My Personal Fundraising Page
I'm swimming across Cayuga Lake for Hospicare. I registered for the first time last year and sadly the weather wasn't cooperating so it was cancelled. So, I had to sign up again and I'm asking that you support my efforts by donating what you can to this wonderful organization that has such a huge impact on so many in our community.
I've been preparing for this swim for a long time now! Although I've always loved cooling off in the water in the many beautiful spots I live near in the Finger Lakes and during the summers in Fair Haven, NY (that's 55 previous summers!) I never rearlly learned how to swim the freestyle stroke and manage breathing. I was lucky two years ago when I signed up for a total immersion swim program as I discovered I absoutley love swimming! I've been in the water ever since, either at the pool or in warm months on the shores of Cayuga, Seneca lakes, or Lake Ontario. I'm up to about 40 minutes of lap swiming and now that I've got freestyle down, I'm working on butterfly! It's the most amazing form of exercise and now that I've figured out how to swim and breathe I can put that to good use for this wonderful fundraising event by swimming 1.2 miles across Cayuga Lake.
Hospicare was there for my ex-husband, Randy, when he reached the end of his fight with lung, brain and bone cancer in 2016. He spent his last days at the Ithaca Hospicare residence and the wonderful staff helped him be comfortable, eased his tremendous pain, gave him respect and prepared us all for what was to come. Later they were there to help our family with grief counseling and support groups. It made the year after his passing a time of healthy healing and taught me a different way to live with the pain of loss always present. Please consider giving what you can to honor someone you may know who benefitted from hospice care or think of your donation as a way to help someone who needs it.
[share your Women Swimmin' photos here]
Shore of Lake Ontario
One of my favorite swimming spots, West Bay Barrier at Fair Haven, Lake Ontario. I swim here as much as I can all summer long when I visit our family cottage.
My 2023 Swimming Pod
Last year was such a emotional rollercoaster of a day! I was so anxious and excited as I waited in line to board the bus that shuttles swimmers over to the East side of the lake and then they shared the cancellation news...I was shocked and then so sad. This picture is a nice reminder that even though the swim couldn't take place - I felt great to be in the group and make new friends.
My mother Marilyn
I love this photo from ca. 1936 of my sweet mother who loved swimming. She swam most her life and loved the water and I've grown to feel and be the same. I often think of my mom when I swim in open water, especially in Little Sodus Bay, Fair Haven where she was known to swim across the bay with her father in a rowboat along side her. She'll be with me when I swim across Cayuga Lake.
The disappointment of WS '23
This is the shoreline I was supposed to swim to from the East side of the lake. The water didn't look so bad to me so I wasn't understanding the need to cancel. I learned later it was predicted to get worse and wasn't safe for the swimmers or the kayakers who travel along for safety. Now I get to do it for WS 2024!
North Point, Taughannock Falls State Park
My friend Nancy (who has swam in nearly every Women Swimmin' event) loves open water swimming as much as I do. She told me a few years ago I could do it and I totally didn't believe her. Now it's time to prove I can.
Alma Thomas painting
I love the blues in this painting and it makes me feel like swimming!
My Badges
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Profile Completed
Awarded when Anyone completes their profile
Awarded 06/11/2024
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Fundraising Achieved
Awarded when Anyone reaches 100 % of goal
Awarded 07/25/2024
My Supporters
- Kelly Fiske 4 weeks ago $50.00
- Robert Lange 5 weeks ago
- Ron Kline Last month $100.00
- Anonymous Last month
- Bob Bunce Last month $25.00
- Lawrence Baker Give it your best, Leeny! Love, Dad Last month $104.50
- Marcia Ska You go girl! So proud of you, Eileen. Marcia and Brian Last month $104.50
- Kathleen Williams You are awesome!! I hope the weather cooperates this year! June 2024 $104.50
- Mary Vantine Way to go Eileen!! June 2024 $104.50
- Patricia Monaco Go get it Eileen!!!! June 2024 $104.50
Hi friends! Please consider donating to support my efforts towards reaching $1200 for Women Swimmin' 2024.