I joined Swim Across America for so many reasons...

I have many friends who have fought cancer. I swim for all of them… including my friends Emily, Elizabeth, Russ, Joy, my cousin Vikki, my friend’s parents Frank J., Alan T., Reza M., Jim and Pat R. I also swim for the women I meet during chemo - Shirley and Christy B - who gave me courage and friendship from the moment I walked into that room.

But I am also swimming for myself.

Finding out you have cancer is a blow. I could hardly breathe and I couldn’t sleep. There was disbelief, anger, uncertainty, and fear. But I had faith in my surgeons and  doctors. They saw me through 2 major surgeries and 6 months of chemotherapy. learned so much about my inner strength, my faith, and  determination. I found peace being outside. The journey reminded me of what was important in my life - my family and my friends. And I made a choice then to truly live - to be happy and laugh as often as possible, and to always face challenge with courage.

So I also swim for my friends who walked with me when I wasn’t able to run, feed me and my family, listened, talked to keep me out of my own head, kept me laughing, and reminded me of the good in life.

I swim for my husband and my daughter - who held me up on my darkest days, gave me hope and grace, and celebrated all my milestones with me.

It has taken me 2 years to be able to share this. But now is the
time. I want to give back and support the research that will fight
cancer. I want others to see there is hope and life in the darkness.

I didn’t fight alone… and I don’t swim alone. I am excited to be swimming 0.5 miles this summer with an amazing team of swimmers who have been there for me.

Go Pawleys Island Freestylers!!

If you are able, please support me by making a donation to help me reach my fundraising goal. Thank you for helping me #MakeWavesToFightCancer.