Saving the best for last: Minnesota couple complete 50-state canoe journey on Kaua‘i
After 4 years and 49 states, Wendy Norcross and her husband Frank Wattunen of Ely, Minn., dipped their purple canoe into the waters of Kaua‘i today (April 13) to complete a heartfelt mission.
They launched their 50th and final paddle out at 8 a.m. into the Hanalei River to complete a journey to float waters in all 50 states in honor of Norcross’ parents, both of whom died from dementia, while raising awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Norcross and Wattunen were joined on their cruise of the Hanalei River by local families impacted by Alzheimer’s, including retired Maui firefighter and outrigger paddler Jim “Kimo” Knutson, who now calls Kaua‘i home and lives with younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
The event was hosted by Hanalei Canoe Club.
The inspiring journey is part of The Longest Day, an Alzheimer’s Association initiative encouraging people to turn their passion into action to bolster Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
“Wendy and Frank’s journey is filled with love, courage, lots of aloha and purpose,” said Alzheimer’s Association-Hawai‘i Executive Director LJ Duenas. “They’re reminding us that we are all connected in this fight to end Alzheimer’s.”
In celebration of the husband-and-wife cross-country canoeing cohort making their 50th and final paddle to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, the Kaua‘i team is also having its “Save The Best For Last” fundraiser throuhout April.
Wendy Norcross and her husband Frank Wattunen of Ely, Minn., have been on a 4-year journey to canoe in waters in all 50 states in honor of Norcross’ parents, both of whom died from dimentia, and raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. They are completing their journey today with their 50th paddle out on Kaua‘i. (Photo Courtesy)- Wendy Norcross is pictured with “The Purple Canoe” she and her husband Frank Wattunen have been floating waters throughout the nation in during the past 4 years on a journey to honor her parents, both of whom died from dimentia, and raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. They brought the canoe to Kaua‘i and are completing that journey today with their 50th paddle out on the Hanalei River. (Photo Courtesy)
Businesses around Kaua‘i are encouraged to donate in creative ways, such as giving the last dollar from every sale made or ticket sold of the day.
Individual donations also can be made online.
Contact Cindy Fowler, Kaua‘i and Maui regional coordinator at Alzheimer’s Association-Hawai‘i, via email at cfowler@alz.org or by calling 808-518-6655 with any questions or to get involved with fundraising efforts and the fight against Alzheimers.
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