This June marks the fourth year I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. However, I am grateful,  I am in remission. I am able to give my body a rest, for the first time in 4 years, as I am taking a break from chemotherapy, and monitoring bloodwork. My cancer is treatable, but not curable so this break is temporary unless a cure is found. 

Chemotherapy does kill cancer, but takes its toll in many other ways. I will celebrate this reprieve by participating in my 14th year to raise money to find a cure for cancer through the Swim Across America (SAA). As you may know, every year I swim for people I know battling cancer,  or who were but now have No Evidence of Disease (NED), or  have unfortunately  succumbed to this horrific disease.  

My main motivation to do this swim in 2010, when it first came to MD, was in remembrance of my beloved sister, Chris who succumbed to her brief, but brutal battle with Cancer in 2006.  This year, I will be honoring many, as well as swimming in memory of Candace Littleford, Kathleen Healy Schmeider, Carl Bodenscatz, and John Phelps. 

Candace was diagnosed with breast Cancer quite a few years ago. I swam for her whilst she underwent treatment, and then was able to swim for her as she accomplished remission.   Candace and I were high school friends and were reunited on FB.  We became “Cancer buddies”. We cheered each other on, as we each battled cancer and treatment. She  comforted me through my worst time with chemotherapy. We were both looking forward to seeing each other at our 50th high school reunion; however, her cancer had returned with a vengeance. Due to her positivity,  I didn’t realize how bad it was.  Since she couldn’t be there,  I called her from the reunion to see if she wanted to be with us via FaceTime. In true Candace style she said “give me a minute to cover my head and put on some make up .” It was so heart warming to see her interact with everyone at the reunion. She was upbeat, beautiful and happy.  I am so glad I did that, as her demise followed a  few months later. She is missed,  but thankfully pain-free I am grateful for our friendship. 

For Candace I swim.  

Kathleen Healy Schmieder was another high school friend- a “Seton sister”. She was brilliant, gentle, and a caring soul.  We had some thoughtful conversations, and I was looking forward to seeing her in person at the reunion.  She didn’t make it and I had no idea why.  Later I found out she had a short but horrific battle with cancer and passed within weeks. My heart aches for all who loved her.  

For Kathleen, I swim. 

Carl Bodenscatz was having difficulty eating and drinking. His doctor figured it was Zenkers Diverticulum, but his daughter, Patti, my dear cousin, knew better and pushed for further testing. Her Dad was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer and within two weeks passed. Carl was a loving family man that cherished his wife and children. He is one I wish I had known.  It is with great honor I swim in his memory.  

For Carl, I swim.  

A dear friend Laura’s brother was well this time last year; however, in July was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Sadly no surgery, treatments, or studies were available to him.  He succumbed after a brief, but difficult battle in November.  John was a loving family man who lost his wife to Cancer 11 years ago. His dedication and love for his daughters, Jennifer and Jessica; his 3 grandchildren; and his beloved sister  Laura, and her wife Barb was so apparent. John loved coaching girls softball at the Carver Center in Towson. He coached the JV team for 8 years and was deeply loved and appreciated by his team. This year, at the opening of their season, the JV and Varsity teams had the field  named “The John Phelps Field”.  I only had the pleasure of meeting John once, yet his smile and personality was one you wished you had known longer.  In his memory I will raise money to find a cure. 

For John, I swim. 

I will be honoring and remembering too many to count, but their names will be worn on my body as I swim.  I have a few updates on people I swam for last year: 

Happy to report Lin McEwan remains cancer free for 1 1/2 years. 

Gloria Tate is also in the NED category. 

Donna Pia Vocci has survived 3 cancers and is now NED as well! 

Unfortunately, a few others are still in the midst of their battle either from treatment or keeping the cancer at bay: 

Cathy Lears Bennett is no stranger to cancer, but you would never know this because her positive attitude is prodigious! Cathy introduced me to the Swim Across America (SAA) when it first came to MD. Ironically, in 2016 after she had been raising funds for the SAA she was diagnosed and successfully battled Andemitri Uterine Cancer. Having had 3 body surgeries, Brach Therapy, chemotherapy, full body Radiation, 3 Brain surgeries, and 5 rounds of Cyberknife Radiation, she has experienced many side effects. She has developed AUN from medication to stabilize her brain, which led to two hip replacements this year, as well as two bowel blockages. One of the blockages was resolved by surgery and another major surgery will be July 9th. Cathy also has lymphedema in her left leg and foot; however, her scan and bloodwork are all good.  Through all of this Cathy was able to work at the recent Olympic swimming trials and feels very lucky she is currently feeling well. Cathy has raised several thousand dollars for SAA in the past. This  year I will raising money to honor her. 

For Cathy, I swim.  

Steve Weaver has been a huge contributor to my swim. I have swum wearing his name as well as two of his children’s, Matt and Eria for years. They are all cancer survivors.  After 14 good months with NED, Steve was hit hard in March relapsing after the drug he was taking stopped working. He underwent Carotid surgery in April and shortly after started 2 new drugs. At first he did well, but the second caused tightness in his chest, burning in his ears, head, and neck and total body shaking.  Thankfully, he made it through with the expert care of his oncologist and nurses. In May he went back to a slower and more gradual version of the treatment which should be completed July 5th. I am sending light and positivity for a successful treatment as Steve has been through hell and back, but in his words and humble way, “so many others have it worse.”  

For Steve, I swim. 

Last year, Lee Bacon was diagnosed with stage 4 Lung Cancer.  Unfortunately, she had a debacle with health insurance causing a lapse in time for biopsies, due to this, the mass grew 4 inches. After several radiation and chemo treatments she was doing better; however, in May the cancer had metastasized to her brain causing 4 lesions. She immediately started radiation, but remained in good spirits. Lee got some great news by the end of May. She has a rare mutation in her blood/tissues, so she can start an oral targeted chemo, avoiding clinic appointments while still attacking her body and brain. She follows up with her oncologist monthly and now has a longer life expectancy. Lee’s continues to have a positive attitude. 

For Lee, I swim.

Most recently I was made aware that the nephew of my friend Jean has been diagnosed with a brain cancer. He of course will be out of work and the medical bills are mounting.  Joe Hargadon has a hellacious fight ahead of him and his young family needs him. He also has Go Fund Me page to help with the finances.  https://www.gofundme.com/f/helpthehargadons 

For Joe, I swim. 

As always,  I will be swimming for the many family members that have lost their lives,  or who have battled cancer successfully.  My family apparently has horrible genes. 

For my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings, I swim. 

And last, but certainly not least I swim for two angels that died way too young, but positively made an impact on raising awareness and raised money for research. Dr Kelly Machovek did so much for pediatric cardiac anesthesiology in her work and also raised money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute before losing her battle to cancer at the age of 43. 

Claire Marie Wagonhurst succumbed to Melanoma  at the age of 17 and her family, in her memory, still raises money and awareness through her foundation.   Visit the Claire Marie Foundation  to see the continuing work they do for prevention and awareness for teen age melanoma. Our Story - The Claire Marie Foundation Look for the choral sunrise and sunset and see Claire smiling bright. 

For Claire and Kelly I will  always swim.  ❤

Dig deep my friends there is lots of work to be done to find a cure.  All monies will benefit the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Research Comprehensive Center at Johns Hopkins. 100% of your donations are used for patient care, studies, and research.  I am making waves to find a cure!  Can you help me? Thank you?  with Love and gratitude, Karen Spence