Last year, our team swam in memory of Laurie Parkinson, age 59, our beloved friend and inspiration, a force of nature who died of cancer too soon.

With Laurie forever in our hearts, this year we swim in memory of Genevieve ‘Gigi’ Favulkes, age 9, who died of cancer way too soon following a year of bravery, spirit, strength and unceasing caring for others despite her burden. Even if you did not know Gigi, you knew of her, as the community preserved her memory by displaying purple (her favorite color) ribbons on homes, telephone poles and trees throughout our village. What began as a remembrance on Kilmer Road, where she lived with her parents, Rob and Courtney, sister, Camille, and brother, Charlie, expanded to the greater community.

One illustration of who Gigi and her family were is how she captivated others, who simply could not get enough of her. Her enthusiasm for life, her family’s ability to create ways for Gigi to, for instance, ride her scooter in the street with her friends to make certain that she remained included, was exemplary. Her delight at going to Las Vegas with her Mom to see and meet Katie Perry was beyond fantastic.

Gigi was not afforded the opportunity to continue to disperse her magic for the decades we wish she could have given to the world.

Swimming in her honor feels like an endeavor that she would appreciate. She was physically active and a ‘giver’. We swim with love, determination and hope that we can make a difference.

Our swim benefits Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, The Cancer Support Team as well as Weill Cornell Medicine.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

You can make a credit card donation here, or send a check to Swim Across America, PO Box 217, Larchmont, NY 10538.

Check should be made out to Swim Across America but please include a note mentioning my name as the swimmer you are supporting!