Thanks to all your support, I swam 3 times further than I ever have before. 3.2 miles in 1:40!!! Overall, I swam 8.9 miles in 5 days and thought of PF patients each stroke of the way.
Drown Me in Donations
Family, Friends and Colleagues,
I am writing to ask for your help in the fight against Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF). I lost my father to this horrible disease in March of 2009.
Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) is a lung disorder characterized by progressive scarring and deterioration of the lungs, robbing its victims of their ability to breathe. Approximately 128,000 Americans suffer from this fatal disease with 40,000 Americans succumbing to it each year--the same number as breast cancer. Pulmonary Fribrosis receives only a fraction of the funding as does breast cancer research. Consequently, the breast cancer survival rate is now 87%, while a PF diagnosis is terminal.
There is no known cause, no FDA approved treatment, and no cure for Pulmonary Fibrosis!
For every dollar you donate, I will swim a yard in "open water" on Thursday, January 14, 2012.
Many of you are aware that I have been terrified of open water activities for most of my life. After my father passed away, I became determined to conquer this fear and enrolled in a swim camp in the Virgin Islands. I made the trip to St. John, promptly panicked and elected to cancel my participation. As I stood on the beach (to spectate) that first morning, the swim director turned and asked me "what are you afraid of?" My thoughts immediately turned to my father and his brave battle with PF. I next thought about the fear experienced by all Pulmonary Fibrosis patients and their loved ones. I promptly entered the water and spent a full week of challenging swims and drills while drawing strength from my father. Through images and thoughts of dad, I was able to calm my fear, fatigue and breathlessness.
I am returning to St. John in January to raise awareness for Pulmonary Fibrosis. My goal is to swim NO LESS than 1.2 miles (2,112 yards) which is the distance required for a half Ironman triathlon.
The more you donate, the further I must swim! So drown me in donations and keep my training efforts high!
All proceeds from this effort will go directly to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF). The CPF is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to accelerate research efforts leading to a cure for PF, while educating, supporting, and advocating for the community of patients, families, and medical professionals fighting this disease.
Thank you for your support!
Catherine