Who we are, and what we're doing:
We are both current university students who are hoping make a difference in the world and while we have both made a great start, we want to do something to challenge ourselves and the people around us to dream big. In July 2014 we will be attempting a swim across the Strait of Georgia from Sechelt BC to Naniamo BC, approximately 35km of open ocean. We are swimming to raise awareness about the challenges that women face when diagnosed with cervical, breast, uterine and vulvar cancer, and to raise funds to support researchers who are searching for better treatments for women's cancers.
What We Need:
Training for the swim (aside from gym membership) has been relatively inexpensive thanks to our long-distance coach, Ali, donating his time to make a training plan. The actual swim, however, requires more financial investment to ensure not only our safety but the enjoyment of everyone involved - including those people donating their time to help us on the day of the swim:
- We need good wetsuits - we have found some good and cheap(er) ones, but cheap in the wetsuit world is still a decent chunk of change!
- Our lifeguard & paramedic team needs to have some safety equipment (IV's in case we become dehydrated or hypothermic, general first aid stuff). Safety equipment, oddly enough, is not cheap. Some of these things we have already acquired, other's are specific to the swim and we will need to purchase.
- We were lucky enough to find a gentleman to captain a Yacht for us- however fuel is still expensive. We need not only his yacht fuelled but also his smaller Zodiac, as it will be the one to maneuver close to us to get us food/water as well as rescue us (if need be).
What impact will your donation have?
We are passionate about doing what we can to eliminate cancer, especially women's cancers because they have affected our families and friends, and in the future it may even directly affect ourselves. We love to challenge ourselves physically and mentally, and swimming across the Straight of Georgia (35km) seems like a perfect opportunity to do just that. Physical activity is one of the best ways to prevent cancer, and while we are swimming to raise money to support the cancer researchers who are looking for better treatments, we will also be setting an example for our friends and family about the importance of staying active.
- Funds raised here will help us complete our swim and raise more funds
- Kaylynn and Caryn have both independently raised over 1000$ in the past to donate to cancer research - hopefully we can do it again, and then some!
- Safety equipment is imperative to an event like this, not only for exhaustion but also to prevent hypothermia, and is very expensive
Want to help out in other ways?
We understand it can be difficult to contribute financially, but we are looking for people to help in other ways:
- Spread the word! Tell your friends and family about our fundraiser, share it on Facebook orTwitter
- Volunteer to organize an event leading up to the swim (July 19)
- Attend the beach where we'll be landing (there might be free food!)
- We're still open to other fundraising ideas - send us yours!
