On November 5, I will be participating in my tenth annual marathon swim to raise money for scholarship programs at the YMCA. Over the past nine years, you have helped me raise over $45,000, for which I am tremendously grateful.

As I have for the past few years, I will be swimming 12 miles.  Twelve miles is quite a challenge, totaling 432 laps and 7 ½ hours of hard, continuous swimming!  To train for this, I have been swimming 4 hours per day for months.   I have chosen such a significant challenge to underscore my commitment to the Y. 

I began swimming in memory of my parents in 2018, when my mom died only days before my swim.  I lost my dad in April of 1993, so swimming in their memory helped redeem April for me.  Though the swim-a-thon is now a fall event, I decided to continue swimming in their memory, since the values of the Y parallel so many of the values they held: a commitment to community, honesty, integrity, hard work, and providing equal opportunities for all. 

Last year, the Southcoast YMCA gave out financial aid to thousands of individuals and families. These funds ensure that the Y remains accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Some of the specific benefits provided by the Y include high quality camps and childcare, support for individuals with cancer and diabetes, and facilities and programs to support health and wellness.  During the pandemic, the Y has also been a significant source of food assistance for many local families.

Pledges can be a set amount or can be made per lap or per mile.  Any amount is welcome, and donations are tax-deductible.  (A confirmation will be sent after the event.) 

I thank you wholeheartedly for your help in reaching our goal and for helping me honor my parents.