Vote for Stephen Redmond....today!

Stephen Redmond is a nominee for the 2012 World Open Water Swimmer, Man of the Year. He is the first person in history to complete the Oceans Seven Challenge.  It took him four attempts to swim Tsugaru Strait in Japan.  With his strong will and determination, he succeeded.  Stephen is currently in second place in the worldwide voting for this distinct recognition.  I am asking all my friends, family, co-workers, and anyone reading my blog, to vote today (anyone can vote). Voting ends on December 31 and the winner will be announced on January 1, 2013.  Please take a moment to cast your vote for a very worthy nominee. Thank you    http://www.worldopenwaterswimmingassociation.com/2012-wowsa-man-of-the-year-nominees

L.L. Bean video

I've been wearing the L.L. Bean, Bean Sport Tank swimsuit for the past few years during training and for my marathon swims.  I have found this style swimsuit to be very comfortable for short swims and for my marathon swims.  I wore this suit for my English Channel swim, Strait of Gibraltar, Catalina, and Tsugaru Strait swim.  I plan to wear it in 2013 for my swim of Cook Strait in New Zealand and the North Channel in Ireland as I pursue the Oceans Seven Challenge.    Please check out their website.  They filmed me a few months ago swimming in my all time favorite swimsuit the Bean Sport Tank.  http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/58780?page=beansport-tank&fb_action_ids=575540762461575&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%22575540762461575%22%3A10150494064608128%7D&action_type_map=%7B%22575540762461575%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=[]

Alexander Dale Oen

On February 14, 2013 the global swim event "Swim for your Heart..Feb14" will pay tribute to Norway's champion swimmer Alexander Dale Oen who died at the age of 26 from a heart attack while attending the Olympic training camp.  He was unaware that he had heart disease.   The global swim event encourages swimmers from recreational athletes to elite, to go for a swim on February 14 and send a donation to their favorite Heart charity or program.  In some countries, swimmers have invited their local medical team to come to pool side and offer free blood pressures, free cholesterol test and information on a heart healthy lifestyle.  So far, swimmers from 23 countries will be participating.  If you plan to participate and your country is not on the following list, please contact me. patgallant.charette@gmail.com
The 2013 list of countries:  England, USA, Mexico, Japan, Argentina, France, South Africa, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Greece, Bolivia, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Poland, India, Germany, Spain, Venezuela, Morocco, Georgia, Iran, Netherlands.

Global swim event....

In three months the global swim event "Swim for your Heart..Feb14" will promote heart disease awareness and prevention.  The 2013 event will be in memory of Norway's Champion swimmer Alexander Dale Oen who died from a heart attack at the age of 26 earlier this year.  He was unaware that he had heart disease.  I am asking swimmers worldwide to contact their local heart center and invite them to poolside or open water venue (in warmer climates) to provide free blood pressures and cholesterol test to all swimmers.  Please visit the non-profit website for ideas on event planning.  http://www.swimforyourheartfeb14.com
On February 14,  I will be sending a donation to my favorite heart charity in memory of Alexander and my brother Robbie who died unexpectedly at the age of 34 from a heart attack. Robbie was a record breaking swimmer, too.   I hope you will join me in thought and action on February 14, 2013.   Thank you.   Contact info:  patgallant.charette@gmail.com

Go VOTE !

Voting has started at the website,  World Open Water Swimming Association.  There are 15 nominees in each category.  Anyone can vote.  Please visit their website and read all the nominations and VOTE.  Thank you.http://www.worldopenwaterswimmingassociation.com/2012-wowsa-woman-of-the-year-nominees/

2012 WOWSA Nominations

It's been a very exciting week with the announcement of the 2012 World Open Water Swimmer Award nominees for Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, and Performance of the Year.  The new category of "Offering" of the year will be announced soon.  I read all of the nominations and all are very deserving of this distinct honor.   It is a great honor for me to be nominated in the "Woman of the Year" category.  However, as a grandmother and nurse, I was very touched by fellow nominee Annaleise Carr, 14 year old marathon swimmer from Canada, who completed a swim across Lake Ontario in 26 hours and 11 minutes. She swam to raise funds for Camp Trillium (a camp for children stricken with cancer).  Annaleise raised over $230,000.
I will be voting for Annaleise for "Woman of the Year".  She touched the hearts of everyone with her epic swim and awareness for such a worthy cause. I encourage all my friends and family to read all nominees in each category and vote on November 1st.  Please visit the website: Daily News of Open Water Swimming.  Thank you.

Tsugaru Swim.....dedicated to Sherri Kelley.

My second attempt to swim a solo crossing of Tsugaru Strait in Japan was the most difficult swim of my career. Moments before the start of the swim, my crew of Pat Whitney, Yoko Aoshima and I placed our hands one on top of the other and I said, "Robbie and Johnny I am thinking of you. But today, this swim is dedicated to Sherri Kelley." We gave a rousing cheer for her.  My young neighbor is undergoing chemotherapy for her cancer.  She has inspired everyone with her courage, strength, and determination in fighting this illness.       My swim started at Tappi Point on the western peninsula on the island of Honshu.  I was being monitored and following the rules of the Tsugaru Strait Swimming Association. The Strait looked like a pond compared to the previous day of turbulent conditions.  Weather and predicted currents were favorable for a crossing. I soon discovered that looks can be deceiving...currents were against me. Within the first five minutes, I was stung by a jellyfish....it was painful but not excruciating. By the fifth hour of my swim, I was swimming hard and making progress to midway of the shipping lane. With only five miles to the finish and several hours of daylight remaining, I assumed that I would complete my swim before darkness.... I was wrong! I felt reassured that the Tsugaru Swimming Association president Mr.Haruyuki Ishii had contacted the Coast Guard to obtain permission to swim at night, if needed.  We got permission prior to my swim. I continued to count the number of times I got stung by jellyfish... I kept thinking of what Sherri was going through and a sting paled compared to chemotherapy.  The swift current pushed me off course significantly.  My main observer Isao Makabe kept a very close watch on my swim and I felt safe.  He timed my stroke rate and monitored my feedings. My boat pilot Kenji Kadowaki and co-pilot Youichi Kadowaki did an incredible job by staying at my side and steering me in the right direction.  My crew was trained to look for helpful currents, too,  but none was to be found. Yoko and Pat never took a break. They worked very, very hard by looking for good currents, preparing my feeds, showing signs, counting my strokes, giving encouragement, and making recommendations. During my feedings,  my crew surprised me with several photos of my young grandchildren attached to my water bottle.  It was very special!  As darkness approached, I knew that jellyfish stings would increase....suddenly I was startled by small two-inch fish that tried to bite my fingertips.  It didn't hurt...they didn't have any teeth.  But it was annoying to have about twenty of these little creatures attach themselves to my fingers and I had to flick my wrist to get them off.  The current was now getting a little weaker and I was on course to Hakodate.  I was looking forward to the finish. It seemed endless due to the 112 jellyfish stings. My official time was 19 hours and 36 minutes with a distance of 33 miles. Mr. Ishii confirmed that I set a new record for the oldest person to swim the Tsugaru Strait (age 61).  I owe this record to Sherri because she inspired me to never give up and take one moment at a time.  Sherri, thank you. 

SWIM UPDATE:
Pat has done it! She has finished her swim!
33miles with a time of 19hours and 36minutes!
She reports being stung over 100 times by jelly fish and even got bit several times on her fingers by small fish. She now has 1.5 hour ride back to camp.
I am sure once she is rested, she will update the blog and give more details.
WOOOOOHOOOOO!
Way to go MOM:)

I would like to add a very special thank you to Yoko Aoshima and Pat Whitney (her crew of two) that did a fabulous job monitoring Pat during the swim and providing nourishment and encouragement along the way.
And thank you to all of you that joined us on this AWESOME JOURNEY! Pat appreciated all the words of encouragement!

SWIM UPDATE:
17 hours and counting; she swims on and on and on......
"3.7 miles to go....
Pat is swimming 0.5-1.0miles/hour
High humidity.
Air Temp 24C"
-Yoko

Yoko reports that the other swimmer that started yesterday with Mom is STILL SWIMMING TOO!
Let's keep praying and cheering for them both!
Mom would be the oldest woman to complete the swim in the World and the other woman swimmer would be the 1st woman EVER to complete the "Ocean 7 Swim"!

SWIM UPDATE:
8:45PM Japan (7:45a.m. Eastern Standard time)
15.5 hours of swimming..............
 "Less than 5 miles to go...
still no wind, waves, or currents.
Pat is swimming 1.2miles/hr"
-Yoko

SWIM UPDATE:
7:15pm in Japan (6:15a.m. Eastern Time zone)
14 hours of swimming.
"7 Miles to go.....
Pat is swimming 1.5-2.0miles/hour.
Her stroke is keeping strongly.
No wind. No waves. No current.....
We can see many stars in the sky.
GPS N 37.6, E 37.6"
-Yoko

SWIM UPDATE:
"13 hours of swimming. 9.2miles to Hokkaido.
She is swimming 2miles/hour
No current...She is continuously swimming strongly.
I said 'You can finish!'

Pat answered 'I will do!'
'Sarah, you have a super Mother!'
-Yoko

Yoko, "YES. I. Do."
-Sarah:)

SWIM UPDATE:
12 hours of swimming.....
"Still no current. No wind. No waves. Pat swims strongly. We need the current pushing her. 10.8miles to Hakodate....the sun is going to set.
GPS N 34.13, E 36.77"
-Yoko

SWIM UPDATE:
 Swimming 11 hours and traveled over 20 miles in the water so far. Still no current in the water.
"we need current before dark"
 
SWIM UPDATE:
Daylight is running out in Japan.
"We have NO current. She makes her distance by herself with speed of 1.2miles/hr. We need good current to push her." reports Yoko. GPS N 32.8, E 36.1

SWIM UPDATE:
10 hours into swim. Pat is still waiting for a current. They can see Hakodate. Pat is doing great. Hot air temperature of 28c. GPS N 31.06, E 35.02

SWIM UPDATE:
8.5 hours into the swim. Yoko reports Pat is doing great!
Today the Taugaru Strait is not windy and no waves= no current.
Pat is working hard and is putting the distance behind her. Remarkable!!
They are waiting for a current. GPS location N 29.22, E 34.32.
 

SWIM UPDATE:
7.5 hours of swimming. The water is calm and it is hot on the boat.
Pat is swimming with a side current running west to east at a pace of 1.2-1.5miles/hr.

SWIM UPDATE:
At aprox 6 hours into swim Pat has completed 1/2 the channel swim
According to GPS she is now 25.07 N, 31.08E
Pat is doing GREAT.
Over the last 2 hours she has been swimming at a rate of 2miles/hour
-Yoko

SWIM UPDATE:
 At roughly 9:11a.m. Japan time (8:11p.m. Eastern Standard time), with 4 hours of swimming, Pat has made it aprox 8 miles. She is currently swimming in the international ship lane.
There are very stong currents pushing her to the Pacific.
She needs to continue to work really hard and is doing well.
She has jellyfish stings, but says she is doing "fine".
-Yoko

SWIM UPDATE:
At aprox 5 hours of swimming , she is 1/2 way through the shipping lane.
She is doing well and has said to the Captain "Great Job!".
She is full of smiles.
-Yoko

SWIM UPDATE:
07:11a.m. Japan time (6:11pm Eastern Standard time)
2 hours of swimming; 3 miles down!
It is a beautiful day!
The sky is clear blue.
Water condition is CALM.
 Pat is continuously working hard
-Yoko

SWIM UPDATE:
Pat has started her swim at Tappi, Aomori at 05:11 a.m. Japan time
(4:11p.m. Eastern Standard time).
 Water temp 26.5c
Air Temp 23c
Conditions: calm (so far)
Pat's condition: good

It's nail biting time....

It's a go!  My second attempt of swimming Tsugaru Strait will start on Wednesday at 4 p.m.  Eastern standard time in Maine.  Because of the time zone change in Japan, I will start my swim on Thursday at 5 a.m   Japanese time.  I will be starting from the western peninsula called Tappi located on the island of Honshu.  I will swim to the northern island of Hokkaido.  My new friend Anna Carin-Nordin, a champion Swedish swimmer, will start at the same location.  I feel well prepared for my swim. I've been receiving words of encouragement from all over the world.  It was a great honor for me to receive an email from Ireland's Steven Redmond, the first person in history to successfully complete the Ocean's Seven Challenge....he wished me good luck.  I've been deeply touched from all the emails I received from back home......the great State of Maine.  Thank you.  My crew has been a tremendous help.  Yoko has been very busy translating and Pat Whitney has been a wonderful support.  I can't thank them enough.  A special thanks to my husband Jim and children for their support.

Mother nature wins this time

Today I attempted to swim Tsugaru Strait from the northern island of Hokkaido to the mainland of Honshu.  After swimming for nearly 4 hours in a circle due to
very strong currents, the official offered a restart.   I accepted.  I will probably swim on Thursday or Friday...depending on weather conditions.  My crew did a fantastic job.  Another swimmer, Anna Carin Nordin from Sweden decided to restart her swim after seven hours of swimming.  Anna is attempting to become the first woman in history to complete the Ocean's Seven Challenge.  Mother nature won this time, but we're hoping she will be kinder.  Both of us got stung by jellyfish about 50 times each.  Hopefully the next start  will be at a different location.  I will post tomorrow night about the next swim attempt.

At 08:38a.m. (7:38 pm Eastern Standard time) Pat's Japan swim attempt was stopped due to strong water currents.
Yoko reports that Pat is feeling fine and they are heading back to camp.
I don't know at this point if Pat will have an opportunity (or be allowed) to re-try her swim attempt as her swim slot is only until 9/14/2012.
I will update the blog once I get more information from either Pat or Yoko.

SWIM UPDATE:
Swim has Started at 5:05 am (Japan time)
Rain.
Water temp 26c
Ocean is calm, good conditions.

EMAIL UPDATE FROM PAT:
It's still raining but the winds have subsided.  My swim will start approximately on Monday at 3p.m Maine (Eastern time zone) and in Japan it will be at 4a.m on Tuesday morning.  I have permission to start on the western peninsula.  I'm having meeting with boat pilot to discuss location of start due to change of wind direction expected later in my swim.  If Yoko Aoshima has cell phone connection, she will send 3 emails to Sarah Charette for posting on the blog.  I feel well rested and ready to face the most difficult swim challenge of my career. My swim will be dedicated to Sherri Kelley; I will swim in her honor.
Keep your fingers crossed for great conditions.

Waiting and waiting!

High winds are predicted for the next few days......so we are waiting for improved conditions.  The Japanese people have been very friendly and welcoming.  I will update in a few days.

Tsugaru Strait....here I come!

In a few days I will be departing from the great state of Maine to attempt a solo swim across the Tsugaru Strait in Japan.  I will be swimming from the main island of Japan, Honshu to the north island of Hokkaido.  It will be the most challenging swim of my career.  So far this year, no swimmers have successfully crossed the 12 mile grueling channel from the eastern peninsula known for its strong currents and very windy conditions....mother nature dictated their outcome.  From the western peninsula two solo swimmers were successful, Stephen Redmond from Ireland and Darren Miller from the USA.  Also, a Japanese relay team had a successful crossing from the western peninsula. My slot is September 7 to the 14th. Since cell phone reception is poor in that location, the outcome of my swim will not be announced until we arrive back to our hotel and connect to Wi-Fi.  My family will make the announcement regardless of the outcome.  Crew member Yoko Aoshima and Pat Whitney will be a tremendous help during my swim.  It is a great honor for me to have them as my crew.  My swim will be dedicated to my young neighbor Sherri Kelley.  She has shown great strength and determination in fighting her cancer.  I will be thinking of Sherri and her husband Patrick and four young sons. I would like to thank my husband and children for being very supportive of my endeavors.  Also, many thanks to Lake Region Imports (Westbrook) for their support. A special thank you to my co-workers for their words of encouragement.  And, a special thank you to L.L.Bean for their quality swimsuit that I have worn for my English Channel, Strait of Gibraltar, and Catalina Channel swims....I'll be wearing it during my Tsugaru attempt.  Mother Nature will predict the outcome of my swim.  If I succeed, it will be a World Record for the oldest person to swim Tsugaru Strait at the age of 61.  If Mother Nature is not on my side, I will proudly return home knowing that I did my very best.

HE DID IT! HE DID IT! HE DID IT!

Ireland's Stephen Redmond successfully swam Tsugara Strait in Japan to become the first person in history to complete Oceans Seven.  This was his fourth attempt. His previous attempts were aborted due to strong winds and currents pushing him off course. Today, he proved to the world that his unending determination and endurance prevailed.  Way to go, Steve!   You are an inspiration to all!  Congratulations!

A tribute to Alexander Dale Oen

When 26-year-old Norwegian world champion swimmer Alexander Dale Oen died at a swim training camp in Arizona, our swim world was stunned and devastated.  Again, it was with great sadness to read the final report of his death posted by the Aftenposten website.   He died from "Coronary artery disease, narrowing of the blood vessels in the heart muscle due to serious atherosclerosis".  Also,the report mentioned that he "suffered small heart attacks a few months prior to his death. His complaints of shoulder discomfort was thought to be an injury was probably related to his heart disease." 
My deepest and sincere sympathy to his family, friends, and fellow swimmers.  I never knew Alexander but I feel the pain of his loss because my 34 year old brother died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack,too.  Robbie was the swim captain of Northeastern University in Boston (USA).  Robbie was diagnosed with very high cholesterol levels and tryglycerides.  Today, there is treatment that would have helped my brother and Alexander.  Our swim community must bring an awareness of heart disease prevention and early treatment.  Next year, the 3rd annual global swim event called "Swim for your Heart..Feb14" will help bring this awareness in our community on a local level.  I'm asking swimmers worldwide to contact their local heart center or hospital and ask them to offer free blood pressures and cholesterol test to all swimmers from recreational to elite swimmers at poolside on February 14.  A medical team can distribute literature on prevention.   I'm inviting the country of Norway to participate as a tribute to Alexander.   I hope you will join me in this global effort.  Please visit the non-profit website for ideas on event planning http://swimforyourheartfeb14.com    or contact patgallant.charette@gmail for further information.  Thank you.

Penny Palfrey a woman of courage

Australian Penny Palfrey attempted to swim from Cuba to the United States.  After swimming for 40 hours and 3/4 of the distance to the finish, she was pulled from the water. The Strait of Florida is known for their aggressive marine life of sharks and jellyfish. She is to be applauded for her valiant and heroic effort.  Penny is an incredible endurance athlete. She continues to inspire me and millions of people to reach for their dreams.

Stephen Redmond a man of courage.

After swimming thirteen hours in Japan's Tsugaru Strait, Stephen Redmond's second swim attempt was stopped due to strong currents pushing him off course. He was bidding to become the first person in history to swim the Oceans' Seven Challenge.   Stephen is a man of great courage and strength.  The agony of defeat dealt by Mother Nature is felt by all.   However, with Stephen's great determination, he will return and become victorious.  As of this morning, no announcement has been made of his plans for his next attempt.   

Go Steve!

Ireland's marathon swimmer Steven Redmond has been given a second chance to swim Tsugaru Strait today.  The weather forecast is good for the beginning of his swim but then it worsens.  If the Japanese Coast Guard and the Tsugaru Strait Swim Association official decide that winds are treacherous, the swim is stopped.  Safety is the number one concern for swimmer and crew.  I'm sending positive thoughts to Japan for calm conditions.  I want Steve to become the first person in history to complete the epic Oceans' Seven Challenge. And, now it's nail biting time for everyone tracking his progress.  Go Steve!

Heart breaker for Steve Redmond

It was a heartbreaking attempt of Japan's Tsugaru Strait by Ireland's Steve Redmond.  After several hours of swimming and still feeling strong, weather conditions deteriorated and his swim was stopped.  Safety of swimmer and crew is always a priority. Weather will always dictate the outcome of a swim.  Steve was attempting his final challenge of the Oceans' Seven to become the first person in history to accomplish this mighty feat. Once the weather improves, I'm hoping  Steve will have the opportunity to attempt the Strait again.  I know that he can do it and the world does too.  Go Steve!

Tsugaru Strait Swim

In less than three month I will be swimming the Tsugaru Strait in Japan. I will start my swim from Honshu (mainland of Japan) and finish in Hokkaido (an island north on Honshu). It's a distance of 12 miles.  However, strong currents and headwinds may increase the distance covered to 20 miles. I'm hoping to finish with a time between 10 to 14 hours (or less) and to set a world record for the oldest person to swim it at the age of 61.   My training is going very well...I'm currently swimming 5 days a week.  And, YES, I am still working as a nurse and helping to care for my three young grandchildren ages 4 years, 20 months and 4 months.    Next week, I will be extending my training schedule to include some very long swims of 5+ hours in a day to prepare for my Tsugaru swim. Crew training will be starting soon.  I am very pleased to have my good friends Yoko Aoshima and Pat Whitney as my crew. And, as always my husband and children are very supportive of my swim adventures.  Looking forward to a great time in Japan.

Open Water Pedia

My favorite resource on open water swimming is an online website called "Open Water Pedia" http://openwaterpedia.com .  I would highly recommend all open water swimmers to visit this site.  It has the most comprehensive data available....Check it out...You won't be disappointed.

Oceans Seven Challenge

  This year history will be made in the marathon swim world with a swimmer successfully completing the Oceans Seven Challenge.  It is expected that in June, Ireland's Stephen Redmond will complete his 7th swim of the challenge when he swims the Tsugaru Strait in Japan.  Likewise, Australia's Penney Palfrey is expected to complete her 7th swim of the  challenge in August by swimming the North Channel(between Ireland and Scotland). I wish both of them success in their final swim of the challenge.     The Ocean Seven Challenge is the swim equivalent of climbing the seven highest summits.  Each swim has a unique set of challenges.  The Oceans Sevens include the following:  1.  English Channel (between England and France).  2.  Strait of Gibraltar (between Spain and Africa).   3.  Catalina Channel (between Catalina Island and the mainland of California).   4. Cook Strait (between the North and South Island of New Zealand).  5.  Tsugaru Strait (between the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido in Northern Japan).  6. Irish Channel (between Ireland and Scotland).  7.  Molakai Channel (between the islands of Oahu and Molakai Islands in Hawaii). 
   I love a challenge....so I will be attempting the Oceans Seven.  I have already completed the English Channel, Catalina Channel, and the Strait of Gibraltar.   In September, I will be going to Japan to swim the Tsugaru Strait.  Also, I am booked to swim Cook Strait in New Zealand for the 2013 February/March swim season.   But in the meantime, I continue to work as a nurse, involved in a very busy family life...I help care for my three young grandchildren ( 3 1/2 years old, 17 months, and one month old), and promote "Swim for your Heart..Feb 14"to bring an awareness of heart disease and prevention,  and train for my marathon swims... My day is full and happy :-)

2012 Slide Show of "Swim for your Heart..Feb 14"

I just posted the slide show of the 2012 "Swim for your Heart..Feb14" global swim event.  It's located on the lower right column of this blog.  It was a great event worldwide.   And, now the countdown to February 14, 2013.

Global Swim Event

In less than twenty-four hours, swimmers worldwide will join in thought and action to bring an awareness of heart disease and prevention by joining "Swim for your Heart..Feb 14".  Swimmers from twenty-nine countries will be participating.  You are welcomed to join us.  It's easy!  Go for a swim on February 14 and send a donation to your favorite heart charity or heart program. Our goal is to bring awareness to heart disease, its prevention, and to educate and support Heart Programs throughout the world.  Here in the great state of Maine (my home state), there are fourteen locations where swimmers will be participating. In northern Maine, Eastern Maine Medical Center has joined with the American Heart Association of Maine in promoting their event at several locations. Proceeds will go to the American Heart Association of Maine.  In southern Maine,  Maine Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitation Turning Points has promoted this event at several locations.  The Maine Heart Center will be at each location in southern Maine at designated times to provide free blood pressures, free cholesterol test, and heart healthy pamphlets. Proceeds will go to MMC Turning Points.  For further information on schedule of events and to send a donation please visit the website http://swimforyourheartfeb14.com  and view "The Maine Event". Last Saturday, Olympic Gold Medalist Ian Crocker came to Maine to help promote this event. He met with hundreds of swimmers and parents in a "meet and greet" at several pool locations.  He was joined by David Cimmet who helped promote this event. Ian's mother who has been instrumental in organizing the southern Maine event.  It was an honor for me to be part of this group.  Please consider making a donation to your favorite heart charity.  Thank you. 

Update on global swim event....

In one month the 2nd annual global swim event "Swim for your Heart..Feb 14" will take place. Swimmers worldwide will join in thought and action to bring an awareness of heart disease and prevention. So far, there are swimmers from 22 countries participating....YOU CAN JOIN IN!  It's easy!   Go for a swim on February 14 and send a donation to your favorite heart charity. It's not to late to plan an event at your local pool or open water venue. Please visit the website http://swimforyourheartfeb14.com and read "Event Planning".
I'm very proud to live in the state of Maine...swimmers from all over the state are planning events to raise awareness of heart disease and prevention on the 14th of February. At some locations, free blood pressures, free blood glucose and free cholesterol screening will be offered. In addition, pamphlets on healthy heart lifestyle will be distributed. The Maine Heart Center will have staff at several locations at designated times to provide free information on heart health.  Also, Olympic Gold Medalist Ian Crocker will be in Maine to promote this event. It is an honor to have him support this cause.  The Maine Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitation Center will receive proceeds from swimmers in southern Maine.   In northern Maine swimmers will be sending donations to the American Heart Association of Maine.   And, many swimmers are donating to both heart charities.
  My brother Robbie died suddenly and unexpectedly of heart attack at the age of 34....it was a devastating loss. There are no words to describe the grief experienced by my family.
  We will be participating on February 14...Please join us in this very worthy cause........thank you.

Global Swim Event...Feb 14

You are invited to participate in the global swim event "Swim for Your Heart..Feb 14" to bring an awareness of heart disease and prevention. It's easy! Go for a swim on February 14 and send a donation to your local heart foundation, or local hospital cardiac unit, or local rescue unit. For a large swim event at your local pool or open water venue, please visit the non-profit website http://swimforyourheartfeb14.com and read "Event Planning".
Thank you.