Crossing the Finish Line

Sailor Stories

Watch More Sailor Videos on YouTube!

Michael Scarpato, 46

Michael Scarpato, age 46, has been treating for cancer since December 2007. Michael, his wife and two kids, traveled to the CFL respite home outside Orlando, Florida in December 2009.

Read more of this sailor’s story

“The respite gave the opportunity for each of our family members to take a break from cancer in their own way. It is a refresher to come back with a clearer head and continue the fight.” –Micahel Scarpato

Eric Schlachta, 44

Eric Schlachta was diagnosed with lung cancer in June 2009. Eric and Suzanne Schlachta traveled with their five kids to Orlando, FL in November 2009.

Read more of this sailor’s story

“It was just nice to get away from treatment. We forgot about our troubles and simply enjoyed each other.” –Eric Schlachta

Victor Mueller, 33

Victor Mueller, age 33, has been treating for esophageal cancer since December 2007. Victor, his son, Hunter, and Victor's cousin, Kathy, traveled to the CFL respite home outside Orlando, Florida in November 2009.

Read more of this sailor’s story

“The moments of a lifetime to share with my son, who is my backbone and my little king."” –Victor Mueller

Michael Stevens, 50

Michael Stevens has been receiving treatment for his cancer since December 2008. He and his wife, Iris, traveled to a donated home in Avalon, NJ in September 2009.

Read more of this sailor’s story

“My wife is my strength and the only one who is supporting us financially. Getting away on vacation with her, which we have never had, is a blessing.” –Michael Stevens

Marc Mandeville, 37

Marc has been receiving treatments for his cancer since January 2008. His wife, Megan, and their three kids taveled to the CFL home outside Orlando, FL in June 2009.

Read more of this sailor’s story

“I refuse to let cancer prevent me from missing more of these moments with my children.” –Marc Mandeville

Adrienne Madden, 36

Adriane Madden, age 36, has been treating for breast cancer since November 2007. Adriane, her husband and their three kids, Devin, Dalton and Hunter, traveled to the CFL home in Davenport, Florida in August 2008.

Read more of this sailor’s story

“I cannot thank you enough. Not only did you give my family a vacation we could only dream of, but you also showed my children that there are still good people in the world. There are not enough ways to thank you for changing the lives of three kids. You helped us be a family again and gave us time to appreciate each other again.” –Adriane Madden

Christine Lalama, 33

I've been dealing with cancer for 6 years. My daughter was only 2. It's all we've known in our lives. On this trip I was able to focus on my family . It reminded me that even though I have cancer, cancer does not have me. I can still have a great time with my family and do the things the rest of the world can do.

Read more of this sailor’s story

“I was able to not focus on cancer, and focus on a great memorable trip with my husband and our daughter.” –Christine Lalama

Rachel Slosberg, 34

Rachel, age 34, her husband and two kids, ages 5 and 2, traveled to Davenport, Florida in September 2008. Rachel has been in treatment for breast cancer since her diagnosis in December 2007.

Read more of this sailor’s story

“The respite allowed my family to not think about cancer.” –Rachel Slosberg

Kevin Carpenter, 35

Kevin Carpenter, age 35, was diagnosed with Anaplastic large cell lymphoma in April 2008. Kevin, his wife, his two children and niece traveled to a donated home in Avalon, New Jersey in September 2008.

Read more of this sailor’s story

“I was always a volunteer, EMT and Fire Fighter, I didn't even want to think of taking any benefits from a charity; but CFL helped me see and understand their mission. I never thought to even take a family retreat.” –Kevin Carpenter

Tyesha Love, 30

Tyesha Love, age 30, has been treating for breast cancer since December of 2007.

Read more of this sailor’s story

“This was a reminder to not give up and enjoy life for all it's worth” –Tyesha Love