Flatwater’s Dam That Cancer Presented by TYLER’S
Flatwater’s premier fundraising event
a 21-mile journey. thousands of therapy sessions provided.
An Event Built for everyone
On June 8, 2026, 225 paddlers, 3,750+ donors, 32 sponsors, partners and countless volunteers came together for Flatwater’s 17th Annual Dam That Cancer Presented by TYLER'S.
Together, this community raised more than $1.6 million, funding over 15,300 mental health therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and families impacted by cancer.
Because cancer doesn't just affect physical health. It can bring fear, uncertainty, grief, and financial toxicity that impacts an entire family and support system. Through Flatwater, every dollar raised helps ensure that mental health support is available when it's needed most.
What is dam that cancer?
Dam That Cancer Presented by TYLER’S is Flatwater’s premier annual fundraising event and a powerful reflection of what is possible when a community comes together around a shared purpose.
Each year, paddlers commit to raising $3,000 and paddle board 21 miles from Mansfield Dam to Tom Miller Dam on Lake Austin in support of individuals, couples, and families navigating the impact of cancer, at any stage in the journey.
Some paddle in honor of a loved one. Some paddle in memory of someone they have lost. Others paddle because they understand that cancer impacts far more than physical health.
What unites every paddler is a belief that no one should have to navigate the emotional and mental toll of cancer alone.
For 17 years, the Flatwater community has come together to ensure that Central Texans have access to life-changing mental health therapy. Every mile paddled and every dollar raised helps provide hope, healing, and support for those facing one of life's most difficult journeys.
a community powered day
The impact is real - thousands of therapy sessions delivered at no cost to Central Texans navigating the emotional and financial toll of cancer.
Flatwater’s Dam That Cancer is for anyone who wants to show up for those impacted by cancer, including:
Anyone impacted by cancer, directly or indirectly
Friends, family members, caregivers, and supporters
People who care deeply about mental health access
First-time paddlers and seasoned participants alike
Anyone looking for a meaningful way to give back
17th annual dam that cancer presented by tyler’s
Video produced by Arts+Labor. Photography by Jetter Photography.
Every paddle has a story.
Each year, we share the story of an individual or family whose cancer journey reflects the heart of Flatwater’s mission. This year, we had the honor of sharing the story of Sunny Blount and her family.
Sunny was a vibrant 41- year-old mom of three young children, a devoted wife to Scott. She was diagnosed with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer just 12 days after her youngest daughter, Hadley, was born.
Sunny and Scott have been close friends of Flatwater since the very beginning, and Scott first paddled Dam That Cancer in 2015.
Throughout their fight with cancer, Sunny and Scott sought out therapy for themselves and their children because they knew the benefit it would bring. The support they received was life changing, helping them navigate through the immense challenges cancer brought to their lives.
Thank you to the Blount family for allowing us to share their story and a glimpse into their journey.
Sponsors cover 100% of the cost of our event
We are deeply grateful to our 2026 Dam That Cancer Presented by TYLER’S sponsors for their unwavering support of Flatwater and the Dam That Cancer community.
Because of their generosity, 100% of participant-raised funds directly support Flatwater’s mission.
Their commitment helped make this event possible and ensured that more individuals and families can access the mental health care they deserve.
be part of dam that cancer 2027
join the 2027 interest list!
Whether you've paddled before or are discovering Dam That Cancer for the first time, there are many ways to be part of this mission. From paddling and fundraising to volunteering, sponsoring, or cheering from shore, every role helps make this event possible and expands access to mental health therapy.
Join our interest list to be among the first to hear about the 18th Annual Dam That Cancer Presented by TYLER'S and opportunities to get involved!
Stay tuned for the 2027 event date and paddler applications.