A Floating Hope - The Heart of Delmarva

August 5, 2021

When the pandemic hit, it struck everywhere hard, including the non-profit world. We were cooped up inside, isolated from loved ones, concealed behind masks and forced to meet virtually through a screen. During these trying times, connecting with others remained a necessity. A phone call, a text thread, an email chain, virtual meetings and more; however we could “community” that’s what we did.

In the midst, cancer patients were isolated. Some treatments were delayed, especially those for the newly diagnosed, causing an increased concern of demise. Even annual screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies were postponed, causing patients to ponder a “too late” diagnosis. 

Debbie White, Senior Development Manager at the Northeast Region of the American Cancer Society, recalled that “the pandemic caused a mind-shift, one that made us pause, look intrinsically and prioritize differently.” She stated, “It was during this time we realized our community needed a lifeline to keep us afloat. We needed something uplifting, similar to our annual Relay For Life, but where we could join together from afar and show our strength and support as one.”

This is where Hope Floats was born. 

The Hope Floats Boat Parade on the Wicomico is a strategy to bring hope to a community touched by cancer. As resident Delmarvans, we know boating events are always a “shore thing” around here. Light up your floating vessel and join in the parade for a night of bringing light and hope to Delmarva. Check-in begins at 7:00 PM at Brew River and parading follows at 7:45 PM. The route voyages the Wicomico River down to the Wicomico Yacht Club at 9:15 PM. The best decorated registered boat will win a $50 gift card to Brew River.

The parade can be viewed from public watch parties at:

• Brew River, 6-8 PM - Complete with live music, contest with prizes, delicious food and more
• Green Hill Yacht & Country Club, 7-9 PM - With free hotdogs!
• Wicomico Yacht Club, 8-10 PM - With live music, plenty of food, an auction and more

There will also be some private homes hosting parties. Or they may just be lighting up the yard and dock to join in on the luminous event. Go to one, or go to all parade-watching locations! If you’re along the bank or at one of the watch parties, remember to give each craft a warm and excited cheer from the bank. “The boaters boasted about the support they received last year from cheerful supporters along the riverbanks,” Debbie said. No matter where you watch, you’ll see an abundance of lighting designs, some including the color purple, which is the color of hope.



I asked Debbie what she’s looking forward to the most about the event, and her response shows where the American Cancer Society’s heart truly is. “Seeing the community come together as one to light up the Wicomico River as a way to celebrate, remember and fight back against cancer,” she said.

“Cancer didn’t stop during the pandemic,” reminds Debbie. The American Cancer Society petitions Delmarva (and beyond) to get screened if you haven’t, and help fight back for a future free from cancer, and by donating to save lives.

Funds raised during this event are given to your American Cancer Society Relay For Life and Hope Floats, directly supporting those in our community affected by all types of cancers. The American Cancer Society is ready to attack cancer from every angle through life-saving cancer research, education, advocacy and patient and family services.

Registration is still open.

Get your boat in the parade lineup for Saturday’s event - Contact Ryan McClenahan (410-651-2110 ext. 313).

Don’t have a boat or want to financially support this event instead?

Donations can be made online, by scanning our QR code (see image to the right), or by mailing a check (please note “NKX7G7” in the Memo section) to:

ACS HOPE FLOATS

P.O. Box 1877

Salisbury, MD 21802

To vote: Snap a picture and post on Facebook @HopeFloatsOnTheWicomico2021