In our lifetime, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer.  Many in my own family and circle of friends have had this horrible disease. That means both my parents, aunts and uncles, cousins and many, many dear friends -- all have had cancer with varying results.  Some have "beaten" it and others were not so lucky. 

My cousin Dan Benoit, who has become the powerhouse behind the successful Seattle Swim Across America fundraiser every year, lost both his wife and his son to cancer within a year.  Dan's son Matt started Team Benoit to honor his late mother while he was battling cancer himself. Unfortunately, Matt passed away before experiencing the event. Since then, Dan and his family (my cousins) have made the Swim Across America a top priority.  Participating in this and other SAA events helps to give people another chance at life and give our medical community and researchers the funding they need to help.

I was honored to swim alongside my cousins (many of them) in the very cold water in Seattle in 2018. My husband and I contribute every year. We won't be able to get there for this year's event in September, but I will be participating in the Swim Across America event in the Florida Keys this April. I will do it to honor the lives we have lost to cancer and to the hopes that a cure may be found soon.  I will be carrying Team Benoit in my heart (in much warmer water).

I am really not big on asking anyone for money. But if you are able, please support me by making a small gift. The researchers we are funding in our communities are the next generation of cancer pioneers. With Swim Across America early-stage funding, they are able to conduct trials that can lead to breakthroughs that can save lives. If you cannot make a contribution, I will gladly accept your good wishes for a successful swim.

Love, Moya