Newport Beach Paddler Jack Shimko Remembered for Helping Cancer Patients Find Healing Through the Ocean

Shimko founded the non-profit We Are Ocean to provide outdoor adventures and community for those battling cancer.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Jack Shimko, a well-known figure in the Newport Beach paddling community, passed away at the age of 45 after a long battle with cancer. Following his own Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis in 2009, Shimko founded the non-profit organization We Are Ocean to help other cancer patients and survivors find connection, healing, and joy through outdoor activities like kayaking, sailing, and camping. Shimko organized regular outings and an annual multi-day trip to Catalina Island, providing a supportive community for those facing cancer.

Why it matters

Shimko's work highlighted the therapeutic benefits of nature and physical activity for those undergoing cancer treatment and recovery. By creating a non-profit focused on getting cancer patients out of the chemo ward and into the outdoors, Shimko aimed to provide moments of freedom, strength, and joy during a difficult time. His efforts helped build a community of support for young adult cancer fighters and survivors.

The details

After being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2009, Shimko embarked on fundraising paddles to benefit cancer research, including a 150-mile journey in 2010 and a 250-mile trip that visited the Channel Islands. In 2013, he founded the non-profit We Are Ocean to help other cancer patients discover the healing power of the ocean. The organization offered monthly outings like kayaking, yoga, and lei making, as well as an annual multi-day camping and sailing trip to Catalina Island. Shimko's efforts were showcased in the 2015 documentary "Between Two Harbors."

  • Shimko was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2009.
  • In 2010, Shimko completed a 250-mile fundraiser paddle that visited the Channel Islands.
  • Shimko founded the non-profit We Are Ocean in 2013.
  • We Are Ocean formally joined forces with the Newport Aquatic Center in 2019.
  • Shimko passed away on February 7, 2026 at the age of 45.

The players

Jack Shimko

The founder of the non-profit We Are Ocean, who dedicated his life to helping cancer patients and survivors find healing and community through outdoor activities like kayaking and sailing.

Sally Marshall

Shimko's mother, who remembered him as a humble and inspiring man who wanted to help cancer patients get out of the chemo ward and into nature.

Kelly Schwartz

The operations manager of the Newport Aquatic Center, which formally joined forces with We Are Ocean in 2019 to continue Shimko's vision.

Marley

Shimko's 13-year-old daughter, whom he had a great love for.

Richard Yelland

The Laguna filmmaker who created the 2015 documentary "Between Two Harbors" showcasing Shimko's efforts.

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What they’re saying

“It's a lot less about paddling. It's more about finding something to make some sort of difference in the fight against cancer. Whatever we're doing is a small, little tiny bit, but hopefully people will be inspired to do their part. We're still so far away from a cure from cancer.”

— Jack Shimko

“Our programs at the beginning were focused on young adults, but over the past couple years, we found there was a need for fighters and survivors of all ages.”

— Kelly Schwartz, Operations Manager, Newport Aquatic Center

“He had a passion to help cancer patients and survivors. He wanted to help cancer patients during and after treatments to get out and enjoy adventure. He could get people out of the chemo ward and into the outdoors, into nature.”

— Sally Marshall, Shimko's Mother

What’s next

We Are Ocean will continue Shimko's legacy by hosting its annual gala in April to raise funds for the organization's free programming for cancer patients and survivors.

The takeaway

Shimko's work with We Are Ocean demonstrated the powerful healing benefits of connecting with nature and the outdoors for those facing cancer. His efforts created a supportive community that empowered cancer patients and survivors to find joy, strength, and freedom during their health journeys.