Elliott turns 18 the day before he jumps in a lake, literally.  He serves on the regional board of Swim Across America - an opportunity he was invited to consider last year when captain of his school swim team.  

I'm proud of him for being willing to get up at 4am the day after his 18th birthday to swim and volunteer - and, lured by the chance for an early morning swim with my adult child, I'm joining him.  

I swim in memory of Alice Jean Rylaarsdam, who enjoyed the outdoors as much as I do and would appreciate that this is a lake swim, not a pool swim.  I swim in honor of my sister Yvonne Burns, who would never get up this early in the morning to jump in cold water but respects that I will.

Would you consider a small donation for a good cause?  Consider it Elliott's birthday gift to have mom along for the adventure!

Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has hosted charity swims with one goal: to raise money for innovative cancer research that would lead to breakthrough treatments and therapies. Since then, Swim Across America has raised over $100M to fund the next generation of pioneers in oncology and cancer-support care. 

Thank you for helping me #MakeWavesToFightCancer.