This year’s in-person Keiki Paddle, a fundraiser for young Santa Barbarans with life-threatening illnesses, was cancelled because of COVID, but organizers are still pushing hard to help this year’s recipient ― 17-year-old Chris Sellers, who’s battling lymphoma. They’re also asking for donations to the Best Day Foundation, a nonprofit that gets kids and young adults with disabilities involved in water activities.
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In lieu of the paddle, organizers are asking folks to take the Keiki Plunge Challenge. “We are looking for 15-second video clips: give your name, a shout out to Chris, nominate 3 friends, plunge into the water!” an email from the group says. “Visit our Instagram (@keikipaddle.sb) for more information.” July 18 is the last day to participate.
Before his diagnosis, Sellers was a typical high schooler, playing Magic: The Gathering with his buddies, hanging out at the beach, fishing, and working at the Pet House in Goleta. He’s since endured six full rounds of chemotherapy. His full-time single dad, Sean, is a touring drummer and said he’s excited for the two of them to get back to the beach and start fishing again.
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