About Us

Serenity Sailing is a non-profit 501(c)3 Organization formed in collaboration with the western Lake Erie sailing community, the Victory Center of Toledo, and regional cancer centers.

Why Sailing?

The sound and feel of the wind and water is experiential. Sailing provides a feeling of freedom and relaxation and connects us with nature. Cancer treatment can be rigorous and life threatening. It takes an emotional toll on the patient, and the burden is shared by his family. Multiple studies have shown that being near and on the water can improve our mental well being and lower stress. On the water we are reminded that our lives are bigger than the challenges we face.

Our Board of Directors

Robin Cutcher

Retired RN, Diabetes Educator
President and Co-Founder
Luna Pier, Mi

Robin is a Toledo area native, moving recently to the Lake Erie shore in Luna Pier, Michigan. Her focus was working with individuals challenged by diabetes, as Executive Director of Diabetes Youth Services for 20+years, clinical medical device support, and more recently retired from virtual diabetes coaching at Cecelia Health. Having experienced the “storm of cancer” personally she considered ways to help others struggling with this prevalent disease. Sailing brought friends and great peace to her and her husband she hopes to share with the community.

Charlie Boyce, MSW

Board Secretary
Luna Pier, Mi

Charlie Boyce has 25 years of experience working as a nonprofit professional. Charlie holds a Masters of Social Work (MSW), with a focus on policy, administration and community. He began his career working as a grant writer and a community building facilitator. He then worked for 15 years at Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW) serving as a Community Impact Director for Maricopa County. He was then Executive Director for a workforce development nonprofit, which he left upon moving from Arizona to Michigan. Charlie now works for the City of Luna Pier, Michigan.

Barbara Markle

Retired RN

Board Member

Monroe, Mi

Barb started her career working in Oncology at St. Charles Hospital and later in Public Health at the Monroe Health Department.

Barbara resided in Toledo for 10 years and then in Monroe, Michigan since 1991. Barbara and her late husband, Garry, started boating on Lake Erie in 1986. They continued their love of the water and boating at their Irish Hills cottage.

Barbara learned about Robin's desire to start Serenity Sailing from her husband Garry, before his passing, who was very supportive of the idea. Also touched by cancer in her family, she felt this was a great opportunity to help heal a broken heart and help those struggling with cancer.

Don Heller

Retired VP of Technology

Board Member

Holland, OH.

Don started sailing at the age of 7 on Lake Hopatacong NJ, Lake Champlain, NY/VT and upon relocating, now on Lake Erie. Don circumnavigated Lake Superior by sail, competed in multiple Mack and Mills races, and now races and cruises locally enjoying solo trips to the Lake Erie Islands. Don is a 30+ year member of JRSC and NCYC, and a Lifetime member of the Western Lake Erie Historical Society. He has skippered for Serenity Sailing aboard Arctic Dream, a Tartan 31.

Don was recently given a second chance at life when his brave daughter donated one of her kidneys to him.

He too has been touched by cancer and experienced how devastating it can be to see someone you love go through cancer diagnosis and treatment, and is eager to help. Most of all Don enjoys seeing the beauty of sailing fresh through their eyes.

Advisors not pictured:

Robert Thompson

RBC Wealth Management, Sailor, Philanthropic focus is cancer research and service. Experienced Skipper for Serenity Sailing, North Cape Yacht Club

Kris McCullough

Retired From Toledo Public Schools, Experienced skipper for Serenity, deeply involved in her community and North Cape Yacht Club

Duane Burgoyne

Retired, but not from sailing! Currently participates in many sailing events around the Great Lakes either racing or officiating, Skipper for Serenity Sailing, North Cape Yacht Club

John Miga Ph.D. MSW

Co- Founder of Serenity Sailing, Retired from academia and a former practicing psychologist. Member of Jolly Roger Sailing Club and Toledo Sail and Power Squadron.

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