Be inspired by some of our top fundraisers!

Andy Chasen
Raised $7,075 in 2011

Andy Chasen got involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training after losing two people to Leukemia and Lymphoma in the first half of 2011. His Uncle Mel Manin died in February after a sudden and short battle with Leukemia. Soon afterwards his college friend, Larry Hettleman, succumbed to Lymphoma after a long battle.

Andy had done a few swims across the Hudson River, but they were from Newburgh to Beacon and were only one mile. The Hudson River Swim from Nyack to Sleepy Hollow was 3 miles. This meant that he would have to learn to swim free style (aka crawl) as opposed to his more comfortable breast stroke. This would certainly be a challenge. The TNT coaches were invaluable here.

Fundraising was a new experience for Andy. He had been a supporter of many events and charities, but the idea of asking others to support LLS was another challenge. However, it turned out to be easier than anticipated and a lot of fun as well. After the initial email blast describing the swim and the cause, the contributions started coming. It wasn’t just money, but also stories about how various friends have been effected by blood cancers that was truly moving. Having a new connection with old friends was extra special.

Throughout the training process, the support and encouragement of Andy’s contributors made it much easier. He sincerely thanks everybody.

Michael Blau
Raised $5,280 in 2011

Michael has been interested in completing the swim across the Hudson River for a number of years, but never committed to the event. However, when one of his co-workers contracted Lymphoma, he decided it was time to commit to the swim and to generate donations to help the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He guesees that he needed someone close to him to contract Lymphoma in order to push him to commit.

Michael swam in high school and participated in college water polo, but that was a long time ago. He continued to swim for exercise, but never distances beyond one mile. The Team in Training provided him guidance and assistance in open water swimming as well as distance training.

When it came time for fundraising, he went through all of his addresses to decide who he would send a note to let them know he was swimming across the Hudson River and the wonderful charity where the money would be directed. The response from friends, family and business associates were positive, although they thought Michael was a little crazy for swimming across the river. However, since he had made the commitment to do the swim, they made the commitment to him and gave to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Some of the donations required a second and third reminder, but everyone came through for the charity. The support from all of his contributors provided him motivation when he did not feel like training.

Kayaker Darryl Moy
Raised $1,425 in 2011

Darryl learned his water safety in a canoe as a Boy Scout. Now living along the Hudson River he was enticed into kayaking to explore the area. Three years ago his wife pointed out a news article on the LLS Swim Across the Hudson and suggested that he participate as a kayaker. "I've paddled up and down the Hudson and Croton Rivers but never across and thought this would be a great experience for a noble cause. And it would give me a new mode of cross-training along with a goal. It takes a lot of energy to paddle for 4+ hours and the river conditions can change in an instant. You need to be prepared, for yourself and for the safety of the swimmers. Plus I've lost 15 pounds and taken 2-3 inches off my waist since doing this...you gotta love that."

In addition to the Swim Across the Hudson, Darryl also supports the Sleepy Hollow Sprint Triathlon, the Jarden Westchester Triathlon, and Team-in-Training swim clinics, all LLS-related endurance events. "I love being able to give back while doing something I enjoy. These events are fun and I've met great people. I give credit to all of the LLS staff, volunteers, and participants who are putting in the time and effort to make a difference and help to find a cure for cancer. And its inspirational to see the swimmers complete these events, especially athletes like Tiara Simmons, http://hudsonriverswim.org/clippings/2009JournalNewsTiara.html a double-amputee who's story prompted me to get involved with the swim."

Darryl is embarrassed to admit that this was the first year he got serious about fund-raising. "The first year I signed up and came out to paddle. The second year my wife signed up to volunteer (registration), signing me up at the same time. This year I registered myself, setup my personal fund-raising web page, sent emails out to family and friends, and linked the fund-raising web page to my Facebook account. It was very easy to do. So many people believe in battling cancer that I had to reset my financial goal five times as more and more people donated, what a wonderful feeling!"

Team OXYGEN
Raised $13,940 in 2010 (Overall Raised since 2007: $52,045!)

Team Oxygen has grown tremendously since they started participating in The Hudson River Swim For Life in 2007. Nowadays the team consists of swimmers Marjorie Lang, Emma Cornfield, Norma Jean Longfield, Nancy Palmieri, Amanda Bassmann, Mark Pasdon, Paul Fixler, JP Enders-Fein, Michael Postles, Bryan "Iggy Jr." Black, Michael "Iggy" Black, Lauren Gaita, and Elaine Rampone; kayakers Ryan Prendergast, Leia Schlichthernlein, Mickey Mann and Donna Mann; and power boat support from John Simonetti.

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.

THE RIVERTOWN RAYS
Raised over $18,000 for the 2010 Swim

The Rivertown Rays are a USA Swimming Club team that practices at Pace University in Pleasantville and is coached by Jeff McClung of Sleepy Hollow. They are a very close-knit group and this is their fourth swim for charity, second Hudson River Swim for Life. Most of the senior swimmers have been with Coach McClung since they started swimming competitively several years ago. This year we had a whole group of junior swimmers, their parents and siblings doing the one mile swim alongside their coach, Regina Davide, while Coach McClung crossed the river with the seniors. We also had several parents who kayaked and canoed.

There are many reasons that the Rays take part in the Swim for Life but probably the most important is that they can! By being able to use something that they do every day and be able to use it to make a difference… that is what is important to them. And being fortunate enough to do it with you teammates, coaches, friends and family, in honor of those who have battled cancer, makes them proud.

JOSEPH BACHANA
Raised over $4,000 for the 2010 Swim

Joseph Bachana decided to participate in The 2010 Hudson River Swim For Life as he wanted to do something challenging as a testament to his uncle who passed away of Lymphoma in the summer. His uncle was a vigorous man even into his old age, and it was very difficult for Joe to see him get leveled so quickly by blood cancer. Another uncle and an aunt of his also died years ago from Lymphoma, so blood cancer has really hit home for Joe.

He quickly asked his company for a donation and then set-up a webpage in order to collect donations. Joe emailed business partners, vendors he works with as well as training partners from his other athletic events. He also posted his webpage on Facebook and Twitter. Joe’s uncle is sure to be proud of him as he completed the swim and raised $4,231 for the fight against blood cancer.

JENNIFER O'MARA
Raised $500 as a kayaker for the 2010 Swim

Jennifer knows that as a kayaker her main responsibility was to be there to support the swimmers. However, she took it upon herself to email friends and family and ask them to donate to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She feels that it’s up to each of us to help find a cure. Next year she hopes to get some of her friends to participate as well as raise even more money.

Neil Boyle
Raised $5,243 in 2009

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 prepared 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.

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.

Edward Kipperman
Raised $5,050 in 2009

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.”

Lauren Perschetz
Raised $4,754 in 2009

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 who 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.

Anne and Dusty Putnam
Raised $4,320 in 2009

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.