Justin and Max Gubser
Photo Credit: San Mateo Times photojournalist, Mathew Sumner
Yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock, Greg Gubser and Max Werner paddled their way to shore just passed the Golden Gate Coast Guard Station where Greg used to work. Thirty family, friends and staff from the Diabetic Youth Foundation (DYF) were on the beach to cheer on the two wet, chilled-to-the-bone paddlers who had just completed a two-day, 79 mile, 40,000 stroke journey from Sacramento to Sausalito in an effort to raise money for DYF. Greg's 10 year-old son, Justin, who has Type 1 Diabetes, joined his dad for the last 100 paddles.
Loads of Support from Family & Friends
On shore were Greg's wife, Amy, their daughter, Holly, his mother, Ann, his brother, Adam, their boat crew, Dante Madrigal and Ryan Jurian, "roadie" and media man, Greg Cochran. A number of Justin's friends, fellow diabetics, were also there to cheer on the dynamic duo, as were Max's wife, Julie, her mother and sister.
On behalf of DYF's Executive Director, Mats Walin, Camp Director Janet Cooper came down to support Greg and Max along with Kelsey, Renee, Jean Marie, and a number of families who attend Bearskin Meadow Camp each year.
Trader Joe's donated some cash to provide a table full of food at the finish line.
The media was also there to help tell Greg and Max' story. San Mateo Times reporter Amelia Hansen interviewed everyone who either played a part in the 33 hour journey, or who will be beneficiaries of the money raised for the DYF. Photojournalist Mathew Sumner was there to document the feat with his camera which included the two pictures shown here.
Max Werner in Red & White Towel, Greg Gubser (far right) with Friends & Supporters
When Max Werner, Greg's friend and paddle buddy, came ashore, everyone couldn't help but notice the severe case of psoriasis all over Werner's legs, back and arms. Here is a man who could be raising money for his own selfish cause and he's out in the freezing cold water paddling away for two days, on behalf of other people in need.
"We paddled 11 1/2 hours yesterday," said Gubser. "We were probably paddling 45 strokes a minute. Then we hit the Richmond San Rafael bridge and the current killed us," he added.
"I don't think we were going more than 1 knot," said Werner. "Then this afternoon, we had the exact opposite problem. The wind came up and I couldn't see Greg because the waves were so high," he said as he shivered.
"But we made it!" they chimed in together.
Their Favorite Part of The 79 Mile Journey
Where Tuesday's paddle was daunting because they knew they would be in the water for close to twelve hours, Wednesday afternoon's supporters. They knew they would have to paddle late before getting out at Benicia. It was probably 8 or 9 o'clock when they finally reached their night-time destination. Greg said they were in bed by 10:30pm.
Yesterday, going through Rio Vista, they had a huge entourage cheering them on. This inspired them to keep going despite the cold.
Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, coming around the corner toward the Fort Baker beach and knowing they were close to the end was the highlight of the trip.
Greg's wife, Amy, said the media had been amazing from Sacramento to San Francisco all the way down to San Mateo. TV reporters used the opportunity to teach their audience about the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. From the time the five person crew got underway (Greg and Max on separate paddle boats and Dante, Ryan and Greg Cochran in the support boat along side them) their story was being told from TV, to newspaper and online print to radio.
With all the publicity, the entire Gubser family is now being given the opportunity to speak with senators and other government officials who can be influential in putting dollars toward further diabetes research. As a registered nurse at UCSF, Amy is already on the inside track of new developments. As a mom with a kid who has diabetes, she and her husband are ready and honored to be spokespeople for the entire diabetic community.
In the meantime, over $8,500 has been raised, thus far, as a result of Greg's and Max' efforts. Thanks to more than 150 individuals and families who care about and appreciate what the Gubser and Werner families have done on behalf of kids with diabetes, they are hoping to make a significant contribution.
"The checks are still rolling in," said Greg, this afternoon.
"We're hoping we can help replace the much needed water system at Bearskin Meadow Camp." said Amy. With a chuckle she added, "It's kind of funny that 'the water man' would end making money for the camp's water system."
How ever DYF choses to use the dollars raised the Gubser's know it will be money well invested in improving the camp's facilities and programs. "We completely trust that Mats will spend the money well," said Amy.
For another inspirational take on this story, go to:
SanMateoTimes.com
Related Stories in Rugged Elegant Living:
Diabetes Dad Paddles 70 Miles To Raise Thousands for DYF
All Donations received for the Gubsers' efforts, will be presented to the DYF in honor of the Gubser Family.
Please make checks out to:
Diabetic Youth Foundation (tax id# 94-6003673)
495 Brighton Road
Pacifica, CA 94044
Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, selfless living!
~ Jennifer King
P.S. For helpful resources related to this story, click on the "contextual commerce" Amazon link directly below.
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