Every year I've done Swim Across America, it has been in honor of a loved one who died of cancer.  This year I'll be swimming for my great uncle Richard Vollrath, who passed away in 2006.  Uncle Dick was the kind of person who brightened every room he entered, with a twinkle in his eye, a great sense of humor, and a relentlessly optimistic outlook on life.

Born in 1922, he joined the Navy in 1943 after graduating from college and ended up commanding a minesweeper in the Pacific during World War II.  In later life he was often known to sneak into my grandmother's house to hang up a piece of particularly hideous artwork that he had found at a flea market or at the Sheboygan County Fair.

I hope you'll consider donating in honor of my Uncle Dick, or any loved one of yours who has battled or is currently battling cancer.

Thanks!

Jake