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Inspiring Stories of some of our top fundraisers
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Team OXYGEN
Raised $9,602 in 2009 (Overall Raised since 2007: $38,105!)
Team Oxygen has grown tremendously since they started participating in The Hudson River Swim For Life in 2007. Nowadays the team consists of swimmers: Mar k Pasdon, Marjorie Lang, Emma Cornfield, Paul Fixler and JP Enders-Fein; kayakers: Ryan Prendergast, Lia Schlichthernlein, Donna Mann, and Mickey Mann; and power boater, John Simonetti.
Team Oxygen said that the 2009 swim was by far the best yet. “The water temperature was beautiful, the sun was amazing, the support was perfect, and the actual experience in the water was second to none” says Team Captain, Mark Pasdon
All members of Team Oxygen have some connection to cancer, whether it’s a friend fighting the disease now or a loved one who has passed
“I am always amazed how pervasive these diseases are and I'm always appreciative that I have the physical withal to continue to participate in this event. I can only imagine that the struggle and the battle against these diseases parallels in some sense to the Hudson River Swim. Getting swept into a powerful river and taking stroke after stroke after stroke in an effort to get to the other side. Fighting the current seemingly alone. Discovering the massive network of silent support offered by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In these violent and turbulent times, it is reassuring to witness the humanity of mankind and the overwhelming support provided, even when you feel totally alone, by strangers!” says Pasdon.
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Neil Boyle
Raised $5,243
Neil has been swimming since he was a child in Long Island. Swimming turned into life guarding, which he says has been the best job he has ever had. After college Neil unofficially retired from swimming and like many folks went to work, got married and raised a family.
In 2007, Neil was a spectator at The Hudson River Swim For Life. After the swim he heard an announcement regarding the amount of money raised by Team in Training (TNT). The TNT group practices swimming in the Hudson River on weekends with Coaches who have open water experience. It was at that point in time that the switch was turned and he decided that it was time to get back in the water but this time not for himself but for a cause. The following spring Neil joined Team in Training and prep ared for his first swim across the Hudson.
Neil lost both of his parents to cancer when he was younger. He is hoping that someday the research being done by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society solves the mystery of cancer and leads to a world where his daughter may not have to battle this deadly disease.
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In 2009 Neil was asked to participate as a TNT mentor. He uses his experience to help others with their fundraising and training. Everyone comes to the group with their own background and reasons but they quickly bond together towards the common goal of completing the swim. It is great meeting nice people selflessly doing something for such a great cause.
Neil is already looking forward to next years’ swim. His goal is not to swim the fastest time but to raise the highest amount of money. In training this year’s goal is to swim the equivalent mileage from Oct 2009 till Sept 2010 of swimming from New York to Miami (1400 miles) and he is already well on his way.
He encourages anyone who is thinking of doing the swim to get involved. Join TNT, get wet, practice, practice, practice and you will get there. It’s a great experience.
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Edward Kipperman
Raised $5,050
Edward has many fond memories of working as a lifeguard in the summer during his teenage years. His love for swimming has never gone away.
Now at 58, Edward lives near The Hudson River. He says swimming across it was only a thought in his mind until his friend told him about The Hudson River Swim For Life. That was it; he had his incentive; the challenge of the swim and the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer, a cause that is very dear to him.
Twelve years ago Edward’s father-in-law lost his battle against leukemia. Even today, his father and close friend suffer and fight cancer daily. He has witnessed their struggle and courage and felt that his efforts in preparation for the swim and the event itself was in dedication to them and his children who hopefully will never have to suffer from cancer.
He was incredibly touched in the response from his family and friends who supported him emotionally and monetarily. They kept him focused. He wanted to make the best showing he could on their behalf.
Edward says, “It was an incredible event and an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am thankful I was able to help raise money and awareness for such a worthy cause.”
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Lauren Perschetz
Raised $4,754
Lauren took part in The Hudson River Swim For Life back in 2007 and since then she can’t get enough of the River. This year Lauren and her friends had a lot of fun swimming the 3 miles across the River. Her father and 2 friends aided her across with their kayaks. Lauren’s inspiration for her river crossing has been a classmate who has been receiving chemotherapy for leukemia. She also swims in memory of a family friend wh o recently passed away from lymphoma. Not only is Lauren a great swimmer, but her dedication and outstanding fundraising efforts really shine through. Thanks to Lauren and people like her, one day a cure for cancer will be found. |
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Anne and Dusty Putnam
Raised $4,320
The Hudson River Swim For Life was a first time family event for mother, Dusty, and daughter, Anne. Dusty has been swimming her whole life and Anne has continued to kayak since she competed in an adventure race in China.
While Dusty and Anne were training on a lake for the swim, they discovered that a local friend was diagnosed with a blood cancer. Sadly, he passed away the Monday prior to the swim. They crossed the Hudson in his memory. Even the barge that came down the river did not deter their determination and pursuit in the fight against blood cancers. |
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