Earlier this year, I met the Executive Director of Colin's Hope. She challenged me to do the Colin's Hope Got2Swim 10K on September 24. I declined, citing my fear of open water. She then pointed to the Ironman pendant I wear around my neck. I had to admit that I swim in open water for races. When I have to. Because the only other option would be not to participate, and I don't really view that as an option. Then she launched into the work that Colin's Hope does to prevent drowning.
- It offers kids swim safety classes and swim lessons.
- It offers families water safety educational materials.
- It stocks life jacket loaner stations at area lakes.
- In short, Colin's Hope helps save lives by preventing fatal drownings.
After I heard that and more, I realized that I had to swim the 10K because the only other option would be not to participate, and I couldn't really view that as an option. I want to do my part to help young people survive and even thrive in the water.
On September 24, I will swim a 10K. I expect that effort to take something over four hours. For me, that's an enormous amount of time in open water. Thankfully, Colin's Hope has offered a number of practice swims. During those swims, I've found a sort of peace in the water. I don't expect my mind to stay calm 100% of the time, but I'm hopeful that I'll be comfortable in the water. And if I'm not, I'm hopeful that my discomfort will help make others, particularly little kids, more comfortable in water.
I ask you to pledge your support to drowning prevention by making a donation of amy amount. My goal is $1000. I've kicked off my fundraising and ask for your support to reach this goal. Every dollar raised means drownings prevented and lives saved.
I also ask that you come out on September 24 and be a part of this event. Dave will be kayaking as my water guardian. I'll have his friendly face out there, and I'd welcome yours at the start or the finish. Come see what this group does. But be careful. Getting close might cause you to sign up for 2018!
Thank you for your cheerleading and support of this effort.
Taline
| Supporters | |||
| Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
| Barret & Richelle Criswell | 10/04/2017 | $50.00 | Yay!! Thank you for swimming and making it The Best Day Ever! | Anonymous Friend | 09/23/2017 | $300.00 | You've got this! | Caroline Davis | 09/17/2017 | $100.00 | You can do it! And yes, I will be there to cheer you on. This is a worthy cause. | Amy Bush | 09/15/2017 | $100.00 | Thank you for swimming! | Taline Manassian | 09/14/2017 | $300.00 |
| Total | $850.00 | ||