Our History
It all started with a single diagnosis in 2009.
A FATHER’S CANCER, A SON’S MISSION.
When his father was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, Mark Garza felt the impact of a diagnosis firsthand. Seeking support, he was shocked at the cost of therapy and realized there was a lack of care for thousands of people that were going through similar experiences.
Mark understood the importance of and benefits that therapy could provide during such an emotionally and financially trying time, and he knew that something should, and could, be done to help. In 2010, he teamed up with The LIVESTRONG Foundation to fill the void for a streamlined process that would provide families in need with financial assistance to access long-term help.
To raise the funds necessary to launch this program, Mark put together a “PR stunt” called Dam That Cancer in June 2010; the mission was to raise awareness and support for the cause: covering the cost of mental health services for families coping with cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Dam That Cancer brought together 15 of Mark’s friends to stand up paddle board a 21-mile stretch of water on Lake Austin, raising over $32,000 for LIVESTRONG and the cause. Soon after, Mark decided to dedicate his life to helping others get access to the much-needed mental health support.
He then founded Flatwater as a non-profit to support his mission to provide access to mental health services for those affected by cancer. In addition to this event, Flatwater produces other non-traditional events, partnerships in the fitness and health community, and relationships in the mental health community to make sure people see the importance of mental health when coping with a diagnosis.
FLATWATER THROUGH THE YEARS
2009
- Diagnosis of Dr. Richard Garza
2010
- Flatwater founded
- Initial Dam That Cancer Fundraiser
2011
- 501c3 status approved!
- Fundraising grows
- Therapy Network is created
2012
- Therapy Network grows
- Those placed in care surges
2013
- Our in-house software program, RIPL, is built and we begin implementing it to manage our therapy program
2014
- Equine Assisted Counseling is added as program service offering
2015
- Over 2,400 therapy sessions delivered this year!
- Our Flatwater Challenge Series is born and we head to The Netherlands to participate in the SUP 11 City Tour where we raise over $100,000
2016
- Over 3,500 therapy sessions delivered this year!
- Since inception, $1,000,000 worth of therapy provided!
- Dam That Cancer exceeds $500,000 raised
2017
- Over 5,600 therapy sessions delivered this year!
- Flatwater Challenge: Lake Tahoe raises over $200,000
2018
- Over 8,900 therapy sessions delivered this year!
- Since inception, $2,500,000 worth of therapy provided!
2019
- Over 12,900 therapy sessions delivered this year!
- Dam That Cancer Presented by TYLER'S raises over $1,000,000
- Flatwater Challenge: Iceland raises over $200,000
2020
- Over 8,200 therapy sessions delivered this year!
2021
- Over 5,000 therapy sessions delivered this year!
- Flatwater Challenge: Labyrinth Canyon raises over $230,000
2022
- Over 6,600 therapy sessions delivered this year!
- Flatwater staff grows - Senior Program Director hired
- Therapist matching and referral process transitioned fully in-house
2023
- Equine assisted counseling services expand within service area
- Flatwater's Dam That Cancer Presented by TYLER'S raises over $1,300,000
- Flatwater Challenge: Vancouver Island raises over $170,000