This is not me!

It is from a photo-realism exhibit sent to me by my dear French friend and former student, Myriam Sternfels Thareau, who has attended Women Swimmin’ and always cheered me on from the west side of Cayuga Lake. Bon courage to all!

My dream has always been to do the swim at 80, but I'm now 80 and a health issue makes it impossible for me to swim this year. Instead, I am "Going The Distance" -- an alternative fund-raising strategy --to stimulate broader participation in the event, not just swimming.  Both approaches support Hospicare’s critical mission for end-of-life care. 

Hospicare in Ithaca and Tompkins County is a non-profit medical and social service agency that cares for everyone, regardless of ability to pay. My mother had Hospicare service at home in the last three months of her life,  and it was an  experience I will never forget. Superb medicine was combined with supportive, sensitive care for my mother and all who loved her as well. 

This year, I will do something sedentary for Women Swimmin’:  ✍️ letter writing, something I still like to do. Between July 1-August 5, I will send out 300 postcards to encourage people to register to vote in seven different "swing" states. This feels like the best octogenarian adjustment for me in a time that requires a return to greater humanity, justice, and peace. 

Dear Family and Friends -- friends of choice as well as blood-- give as generously as you can. And support as many participants as you can. Your funds will support quality staff and training and end of life care for everyone who needs it – that includes medication, the costs of the small 8 bed residence on South Hill, and support services ranging from personal therapy, to bereavement groups to music companions.

Maybe, I will get lucky and be able to swim again at 81. 

Amour a tous, 
Joan