Slideshow: Swimmers raise $18,000 for Hospice

BY CHERYL SHUMWAYNorth Country This Week

NORWOOD — Dozen of swimmers ranging in age from four to senior citizens swam in the 16th annual Swim a Mile for Hospice at Norwood Beach August 1.

Over $18,000 was raised for Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

“We are encouraging a family event,”said Ruth Fishbeck, Executive Director at Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley

“It is so nice to have so many families here. It is outside, community-minded and supports a good cause,”she said.

New this year, the event added “Mini Swimmers” for children ages 4-7 who swim within a roped beach area for 15 minutes. Also added were “Hospice Juniors,” for ages 8-11 who complete a 1/8-mile swim to the buoy with life jackets.

“There were many parent-child swimmers. Since Hospice benefits the whole family, we’re excited to develop this into a family event,” said Kate Favaro, Hospice Outreach Coordinator.

Traditional swim options include a 1-mile swim, 1/2-mile swim, 1/4-mile swim, or the Super Fan option, which allows participants to fundraise without swimming.

Teresa Stone, in her 15th year in the Swim a Mile for Hospice,  had a special reason to participate this year.

“I am swimming in honor of my mother, Barbara Towne, of Canton, who I lost last December. I can’t imagine not having Hospice. It gave me comfort to have someone guiding me with her care,” said Stone.

“My mother sent me a rainbow int the sky this morning. She has been my biggest supporter and cheerleader, and she made sure she was with me today,” said Stone.

A mother-daughter team, Tommiann and Josephine Russell, of Potsdam, also swam in memory of two family members who received Hospice care.

"My grandmother died at age 96 this year. Hospice came into the house so she could stay in her Potsdam home where she was born and raised,” said Tommiann.

“My great aunt also received Hospice care, with a hospice home affiliated with University of Vermont,” she said.

Cynthia Morin, of Potsdam, has been a swimmer for all of the years since Swim a Mile for Hospice was started. She finished her half mile with a big smile on her face. She said she used to swim a whole mile, but has now cut back to a half mile.

“Thank you Norwood Lake Association for helping provide rescue boats/kayaks and Clarkson students for kayaking with the swimmers. It was a great 16th year,” said Michelle Garrow, Norwood Recreation Director, who helped organize the event.

Funds raised support hospice care, grief counseling, bereavement programs and community education services.

Donations to Hospice of St. Lawrence Vally can be made by visiting https://hospiceslv.org/