Baltimore Pool Swim: Ms. Karen Ann Spence

2023 Swim Across America: This is why I swim

In our lifetime, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer. Swim Across America (SAA) is an organization that funds cancer research which greatly assists with prevention and treatment.

I joined the SAA community so that, together, we can change that. I am challenging myself by swimming and raising as much money as I can to support the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Care Research Center at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Please support me by sponsoring my swim and making a gift. The money you give will go towards cancer research, prevention, treatment, and will make an impact in the fight to find a cure. Over the years I have met recipients of the SAA research that resulted in a cure for them. Thank you for your generosity and may it lead to a cancer-free world!

In 2010 when the Swim Across America (SAA) came to Maryland I began swimming in memory of my sister, Chris, who had lost her brief (6 month) but grueling battle to lung cancer in 2006. I promised myself I would do all I could to raise money to help find a cure by participating in the SAA for a long as I could swim. After a couple years of the pool swim I decided to up my game, conquer a fear, and do the open water swim. In 2019 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. In an effort to protect my immune system I moved back to the pool swim. It was challenging as I swam whilst undergoing two different chemo and steroid treatments. Fortunately, my sister Susan joined me in the pool swim to give me the added support I needed. The past couple of years, in the midst of the Covid pandemic, my brother, Mark kindly swam in a lane with me to protect me. All of my siblings have supported my swim. They truly are the best siblings!

This year, per usual, I have been struggling to write my personal page, as it stirs up a lot of emotions and memories of those to whom I dedicate and honor my swim.

I am saddened by those I have lost, inspired by those in the throes of their illness, and elated by those in remission/NED (no evidence of disease).

Recently I have noticed a theme in each person’s story, and it truly inspired me to get out of my funk. I realized I was down, dwelling on the side effects and sickness of my compromised immune system, as a result of my chemo treatment. I am usually upbeat, yet the words of these courses people truly uplifted my spirits and reminded me to cease the moments when I am feeling well. Their descriptions of their journey’s were positive, faith-filled, hopeful, loving and gratifying. They lift me up! They are why I swim.

As for me: I remain in remission, yet still receive a chemotherapy injection biweekly. It’s working thus far. I am grateful to all of the staff at JHH. They are most professional, personal, and compassionate.

Cathy Bennet is no stranger to Cancer. She was diagnosed with Andemetri Uterine Cancer in 2016, 6 years after she had introduced me the SAA. Since then, she has had 3 body surgeries, including a hysterectomy, lymphectomy, Brachytherapy; Chemotherapy; full-body Radiation; 3 brain surgeries; and 5 rounds of Cyberknife Radiation. She is presently in remission, but these treatments leave her with many side effects. Most recently she developed Avascular Necrosis (AVN) from medication taken to stabilize her brain. AVN led to a hip replacement, from which she is now recovering. Cathy’s optimism, wonderful spirit, courage, and tenacity are all inspiring. She makes a living-hell look easy. I know it’s not, but she continues to be grateful, and hopeful, as she works diligently at her recovery. These are words from Cathy; “Thanks to SAA for the amazing money being raised to help with all aspects of cancer. I have had a little bit of everything so far, and have great faith in the incredible scientists and doctors who continue to create treatments and care for us with cancer now, and for those who may be diagnosed with cancer in the future. All is good. I continue to enjoy life and appreciate the world around me. With continued funding and great minds we will reach a point where cancer is not as it is today, and treatments will continue to be developed.” Cathy has been a huge fundraiser for the SAA in the past. This year I will again swim in her honor, but also raise funds for Team Cathy.

For Cathy I swim!

In 2016 I swam in honor of Steve Weaver as he successfully battled Bladder Cancer. Last August he was diagnosed with an unrelated metastasized Melanoma in both lungs, and is undergoing a treatment with very little data, but it is likely, per his oncologist, he will have 2 years of infusions if his side effects remain manageable. By undergoing this treatment Steve is adding to the research. He is 6 months into treatment, and remains grateful, upbeat, and hopeful, as his last scans were encouraging. I admire Steve and am thankful for all the inspiration and encouragement he has given me.

For Steve I swim!

Last winter after being encouraged by family and friends to explore a persistent nagging cough Lee Bacon was diagnosed with stage 3-4 Lung Cancer. Fortunately, her prognosis is better than it sounds as there have been great strides in the treatment for Lung Cancer. Unfortunately Lee’s insurance company failed her, so she switched to one in which she has more confidence. However, in the time that lapsed, she waited for biopsies. The mass grew 4 inches. Lee has undergone 10 radiations and 6 chemo treatments. Thus far, these treatments have proven successful, as the mass has shrunk to 1 inch , and there is no more cancer activity in her lymph nodes. She has not completed all her treatment, but Lee uses positive imagery and an optimistic attitude to heal her body. In Lee’s words, “Where your mind is your body will follow.” I have gratitude for Lee’s positive energy.

For Lee I swim!

Donna Pia Vocci felt the pressure of the gift of time (Tick Tock) after witnessing her mother’s brave battle with Breast Cancer and realizing there was a strong history on both sides of her genetic pool. Donna has since been a cancer patient having 2 types, a total of 11 cases including 9 Basil Cell from 2010-2021 and a diagnosis of DCIS Insitu, in the fall of 2014 and the second in the summer of 2022. She was successfully treated at two MD facilities both offering excellent care and compassion. Her latest radiation at the UMD Tate Cancer Center has been completed. In Donna’s words, “In all aspects of this journey, I feel gratitude for the total experience, and while learning once a cancer patient always a cancer patient was a revelation, my new home town’s medical professionals provide health care that balanced the the expertise and caring for my best chances for living a longer healthier life. And there is that ‘land of pleasant’ living thing that lowers the stress and the sounds of the ‘tick tock’. ‘One day at a time’ in faith… Always in faith.”

For Donna Pia Vocci I swim!

Last year, I swam in honor of my dear old friend Gloria Tate and in memory of her late husband, Kenny, as well as wearing their daughter Dee Dee’s name, also a cancer survivor. Gloria is cancer free, but struggling and fighting the vicious side effects from her immune therapy she needed to survive, yet allergic. It has caused mouth sores and swelling, thick pasty saliva that makes it difficult to drink water, much less eat food. This debacle has led to dehydration, extreme fatigue, brain fog and forgetfulness. Gloria is now in a rehab for physical therapy as the entire brutal process of surgeries, immune therapy, and chemo have been so debilitating and complicated that it has been difficult to navigate, but fortunately in time all of these issues can be reversed. With her daughter, Dee Dee, at her side advocating for her mother, Gloria continues to fight through her grief with faith and determination. Gloria is amongst the strongest people I know. Her kind demeanor and trust in God have gotten her through thus far.

For Gloria I swim!

In the summer of 2022 Lin McEwan seemed to be in perfect health, but she knew something was wrong. She strenuously advocated for herself for months to finally have a CAT scan which revealed a tumor the size of a football in her abdomen which was not biopsied for fear of rupture and/or malignancy. The situation was very serious as the tumor was resting on a major artery, yet there was a two week wait for surgery. At this point, her 6 pack abs now looked like a 6 month pregnancy. A 5 lb malignant tumor was successfully removed. Lin was fortunate to have the only kind of non-aggressive ovarian cancer and it has not spread! Lin had a smooth recovery with the help of family and community. Although no chemo or radiation was required she has suffered side effects; surgical menopause at the age of 42 in which she was unable to receive hormone therapy because of the risk of her cancer returning; digestive blockages that have sent her to the ER due to scar tissue forming on the organs the tumor pressed upon. Lin says “All in all, I consider myself extremely fortunate. I continue to be monitored and will receive genetic testing to determine if the usual circumstances of having ovarian cancer so young is the result of a cancer gene. But I will be vigilant regardless. I’ve always tried to live a healthy life and to value each day and this is even more motivation to do so.”

For Lin I Swim!

This year I will also be swimming for Jamie Raskin as he is a personal hero for many reasons. I am so glad he is now cancer free and can’t even begin to imagine how difficult his battle has been through his grief and his tireless work he has done for MD and the USA. Thank you Jamie Raskin!

For Jamie I swim!

I also like to honor those who continue to raise awareness after losing someone dear to them. I will again be swimming In memory of Claire Wagonshurst, who lost her battle at the age of 16 to Melanoma. Her legacy lives on as her family so courageously brings awareness and saves lives in her name. We should all #LiveLifeLikeClaire. Please visit the Claire Maria Foundation to learn more. Claire always accompanies me when I swim and when you see a coral sunrise or sunset know that Claire continues to shower us with love. For Claire, I swim!

And last but certainly not least each year I hold some dear ones in my heart as I swim that would rather not be mentioned. This year is not without exception. I am very grateful for some that have fully recovered and grieve for some I have lost. For them, I swim.

I am so late in signing up this year and have a long way to go to reach my goal. Please dig deep and donate. Cancer has unfortunately touched us all and needs to be cured. Thanks so much in advance for your generous donations!!

Love, Karen

Update 8/27/23

PS. Every year it seems I get updates, both good and bad news. This year is no different and unfortunately bad news. I will be swimming in memory of Mark Karpovich who lost his battle with Myelofibrosis. Mark had been treated for 7 years and after a successful bone marrow transplant in June, he was hospitalized in July due to an infection. Mark passed on 8/4/23 leaving his beautiful wife, Tina, and their 3 amazing children. I swam for Mark and Tina 7 years ago when they both were diagnosed with cancer. Tina remains cancer free. Rip Mark! In memory of Mark, I swim!

A few year back I swam for Candace Littleford as she battled breast cancer. She beat it however was diagnosed this year with Lung Cancer . Candace is again undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Keep up your gallant fight Candace! For Candace, swim!

Stay Well!

You can make a credit card donation here, or send a check to Swim Across America, 11600 N. Community House Rd., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28277.

Check should be made out to Swim Across America but please include a note mentioning my name (Karen Spence; Baltimore Pool Swim) as the swimmer you are supporting!

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