I have been blessed to swim in four Swim Across America's in St Louis with my brother, Walter, and my niece. Last year, I had the opportunity to swim with Jon as well! The event was canceled due to a thunderstorm, but we were able to swim our mile later in the day. There had been seven years of beautiful weather, so we were due for a storm. However, the most important thing that happened was that the event raised over $302,000 for cancer research! Thanks to your support, my brother's team raised $19,511 of that! Your support went toward funding cutting-edge research for two St. Louis Siteman Center doctors: one for breast cancer and the other for a rare form of lymphoma.
I witnessed firsthand how amazing this event is, mostly due to the hard work of my brother's wife, my sister-in-law, Kathy. She dedicates countless hours and is now employed by this life-saving organization that fights to cure Cancer. I see how the funds raised for this swim directly help the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, which treated my brother. This year's cancer research grant is going to a doctor who is researching non-invasive prostate cancer treatments. The goal is to develop treatments that will reduce complications with surgery and provide a higher quality of life after treatment.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for those who have given to our family over the years. I am thrilled to travel again this year with Jon to St Louis to be with my family and SWIM in this beautiful setting to raise money to help beat cancer!
As you know, my brother's cancer story (primary diagnosis of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in right femur, secondary blood cancer from chemotherapy treatments, 100% engrafted stem cell transplant, and sarcoma recurrence in right hip) has been long but successful (so far.) His oncologist recently called him a "walking miracle" (Praise God!), and his recovery is due to the many advancements in cancer treatment that were possible from cutting-edge research. Without Swim Across America's early-stage funding, they are not able to conduct trials that can lead to breakthroughs that can save lives.
This year, I swim in honor of those who have fought with medical advances and beat cancer, including my brother, my sister-in-law, dear friends in Arizona (where I reside), & North Carolina, and a precious cousin who courageously fought the fight. I was blessed to spend Easter and celebrate with her this year in Florida. I swim in memory of those dear to me who have lost the battle, including my father, relatives, and friends, including my sorority sister Lori. It was such an honor to be able to visit her amazing daughters this year.
Unfortunately, we all know too many who have been affected by cancer. More than 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Chances are you, a family member, or a friend has already been affected by cancer, and it keeps growing.
Our family is so thankful that Walter has personally benefited from the funds raised by Swim Across America, and we desire to help others fight and win! Please help me make an impact in the fight against cancer and find a cure by making a tax-free contribution to support my benefit swim here.
Thank you for your generosity, and may it lead to a cancer-free world!