Welcome to Rowing Cares
All Cancers, All People. One Community
Rowing Cares unites the rowing and cancer communities to honor, celebrate, and support patients and survivors. Since our founding, we’ve raised and distributed $4.5 million to survivor rowing programs, community cancer organizations, and cutting-edge research and we have created new programs to change lives. Our primary programming is our signature campaign the Survivor Rowing Network and Rowing Cares fundraising regattas.
Survivor Rowing Network (SRN)
Launched in 2023, the Survivor Rowing Network is the signature program of Rowing Cares and has grown to include 39 rowing survivor rowing organizations in nine countries and individual survivors rowers from around the world. . Our mission: to put more cancer survivors in boats and on ergs by strengthening existing programs and helping new ones launch.
Recent research shows that exercise reduces the risk of death for cancer patients by one-third and is more effective than drugs at preventing recurrence. That’s why our mission is so urgent: to give survivors the opportunity to heal both on and off the water, while surrounding them with a team that lifts them up every step of the way.
For nearly 2,000 cancer survivors, rowing has been more than a sport—it’s been a lifeline. At SRN, we see every day how survivors rebuild strength, rediscover joy, and find healing through the power of movement and community.
This October, our Survivor Rowers will once again take part in the Head Of The Charles Regatta, one of the world’s most prestigious rowing events. 122 survivors from the U.S.. Ireland, Italy and the U.K will compete in 14 boats For them, crossing that finish line is not just athletic achievement—it’s proof of resilience, recovery, and hope.
Our Impact
$150,000+ granted in 2024 to survivor rowing programs, cancer organizations, and research across the U.S.
Nearly 2,000 survivors reached through rowing programs.
Every dollar raised in each community stays local—funding education, screenings, survivor programs, follow-up care, and family support
2025 Events
This year, Rowing Cares is proud to host and support:
Mercer Indoor Rowing Cares
Row 5K Oar Bust
PNW Pink Ribbon Row
Pink the Boathouse Challenge
Rowing Cares San Diego
Survivor Rowing events at regattas including San Diego Crew Classic , Dad Vail Regatta, Head Of The Charles, Head of the Schuylkill, Diamond State Masters, Kings Head Regatta, and more.
Why We Row
For us, it’s personal. Volunteers, sponsors, donors, and rowers across the country have all been touched by cancer.
Every stroke, every dollar, every survivor matters.
We can—and will—win this battle together.
Please join us!
