Sea the Journey: Finding Hope and Safe Harbor at the Sponsoring Survivorship Walk/Run
True Cruz: Sea The Journey at Sponsoring Survivorship’s 29th Annual Walk/Run
The air was crisp and cool—a perfect Saturday, October 4th, morning in Lakeport, California. But the crispness was quickly chased away by a rising tide of pink and a swell of local energy. This was the scene at the Xabatin ‘Big Water’ Community Park Amphitheater as hundreds gathered for the 29th Annual Sponsoring Survivorship Walk/Run.
To our backs, the town of Lakeport was just waking up, but before us lay the majestic Clear Lake, shimmering in the dawn. This wasn't just any lake; it is the largest natural freshwater lake in California, a body of water so old that geologists estimate its age at nearly half a million years. And looming over it all was the silent, majestic presence of Mount Konocti, the 4,305-foot volcano whose ancient, rugged slopes frame the entire valley.
The perfect green expanse of the park grass stretched out to meet the horizon of the glassy lake. As the sun climbed, its light glistened across the water and filtered through the dew drops on the grass, painting the scene with the promise of a fresh start—a perfect metaphor for finding the light on life’s voyage.
Finding Our True Cruz: Courage, Resilience, and Light
An estimated 600 people flooded the park, dressed in every hue, tint, and shade of pink. This brilliant spectacle created a beautiful contrast against the serene greens and blues, yet what was more beautiful was the collective will to Sea the Journey.
Our brand’s mission is inspired by the lighthouse, our idol and pillar of strength. We see the breast cancer survivor as the lighthouse: standing strong as huge waves crash over and around, yet remaining True. It is a beacon of light that inspires us all, a testament to courage and resilience—a light that guides all vessels to Safe Harbor.
We were here to celebrate those who are still navigating the turbulent waters, and to remember those cherished souls who have reached their final destination—a journey’s end that reminds us to fully embrace the life we have now. Because for the rest of us, life is about the journey, not the destination. It's about learning, healing, giving back, and having the compassion to lift others up.
Sink or Swim: Buoyancy and Support
The energy at the Sponsoring Survivorship event was palpable. The crowd—full of supporters, survivors, and local community members—were finding their buoyancy. In life's vast ocean, we are either getting pummeled or we are learning to ride the waves. Our mission is to provide the leadership and support needed to survive the depths and become one with the energy of the fight.
Just like the floating position—where our body relaxes into the shape of the True Cross (or Cruz)—we find our density, stretching our neck and arms wide to embrace the support that keeps our head above water. This is finding your True Cruz (Holy Cross/Cruise), whether you are a local Lake County resident or a follower from the cruise ship community; it’s about finding the inner peace to rise above the waves, own your path, and live your most purposeful life.
The True Cruz booth proudly supported this message. We showcased the focus of the fundraising: four sets of our hand-crafted Mexican artisan embroidered hats and bags, which Sponsoring Survivorship raffled off to raise funds. We were proud to contribute to the cause through a structured donation plan: True Cruz donated $10 for every piece sold and every piece donated during the main raffle. In the spirit of celebrating the survivors, True Cruz also hosted an extra bonus raffle of a single hat, a pure donation exclusively for the survivor community. Through these efforts, 100% of all $10 pink raffle ticket sales went directly to Sponsoring Survivorship. 🎀🎟️
Don’t miss the boat! We encourage everyone to sign up for the True Cruz mailing list 💌to Sea the Journey with us year-round! Our Sea the Journey blog features bios, interviews, and inspiring stories from survivors (our beacons of light) and other influential ambassadors, all dedicated to empowering you on your path. Enter for monthly raffles and giveaways of our apparel, click the QR codes, and join our community of courage and light. Follow us on Instagram for instant updates!
The Heart of the Community and the Circle of Strength
After the inspiring National Anthem and the motivation from Julie and Brandy atop the fire truck, the massive crowd embarked.
Miles later, every finisher was welcomed back to Safe Harbor. There to deliver personal high-fives was my grandmother, Shirley Crawford, who, at 96 years old, is a beacon of resilience, strength, and compassion that has inspired me my entire life. She founded this non-profit in 1996 with Julie Kelley.
The organization's powerful origin story is built on the contagious Love Julie Kelley had for her mother, who was battling cancer with a grim 5% chance of survival. In that unimaginably difficult time, my grandmother acted as Julie's beacon of Compassion, helping to uplift and support her. The love and urgency from Julie provided the reason for the sponsorship side of the organization, ensuring financial help for those facing the fight.
Today, Julie's mom is Sponsoring Survivorship’s very first survivor and is a 29-year survivor!
This circle connects us all: Julie is now a strong, resilient, and beautiful woman who has become an amazing beacon of light, helping countless people affected by breast cancer. This full circle—of receiving support and then giving back and sharing that strength—is the very essence of the True Cruz mission, driven by Love, Compassion, and Hope.
As Tallie Crawford, founder of True Cruz and Shirley's granddaughter, my brand is dedicated to helping people rise above the waves, own their path, and live their most purposeful life. We are thrilled to announce that Julie Kelley will be featured as, "Sea The Journey - Ambassador Julie" on the truecruz.com blog, sharing her incredible story of strength and support!
Every finisher had their moment captured by a professional photographer, ensuring a lasting keepsake of their contribution to the cause. The day concluded with the triumphant announcement of the raffle winners and a series of sentimental speeches that solidified our shared journey.