PADDLE FOR PROGRESS WILL RETURN IN 2027!
Founded in 2023 by mother-daughter breast cancer survivors and outdoor enthusiasts, this event brings visibility and funding to breast cancer research and care in Rhode Island.
PADDLE FOR PROGRESS WILL RETURN IN 2027!
Founded in 2023 by mother-daughter breast cancer survivors and outdoor enthusiasts, this event brings visibility and funding to breast cancer research and care in Rhode Island.
Paddle for Progress 2026: Waves of Progress
The 4th Annual Paddle for Progress Rhode Island brought 200 paddlers together to turn Wickford Harbor pink in support of breast cancer care and research. The 2026 event honored Dr. Mary Anne Fenton for her more than 25 years of dedication to breast cancer care and research and, thanks to the incredible generosity of our paddlers, sponsors, and supporters, it far exceeded our $125,000 fundraising goal.
It was an unforgettable morning filled with hope, inspiration, and a community united in the fight against breast cancer.
Thank you to Matt O’Grady, Practice Marketing & Communications, and paddlers for sharing images from the 2026 event.
2025 Paddle
2024 Paddle
2023 Paddle
Thank You for Supporting Paddle for Progress RI
Presenting Community Sponsors
Our 2026 Sponsors
WHY WE PADDLE
Everyone has a story. Here’s ours.
We are a mother-daughter team fighting breast cancer and winning. We were diagnosed in 2022, each receiving a diagnosis of a different type of breast cancer within 100 days of the other. In good health, we were stunned by our individual diagnoses.
The impact of breast cancer on individuals and families is enormous, and high-caliber treatment often requires significant travel. The availability and visibility of breast cancer precision medicine in Rhode Island is crucial on many levels. We know this firsthand and feel very fortunate to be successfully and compassionately treated by the oncologists at the Breast Cancer Center of the Brown University Health Cancer Institute and the skilled surgeons at Brown Health Medical Group’s The Center for Breast Care.
Consumate outdoor enthusiasts and sea kayakers, we created the annual Paddle for Progress event as our way of giving back while also helping to build a community. We invite you to participate in the 4th Annual Paddle for Progress event, with 100% of every dollar donated benefiting breast cancer research and care in RI.
One Cause. Many Stories.
PADDLE FOR PROGRESS 2027: Date TBD
Fun Paddle in Wickford Harbor
Plans are underway for the 5th Annual Paddle for Progress Rhode Island. Paddlers of all abilities are invited to join us for this gentle two-mile paddle in Wickford Harbor, North Kingstown, RI, to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and care in Rhode Island.
With the support of The Kayak Centre in Wickford and the North Kingstown Harbormaster, participants will gather on the water for fun while bringing visibility to both the Brown University Health Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Center and Breast Cancer Research at Brown University Health.
Among others, Dr. Stephanie Graff, Dr. Mary Anne Fenton, Dr. Martha Mainiero, and Dr. Theresa Graves look forward to being on the water with you for this Paddle for Progress. Let’s get on the water together to benefit this very important cause! Spectators are also welcome to join!
Where
Wickford Harbor
Gardner’s Wharf
170 Main Street
North Kingstown, RI 02852
*Public parking available at the end of Main Street
When
2027 DATE TBD
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Weather Date: TBD
Honoring Dr. Mary Anne Fenton
In 2026, we honored oncologist Dr. Mary Anne Fenton and her more than 25 years of excellence in breast cancer care and research.
If you'd like, you can donate on behalf of her team, Team Fenton: Anchored in Hope »
Paddle for Progress FAQs
From where to meet and what to bring to the paddling route, our FAQ has the answers you need to participate in Paddle for Progress’ event.
pADDLE FOR PROGRESS
Media Room
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Thank You for Your Support!
