For three years, Castaway Island Resort has been at the heart of Paddle4Cancer, an initiative that began with a simple conversation and has grown into a meaningful movement, bringing people together through paddling, awareness and hope.
This year, Castaway once again welcomes Paddle4Cancer to its shores, with its team preparing to take on the journey from Castaway Island to Wailoaloa Beach alongside three other participating teams: Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Six Senses Fiji and the Nadi Bay Canoe Club.
At the heart of the initiative is Mr. Steven Andrews, General Manager of Castaway Island Resort and Chairperson of Paddle4Cancer. His personal connection to the cause began with his nephew, Christian Pesamino. It was during a conversation between Steven and Christian at Castaway Island Resort that the idea of paddling for cancer awareness first came to life.
What started as a conversation on the island has since grown into an initiative that continues to bring people, teams and communities together, with Castaway remaining its home and host. From three teams in 2024, Paddle4Cancer has now grown to four participating teams, while fundraising has increased from approximately $55,000 in 2024 to $75,000 in 2025. Proceeds support the Christian Pesamino Leukemia Foundation and the Fiji Cancer Society.
But the heart of Paddle4Cancer can be found in the people who continue to show up.
At Castaway, staff have spent weeks preparing for this year’s paddle, training alongside the Nadi Bay Canoe Club to build their strength, technique, coordination and confidence. For many members of the Castaway team, this will be their third year taking part, with more women also joining the crew and creating a strong mix of male and female paddlers.
Balancing training with the demands of working at a busy island resort takes commitment, yet staff continue to make the time because they believe in what the paddle represents. Some are paddling for people they love, some to raise awareness, and others simply want to be part of something that can bring hope and encouragement to families facing cancer.
For Castaway Island Resort, its role goes beyond hosting the event. For three years, the resort has provided the starting point for Paddle4Cancer, while its staff have also stepped into the canoes and helped carry the initiative forward.
There is something fitting about that. An idea first spoken about at Castaway has continued to grow from the same shores, bringing more people together each year and turning conversation into action.
As the four teams prepare to take to the water, they will carry with them the support of their families, colleagues, communities and everyone who believes in the cause.
For Steven, Christian’s legacy continues through every stroke.
“Christian, we miss you, son. Your legacy lives on in this till we meet on that glorious day.”
From Castaway Island Resort to Wailoaloa Beach, Paddle4Cancer is a reminder that hope can start with something as simple as a conversation, and when people choose to move forward together, that hope can reach far beyond the shoreline.
How You Can Support
This year’s Paddle4Cancer takes place on October 24, with teams paddling from Castaway Island Resort to Aquarius on the Beach Resort in Wailoaloa, raising funds for the Christian Pesamino Leukemia Foundation. You do not have to be a paddler to be part of the journey. Businesses and individuals can sponsor a paddler, make a donation, volunteer their time, or simply come along to cheer the teams on. Every contribution, big or small, helps keep Christian’s legacy alive and brings hope to families affected by leukemia
To donate or get involved, contact:
• Mr Steven Andrews, Chair – 992 9202
• Mr Ashneel Chand, Vice Chair – 999 3789
• Mrs Leilani Tokalautawa, Treasurer – 707 3020 / 866 5057
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