When spring comes to New Orleans, the azaleas bloom, the weather is sunny and
sailboats reappear on Lake Pontchartrain. So there was great anticipation when the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society kicked off its 2007 Leukemia Cup Regatta with a party at the Southern Yacht Club on Jan. 30. Gary Jobson, a world-renowned sailor and ESPN commentator, served as a guest speaker for the party, discussing his approach to sailing and offering inspiration and tips to the sailors.

Launching the area’s regatta season, the Leukemia Cup Regatta races were held March 17 and 18 at the Southern Yacht Club and New Orleans Yacht Club, and March 31 and April 1 at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club. In all, 50 regattas were held all over the country with thousands of sailors participating. Their efforts helped raise funds so that the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society can save lives through research and serve other critical needs.

The regatta’s “honored skipper” was four-year old Chloe Nesbit of Harvey, who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Chloe is doing well after chemotherapy, radiation and transfusions.

Deanna Nesbit, Chloe Nesbit and Tom Dreyfus