New York, NY * July 30, 2007 * Miracle House announces the 3rd Annual Miracle Paddle, a spectacular and scenic fundraising event where athletes raise funds to ride the open waters on Long Island's East End.

Perfect for the novice athlete and outdoor enthusiast, participants can use kayaks, paddleboards, outriggers, canoes, or surf-skis in a 9-mile challenge from Lazy Point, Amagansett to Maidstone Pavilion, East Hampton. Trained athletes and the East Hampton marine patrol will ensure safe passage for all.

Ed Cashin, a well-known adventure-seeker, owner of Weekend Warriors Tours and Outfitters, and member of Miracle House's board of directors conceived Miracle Paddle. "This has grown into a fantastic community event, thanks to Ed," says Miracle House Executive Director, Jesse Ramos. "Anyone with an adventurous spirit can participate and we'll be hosting a classic summer picnic afterwards to celebrate."

For more experienced athletes, there will also be an 18-mile challenge from Montauk to Block Island held later in the summer, pending the best weather conditions. Training sessions are available throughout the summer for both the 9-mile and 18-mile challenge.

All funds raised by participating athletes will go towards Miracle House's mission of providing housing, meals, and advocacy to caregivers and patients coming to New York City for critical medical treatment. Founded in 1990 in response to the AIDS crisis, Miracle House acknowledged the role of the caregiver as an integral role in the healing process. Expanding on that idea, today Miracle House serves caregivers and patients from around the world in medical crisis. This includes cancer treatment, clinical trials, reconstructive surgery, burn therapy, neurological disorders, as well as the original mission of supporting people living with AIDS.

Find out more at miraclehouse.org