Thirteen-year-old Matt Meyer of Shrewsbury says that sailing is one of his favorite things to do.

So when he saw that the Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club in Oceanport was hosting its first annual Leukemia Cup Junior Regatta, he knew it was the perfect opportunity to combine something that he loved with his desire to raise money to help find a cure for cancer, which took his dad when Matt was 5 years old.

Matt's mom, Doris — who grew up sailing at SSYC — says he used his own allowance money to pay the $50 entrance fee for the race, which takes place at the club on Friday, and has raised more than $3,200 towards his $5,000 goal.

Doris says that about 40 kids are registered to race on Friday and come from SSYC as well as other yacht clubs in the area.

The Meyers moved from Oceanport to Shrewsbury in 2005 when Matt's dad was first diagnosed with the disease, says Doris. Matt's going to start the 7th grade in the fall at Shrewsbury Borough School and has been sailing for about three years.

Matt's brother, John, 10, also registered to race in the July 27 regatta but then chose to combine efforts and help his brother reach his goal this year.

"I thought it was an awesome idea," he tells Patch. "Our dad had cancer and this will help with research for all sorts of cancer."

"That made me feel good," he says, adding that next year it will be his turn to honor their dad.

To help Matt Meyer reach his goal before Friday, you can click here to donate.