific heart-breaking experience to witness your parent to go through and how it affected everyone. My heart breaks. I promise my dad I would. He even had a speech he said he wanted to do at the end of the kayak float.

Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to make it happen while he was alive. I will do whatever it takes to continue to honor my father and all other families that lost a love one to this horrible disease. Knowing this could be any of our unfortunate faith. Every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia, with nearly 50 million people currently living with the disease worldwide. Perhaps more alarmingly, that number is expected to reach 132 million by 2050.