Friends and Family,

I feel very fortunate to share with you what I consider a very exciting and meaningful challenge I will be undertaking this August. I will be participating in a Swim Across America event in Boston (Pleasure Bay) to raise money for cancer research. 

Cancer has been familiar to me and part of my life since I can remember. Right after I was born, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and reminds me on my birthday each year how lucky we are to be together. Not a day is taken for granted. When I was in the fourth grade, I watched my close friend courageously beat Leukemia and come out the other side even stronger. However, I have also seen the terrible ways cancer can end lives far too young. Every story does not have a happy ending. I swim in honor of a close friend, Van, who we lost his battle three years ago. 

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be surrounded by my family and friends. I know I am not alone in this sentiment. But cancer is indiscriminate. I often feel like it looms over our heads, waiting for its next victim. Cancer affects everyone, and I want to do whatever I can to beat this disease so we no longer have to participate in the memory of our friends and family.

Swim Across America is a remarkable organization and community that has a direct impact on cutting-edge treatments. Please join us however you can in the fight against cancer. Let's make some waves!  

-Emily