humbled
Written by patty on May 22nd, 2010I thought I’d do something I love (swim) to stamp out something I hate (cancer). Grief into action.
So I signed up for the Swim Across America swim from Greenwich to Stamford on June 26. It benefits the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, a Stamford based foundation that funds national grants for cell and gene therapy cancer research. Although the 1.5 mile distance wouldn’t challenge me in a pool, open water swimming (especially when the waters are cold, like the Long Island Sound is at the end of June) is always a bit tougher .
I set my goal for fund raising by asking for a dollar for every stroke I estimated it will take me to complete the swim: $1,890. I sent three emails and posted a link to Facebook. I sweated a little, wondering if I’d be able to reach the goal before the event.
Following a looooooong 3 1/2 hours in the dentist’s chair yesterday, I did a little shopping. Turns out buying summer clothes for my menfolk is great for tooth pain (who knew?!). Having just signed up for the swim the night before, I was curious to see if I had received any donations. As I checked my iPhone somewhere between Zara and H&M, I saw the total: $1,425. It was the first most likely the last the only time in my life I’ve been brought to tears of joy in a suburban mall.
We (and I do mean we, because this is when I completely lost any reasonable sense of control over this process) reached my goal within 24 hours.
We’ve raised more than $3,000 as I write this post. My new goal is to raise as much money as I can for cancer gene therapy research.
If you’re like me, you’re careful with your charitable giving. Maybe cancer research fits into your plan; maybe it doesn’t. If you’d like to support my swim, you’ll find details at http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/pattytravs. Emotional support is welcome too!
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i will need to check this out and sometime soon, make a donation (things are still a bit tight), but soon.
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You’ve got my support, all the way …
CT Mom´s last blog ..A building does not define us
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Hi Patty – thanks for sharing your story – and we will look forward to seeing you at the swim at the end of the month!! Congrats on your fundraising – So glad to see people supporting you in your efforts — you’ll have a great time!
Janel
National Exec. Director
SAA
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So.
An international swimming sensation (from right up the road in Ridgefield, mind you) has commented on my blog.
I can die happy now.
Thank you, Janel. You are a star! I hope to meet you at the swim. And I hope to not make an utter fool out of myself when that happens