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Swim Across America holds many swimming events throughout the United States each year. Swimmers, boaters, kayakers and land volunteers are encouraged to preregister online to reserve their spot or register a team for the Fairfield County event, held in the waters of Long Island Sound.
There are several different swim options, including a half-mile or a 1.5-mile swim, or a 3- or 5-mile challenge. For those who prefer the comfort of a pool or have a conflict with the date, you can still raise money by becoming a “Virtual Swimmer” and swim any distance at your own convenience.
Among the teams in this year's swim is “Peter’s Defeaters,” headed by Peter Carlson of Riverside. His sister, June Hussey, travels from Tucson, Ariz., to participate.
Hussey swims and raises money in the fight against cancer because she has several friends battling cancer right now and has sadly lost friends to the disease.
“I think nearly everybody has shared this experience,” she said. “I also know survivors. We need more of them. That’s why I swim and I think that’s also why Swim Across America has garnered so much support. Cancer touches everyone in some way. It’s easy to feel helpless where cancer is concerned, but it feels better to do something, than to sit back and do nothing. Every dollar we raise is helping Swim Across America turn the tide against cancer.”
Jim O’Brien of Wilton, will be swimming for “Kicking Cancer for Karen, Chris and Friends.” This will be his fourth year taking part in the Swim Across America Greenwich-Stamford Swim, and last year, his team was one of the top fundraisers, raising an amazing $35,000.
In 2010, Jim and his team swam for his wife, Karen, who was diagnosed with cancer. In 2011, Jim’s youngest brother, Chris, was diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. Jim’s two daughters, Kristine and Caroline, who swam for the Wilton Wahoos and swam competitively for 10 years, also joined the team; Jim is a recreational swimmer.
Each participant in the half-mile and 1.5-mile swims are required to raise a minimum of $500 (swimmers under the age of 18 have a $300 minimum); swimmers in the 3-mile challenge must raise $1,500, and those in the 5-mile challenge must raise $5,000.
Volunteer opportunities for boaters, kayakers and land volunteers are also available.
For more information, visit the event's website, email Jacque Lang at Jacque@swimacrossamerica.org or call 888-SWIM-USA or 203-438-0313.
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