WP Engine employees have a way to beat the Texas heat and move the needle on mental health care at the same time: participating in the 14th annual Dam That Cancer paddleboarding event.
The premier fundraising event for the Flatwater Foundation, Dam That Cancer is presented by TYLER’S and aims to provide funds for an often overlooked aspect of cancer care: the mental burden that can befall patients and their families during and after diagnosis.
Flatwater Foundation connects individuals with therapists who can help them find the strength and mental fortitude required to take on a cancer diagnosis, and the organization has provided more than 60,000 hours of therapy to people in need since its inception in 2010.
Every year, teams grab their gear and paddle for up to 10 hours across 21 miles of beautiful Lake Austin to earn donations and reach their goals. On September 11, 2023, more than 200 paddlers will take on the challenge, hoping to push past last year’s record-setting total of more than $1.2M in donations!
After the paddlers have taken on the waves, all of Austin is invited to the Dam That Cancer post-paddle party at the LCRA Redbud Center from 6–8 p.m., located within walking distance of the finish line.
Help us Blow Our Goal Out of the Water
WP Engine employees have participated in Dam That Cancer every year since we first joined the cause in 2017.
This year, we are official sponsors of the event and have three employees in attendance as well as many more participating as donors. Together, they’re hoping to raise $9,000, but we’re only about a third of the way to our goal.
While the time to sign up and paddle for yourself has closed, you can still participate by helping teams like ours reach their donation goals!
If you’re able to donate, you can find the WP Engine team page here to help provide care to cancer patients and their families who are looking for support during what will likely be one of the most difficult times in their lives.
“21 miles seems long, but it’s nothing compared to the months or even years-long battle that follows a cancer diagnosis,” said WP Engine Onboarding Manager Michael Clayton, a participant in this year’s fundraiser.
“I’m so proud to take part in this year’s event because I know that our contributions are going to ease at least some of the mental load for patients and their families as they begin that battle.”
We’ve still got a way to go before we’ll reach our goal, and any donation you can make will help Flatwater Foundation provide vital mental healthcare services to cancer patients and their support networks.
ERGs Leading the Charge for Team WP Engine
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that aim to foster inclusivity in the workplace. WP Engine is home to nine unique ERGs, and Flourish is taking the reins—or rather, the oars—to facilitate WP Engine’s involvement in this year’s event.
Flourish is a group that aims to destigmatize and bring awareness to neurodiversity and mental health in the workplace, making them the perfect driving force to support the goals of Dam That Cancer and the Flatwater Foundation.
A big thank you goes out to everyone who is making this event possible, including the event organizers at Flatwater Foundation, the paddlers, and every single contributor. Every dollar counts, and we hope you’ll consider supporting the WP Engine team this year.
If you’re in the Austin area, you can attend the post-paddle party at the LCRA Redbud Center as well—we’ll see you at the finish line!
