HOW IRONIC! I participate in the 2023 Swim Across America event, 1 day later we receive Jack’s cancer diagnosis and 9 mo later he is gone. It’s almost surreal. SO….once again I am donning my trusty Speedo and braving the waters of Lake Michigan to raise funds for cancer research.

In ‘05, ‘06 and ‘07 my sisters Paula and Andrea and I swam this event. For the second year, I will be joining my two girls and the fourth year with Andrea for the swim. Our team is the Polar Bears, as that was what Jack called his girls in the winter.

Plain and simple, CANCER SUCKS. I have lost my mom and dad and more than a few friends to cancer. I know most of us have been directly or indirectly touched by cancer in our lives in some way. Some have beaten it and survived, others have not been so lucky. I swim in honor of Jack, my love and my rock of 35 years. I will also swim for those that have had to fight this monster disease.

Thank you for taking the time to check out why I do this, and please consider making a donation and helping me raise money as I swim a mile along the shores of Lake MI!! Hopefully the water will be less choppy this year…last year I got seasick in the middle of my swim-and all that that implies… My goal is to raise $2000. If you include the name of a loved one, I will try and fit it somewhere on my body (Yes, we write the names of those honored with a sharpie. And yes, they are with us for about a week!)

Money raised here will go to Rush University Cancer Research labs where they conduct early research and clinical trials for various forms. 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.