I swim for hope, I swim for love
Dear Family and Friends,
It's time to dive into the Long Island Sound once again for my 24th year participating in Swim Across America. This is a bittersweet event for me because I look forward to the beautiful event at Prybil Beach and being with so many friends and family members, but at the same time I wish we didn't have to be there at all. As you know, because you've been supporting me for years, I swim for many people in my life. This summer I will be doing a one-mile swim in July.
I swim for my Riley girl. Fifteen years since her first diagnosis and thriving in a wonderful way and we thank God for these years of childhood and adolescence that she's gotten back through the love, support, medical care and prayers. Riley has been tumor free since 4/4/12. I swim for her.
I swim for my sister-in-law, Karolyn. I only knew her for a short period of time here on earth (which I feel lucky for), but she is a part of our daily lives with our children and she is forever a part of Daniel and who he is...the great man that he is. Karolyn passed away at the age of 28 from breast cancer and her legacy will live on through our children and our nephews who, through their dads, embody her grace, grit and sense of humor.
I swim for Stacey Rose. Someone I wanted to be like, someone younger who I looked up to, someone who I wish was still here. If we were all more like Stacey the world would be a better place. I swim to keep her legacy and beauty alive in this world.
I swim for my friend, Pat Sheehy, she has been a guide through many beautiful parts of my life but, especially my faith, my marriage and a guiding light on how to be a great human on this earth. Thank you, Pat, for all you've taught me and showed me to be. You've got this.
This year my swim is dedicated to my father-in-law, Joe Danbusky. He is fighting stage 4 gallbladder cancer and being treated at MSK. I've always admired Dad's calmness, sense of humor faith and dedication to his family.
I swim for my dad's dad, Marino Foschi. I swim for Dennis McAdam. I swim for Peter Lynch. I swim for Peter Flick. I swim for Rick Linchitz. I swim for Amy Rubinstein. I swim for Joe Curatolo. I swim for Peter Karches. I swim for James Lodato. I swim for Danny Cheatham. I swim for Maria Pappas. I swim for Bobby Menges. I swim for Patty Ford. I swim for Kathleen Milbier. I swim for all of the brave people that I know who have battled and BEAT cancer over the years....true inspirations and beacons of HOPE for what we are doing here.
In our lifetime, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer. I joined the SAA community so that, together, we can change that. I am challenging myself by swimming in the Sound to Cove Open Water Swim and raising as much money to fight cancer as I can. Please support me by sponsoring my swim and making a gift OR come and swim with Team Stacey :). The money you give will go towards cancer research, prevention and treatment and will make an impact in the fight to find a cure. Thank you for your generosity and may it lead to a cancer-free world!
LOVE and GRATITUDE,
Pam