I participate in Swim Across America  because the cause is so worthy. I swim to support the doctors and researchers locally at the Levine Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital. These bio-scientists and doctors  are in constant pursuit to find a cure and better treatments for cancer. Crack the code in one cancer and clues to the rest will come. I swim obviously for those I love that have battled cancer and won, those that have battled cancer and lost and friends in the midst of battle.

One of those friends  who has battled and won is my friend Anne Lynn. She and I did a full Ironman together in 2005…..her big idea!  Since then Anne has beat stage four lung cancer (17 years ago this month), and breast cancer twice culminating in a double mastectomy in April of this year. Anne has swum in this event, volunteered for SAA Charlotte   and will again, once fully recovered participate.

This year I am also swimming in honor of  another friend, Campground owner at Turkey Creek,  Ramelle Smith. Ramelle was diagnosed with breast cancer this year and had a double mastectomy in March.   Ramelle also lost her husband Mike Smith to cancer this past year. Tom and I have enjoyed weeks at Turkey Creek and many good times with Mike and Ramelle.

This is a small gesture, but sent with lots of love for Anne and Ramelle and Mike

I am excited in my 60th year on the planet to be able to  lead and be a part of MSA Team Out of My Box. I do not swim a lot, but every stroke I will take will be towards doing a good job on my swim. I will totally enjoy helping people learn open water and prepare to do “something out of their box!” Training and participating with my team is just the best. Swim Across America is just a part of our swim culture at MSA and such a good way for us to impact our community.

I am looking forward to making waves against cancer……year six Your donation would mean the world to me. Thank you for reading this.

Much love,
Coach Patty