This will be my 13th year participating in this event. Wow! It is hard to believe that I have been participating that long. In 2012, I was able to participate in Swim Across America for the first time along with complete my first open water event. My first and second year I did the 3 mile race! Then in 2014 and 2015 two events that I have participated in the past happened to fall on the same day AND at the exact same time. I didn't want to have to choose one or the other so I decided to do both! I did a 10K run (B1G) before doing the 1.5 mile swim. In 2014, I biked between events from by Soldier field over to by Navy Pier for the swim at Ohio street beach. In 2015, my dad acted as chauffeur between events. In 2016, I just swam the 3 miles, which was quite a challenge.  In 2017, I swam about 3 miles on my own since the official event was canceled due to weather/water. In 2018, I did about a mile in the rough and cold water before needing to stop. In 2019, the event had great weather and I was able to do all 3 miles. 2020 I ran a half marathon instead of swimming as part of the coast to coast challenge. It was a hot summer day but I did all 13.1 miles and even was lucky enough to have my sister keep me company on a bike. For 2021, I decided to do something on my own again since I was pregnant and would be due close to the event date. I did a 5k with my husband and my son growing in my belly. 2022, I completed a 2 mile swim with my son and husband watching from the path! Last year I swam 2 miles with our son Andrew in my belly! This year I am planning to do the half mile with Andrew, Arthur and Denny cheering me on. Let's hope for some more great weather and fundraising! 

I have known too many people in my life that have had or are currently fighting or have lost the battle to cancer. As I get older, I feel the impact that cancer has on me as an individual more and more. Three of my friends that I swam with in high school  learned they had cancer. Such a scary thing at any age but especially when you are so young. So not only has family been diagnosed, but friends and family friends/my friends family as well.  In the case of cancer, one person is too many to know. Research is something that will help to find a cure for cancer. Any little bit can help! Which is why I am diving right in and swimming, yet again. I know that it will be difficult for me, but it is nothing compared to what all the people that I know affected or infected by cancer go through. 

A fact...in our lifetime, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer. I joined the SAA community so that, together, we can change that. I am challenging myself by swimming in the Chicago Open Water Swim and raising as much money to fight cancer as I can. Please support me by sponsoring my swim and making a gift. The money you give will go towards cancer research, prevention and treatment and will make an impact in the fight to find a cure.  Thank you in advance for your generosity and may it lead to a cancer-free world! If you know anyone else who would be interested in participating or donating, it would be great if you could pass along the information! If you know anyone else who would be interested in participating or donating, it would be great if you could pass along the information!

GO Green!!