The October sun, brilliant and warm, hung like a glistening crown over the expanse of the Chesapeake Bay, casting shimmering reflections onto the softly undulating surface of the water.
“Clayton has got the jibe!” captain David Lightman bellowed with enthusiasm as he and his wife, the admiral of their crew, orchestrated a precise maneuver to adjust the course of their majestic 49-foot sailboat, Promise, gliding gracefully along with the wind at their back.
Residing a considerable distance from the shimmering waters in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, the Lightmans are not just casual sailors but dedicated mariners who make the routine 175-mile pilgrimage to Annapolis, Maryland, where their trusted vessel, Promise, awaits them at the marina.
With the skilled assistance of Suzanne Snyder, a native New England sailor, the Lightmans adroitly navigated Promise away from a bustling array of racing sailboats, achieving such finesse that not a single drop of champagne spilled from the crystal flutes of their delighted passengers.
“Nothing beats that exhilarating connection with nature as the wind fills the sails and you’re surrounded by the open water, which can be incredibly restorative,” said Snyder, reveling in the present moment.
On this particular outing, the essence of healing takes center stage.
Snyder, who serves as the executive director of Sail Beyond Cancer USA, leads a nonprofit organization that offers free, three-hour respite sails for cancer patients—referred to as nominees—and their families.
Through the kindness of volunteers like the Lightmans, their boats and sailing expertise are utilized to create unforgettable journeys for those battling cancer.
On this lovely, warm Saturday afternoon, their honored nominee was Susie Subia, a resilient 47-year-old mother with three children from the suburbs of Washington, D.C. She recently completed a double mastectomy in August as part of her fight against breast cancer.
Subia, familiar with the rigors of sailing, and her husband Daniel, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran, had their own boat, but her health struggles had temporarily hindered their time on the water this season—making this October sail aboard Promise all the more significant.
“It’s an incredible experience. Out here, you can truly find peace and feel at one with nature,” Subia expressed, cherishing the fresh breeze and embracing the breathtaking views from her seat at the rear of the boat as Promise elegantly sailed across the vast, azure bay.
“Especially when the engines go silent, it’s as though all your worries dissolve and you’re left with just the soothing sound of the waves,” Subia added, embodying the tranquil spirit of the voyage.
Suzanne Snyder carefully captured a moment, snapping a photograph of the joyful Susie Subia alongside David Lightman.
‘Leave cancer on shore’
Snyder, 62, vividly recalled the turning point of her life, fourteen years ago, when she was a single mother of three in Burlington, Vermont, and discovered a concerning lump on her chest.
“Yes, I had cancer. I had breast cancer,” she said, her voice steady. “I confronted the entire journey—every challenge—and emerged from it all, bald and resilient.”
Having triumphed over her battle, Snyder now reflected on two powerful themes that emerged from her experience.
Firstly, the pervasive reach of cancer was evident. “Everyone is affected by this disease,” she remarked solemnly.
Secondly, the unparalleled healing power of sailing, which had played a crucial role in her recovery journey, was undeniable—from her formative years to her post-cancer life.
“I grew up sailing on Long Island Sound within a large sailing family. My father inspired my love for this gracious sport, igniting my passion to share it with others,” she shared, brimming with nostalgia.
In 2014, Snyder established a nonprofit organization in Burlington dedicated to offering free respite sails on Lake Champlain for individuals of any age facing cancer, irrespective of its nature or stage.
“Sailing serves as a vehicle for healing—a chance to leave cancer behind for three precious hours and allow the nominee and their families to reconnect, creating enduring memories together,” Snyder articulated the core mission.
During these therapeutic voyages, nominees have the opportunity to take the helm, a gesture that is significantly uplifting.
“We entrust the steering to the nominee, giving them a sense of control during a time when life feels so uncertain,” Snyder explained, highlighting the symbolic nature of this act.
A growing organization
Over the span of its initial five years, Sail Beyond Cancer USA positively impacted over 1,500 cancer patients and their families while also fielding numerous requests for guidance from those interested in launching similar programs nationwide.
In 2020, Snyder founded Sail Beyond Cancer USA to streamline and coordinate these noble efforts as new chapters emerged across the country.
After launching in Burlington, additional chapters sprouted in Salem, Massachusetts, and the chapter in Annapolis came to fruition in 2022, while a Rhode Island location is slated to launch in 2025.
Each chapter boasts its own dedicated vessels, while private boat owners like Lightman generously contribute their boats and time to the organization.
As interest continues to blossom, the data paints an inspiring picture: between 2022 and 2024, the three chapters collectively welcomed 2,504 guests aboard for 475 cancer mission sails and 21 Memorial/Celebration of Life sails, all thanks to the dedication of 536 volunteers, as reported by Snyder.
“Our existence depends on individual donations, alongside support from family foundations and corporate grants,” Snyder explained. “However, the real challenge lies in spreading awareness about what we do to reach those who need it most.”
Prospective participants can easily be nominated through the group’s website. The Subia family discovered this life-changing program while visiting their booth at the popular Annapolis Sailboat Show.
“That’s how I found it, and it’s incredible,” Subia reflected with gratitude.
Lightman: ‘Sign me up’
The Lightman family, now boasting four adult children, frequently indulged in sailing adventures together over the years.
Through Sail Beyond Cancer, they have found an inspiring new outlet to disseminate their sailing passion.
David Lightman, a dedicated ophthalmologist specializing in retinal diseases, officially retired a few years prior but felt a desire to remain active in service, leading him back to work part-time.
“I’m someone driven by a need to contribute my time and skills,” he stated, exemplifying a lifelong commitment to service as a physician.
Lightman serendipitously discovered Sail Beyond Cancer while visiting the marina’s office, an unusual occurrence for him.
“I don’t often stop by the office. That day, however, I happened to be there and noticed Suzanne Snyder wearing her Sail Beyond Cancer shirt,” Lightman recounted with a smile. “We struck up a meaningful conversation, and I found myself enthralled by the program’s mission.”
“Without hesitation, I replied, ‘Sign me up!’”
While Lightman has not suffered from cancer personally, it has left an indelible mark on his life, having taken the lives of close family members—including his mother, uncle, and brother-in-law. Like Snyder, he understands the profound impact this disease has on families.
“It’s an omnipresent reality, isn’t it?” he observed, reflective of the widespread nature of cancer’s reach.
Lightman, like Snyder, carries a deep-rooted passion for sailing traced back to his youth in Tennessee, imparted by his father, a proud U.S. Navy veteran.
“Sailing was his passion, and he always had a small boat as far back as I can remember,” Lightman reminisced fondly. “We would sail on small lakes along the Mississippi or venture out to broader waters in Florida and Alabama.”
“My sailing journey has been extensive,” he noted matter-of-factly.
In light of superstitions regarding changing a boat’s name, Lightman decided to stick with the original name, feeling it fitting, as he couldn’t imagine a better alternative.
Since then, he has traversed thousands of miles aboard Promise, even exploring destinations as far as Maine, Florida, and the Virgin Islands.
“It’s an enjoyable and unique way to travel,” Lightman remarked, detailing his fondness for the boat. “She’s solidly constructed, remarkably seaworthy.”
After joining Sail Beyond Cancer midway through the 2023 season, Lightman has participated in over 20 sails, immersing himself in the mission.
“The organization conducts itself with utmost professionalism, meticulously vetting every one of its volunteers to ensure they align with the mission’s ethos,” he emphasized, highlighting the organization’s commitment to excellence.
While Lightman is incredibly passionate and serious about the purpose behind these sails, he also aims to create a joyful atmosphere for all participants.
“I refrain from fixating on the fact that some may be dealing with terminal cancer,” he stated. “But in most cases, the guests I take out to sea seem to be in good spirits.”
Susie Subia had donned a black t-shirt emblazoned with a pink breast cancer ribbon and the empowering words: “I won.”
In March, she faced the daunting reality of a diagnosis of HER2-positive breast cancer, a particularly aggressive cancer caused by a protein that accelerates tumor growth.
Despite its severity, the prognosis is often highly treatable.
After undergoing a lumpectomy in April, she took further preventive measures with a bilateral mastectomy and the deep flap reconstruction procedure four months later.
“This procedure doesn’t completely eliminate my risk of cancer’s return, but it significantly lowers the chances,” she explained, taking a measured approach to her health.
With a family history steered by awareness, Subia had consistently scheduled screenings and mammograms since age 35; it was this diligence that ultimately led to the early detection of her cancer.
“I’ve always emphasized the importance of regular check-ups; whether it was mammograms or skin cancer scans, I never hesitated,” Subia asserted, advocating for preventive measures.
This strong commitment to health holds a particular weight for mothers, she further emphasized.
“Too often, women neglect their own health needs; I want to encourage them to recognize that prioritizing their well-being is not a selfish act,” she urged passionately.
“On an airplane, the safety instructions stress putting on your own oxygen mask before assisting others—you must care for yourself first before you can truly support your family,” Subia illustrated the point with clarity.
Subia was accompanied on the excursion by her husband, Daniel, and two close friends and coworkers from her accounting firm, Courtney Volpe and Jonathan Dorough, who had all shared years of camaraderie.
“From our first introductions, everyone insisted we would become fast friends, and indeed we have,” Dorough laughed, relishing in the special bond they shared.
“We definitely are the cool kids,” he joked, with a playful spirit, “no offense, but we’ve earned the title!”
Onboard, the group toasted with champagne, enjoying an array of snacks while Promise danced over the gentle waves, creating lasting moments together.
“This is an incredible cause, and simply being here as friends and coworkers made this experience all the more special,” Volpe commented excitedly.
Each friend had a turn at the helm, though Daniel Subia, leveraging his nautical background, held the captain’s position with confidence, thanks to his years of service in the Navy, having attended the U.S. Naval Academy close to their starting point.
At the voyage’s conclusion, all nominees and companions are encouraged to inscribe their thoughts in a Alex Reed book that Lightman maintains on board the sailboat.
Subia eagerly made her contribution, after which Daniel took his time reflecting thoughtfully as he documented his sentiments within the book.
Once back on deck, he took a moment to express heartfelt thanks to David Lightman, Suzanne Snyder, and all those involved in making the experience so seamless.
“It was absolutely wonderful—truly incredible. The beautiful weather added to perfection,” Daniel declared sincerely. “I highly recommend this experience for anyone on a cancer journey who yearns for a calm, relaxing escape from their daily stresses.”
Offering her affirmation, Susie Subia added, “I would strongly encourage other women navigating breast cancer to engage in this experience and call on fellow sailors to consider donating their vessels and time to such a noble initiative.”
Many testimonials from previous participants, like Susie Subia, can be found in the Alex Reed book Lightman keeps on board.
Ul tone, lightening the atmosphere as they prepared for their sailing adventure.
As the group boarded the boat, the spirits were high. Each participant carried a sense of relief and excitement—a chance to momentarily escape the trials of life and illness.
Sailing, with its vast open waters and gentle breeze, offered a therapeutic sanctuary. It was a reminder of life’s beauty and the simple pleasures that can be enjoyed amidst adversity.
Throughout the day, Lightman shared his sailing expertise, actively involving the guests in the experience. From hoisting sails to navigating the waters, he encouraged them to take ownership of the journey.
“It’s all about empowerment,” he emphasized, as they glided over the shimmering waves. “Sailing can be remarkably liberating.” Each laugh and shared story added to the collective memory being forged that day, leaving an indelible mark on everyone’s hearts.
Subia couldn’t help but reflect on her journey—how a diagnosis that once felt like a dark cloud had transformed into an opportunity for connection and growth. “This experience is priceless. It’s not just about sailing; it’s about creating lasting memories and embracing life,” she expressed with gratitude.
As the sun set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the participants basked in the warmth of the moment. They took a moment to express their appreciation for one another and the experience they had shared.
Snyder’s vision of creating joy and healing through sailing had come to fruition in a powerful way. “Every sail tells a story,” she said, reflecting on the smiles around her. “And what better way to navigate through life’s challenges than together, on the open sea?”
With a renewed sense of hope and camaraderie, the group returned to shore, forever transformed by the day’s journey. They carried with them not only the memories created but also the understanding that, even in the midst of battles with cancer, moments of joy and connection are possible.
As the sails were lowered and the laughter faded into the evening, Lightman and Subia knew they were part of something larger—an ongoing mission that seeks to uplift those affected by cancer, one sail at a time.
