News

Early in 2020, I entered my third book, Change: Our Ever-Present Companion, Reflections from the Red Kayak, in the 28th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards. Although the book did not win, it received the highest marks for structure, organization, cover design, voice and writing style, among other things. Below is the judge’s commentary. I

Red Kayak Represented at Giving Dupage! 2016 DuPage Human Race on Saturday, April 30th in Downers Grove, IL The Red Kayak Institute was on the run again. Last year we needed our paddles, but this year we had fun in the sun. This was our third year participating in Giving DuPage 5K Run/Walk event benefiting charities in DuPage

RKI has been awarded a $5,000 grant from The Friendship Fund to fund general operating expenses for the organization. The Friendship Fund is a Boston-based organization that provides support for a wide range of educational, environmental, health-related and cultural interests. We are humbled by the level of support provided to our small organization from The

mySuburbanLife.com Article August 5, 2015 | By Evan Shields – eshields@shawmedia.com WESTMONT – Through water-based therapy a Westmont nonprofit is helping people who may be in the same boat with grief or addiction issues. Mary Anne Smrz, a Westmont resident, founded the Red Kayak Institute based on her own experiences. “About six or seven years

NC State University Philanthropy Journal Article August 3, 2015 | By Staff of Red Kayak Institute When a novice kayaker writes, “I was truly able to calm my thoughts and worries,” the staff of Red Kayak Institute fulfills its mission. Mary Anne Smrz established the Red Kayak Institute to help individuals facing life challenges. Six

Chicago Tribune Article June 17, 2015 | By Community Contributor obtener33 This month the Red Kayak Institute held the third annual kayak retreat for Edward Cancer Center survivors and caregivers at Saganashkee Slough Forest Preserve. Social workers from Edward Cancer Center invited patients and caregivers who could benefit, and equipment from TheKayakers.com made the event

 JoAnn Foertsch Altenbach, ’76 Annual Fund, Mother McAuley High School; Mary Anne Smrz, Red Kayak Institute; and Linda Balchunas Jandacek ’84 Alumnae Coordinator, Mother McAuley High School (Posted by obtener33, Community Contributor) Chicago Tribune Article September 19, 2014 | By Community Contributor obtener33 On September 7, 2014, Mary Anne Smrz, Founder of the Red Kayak

Naperville Patch Article June 9, 2014 | By obtener33 This June three organizations came together to help cancer survivors and caregivers ‘reclaim’ themselves. Inspiration for the event started with Red Kayak Institute, which offers programs to individuals facing life challenges. Social workers from Edward Cancer Center invited patients and caregivers they knew could benefit, and