Mike Ford has been involved in Swim Across America, a nonprofit dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment, for 16 years. The battle is a personal one for him and his daughter, Kiera, because many dear friends and relatives have been stricken by the terrible disease. Ford, captain of Team Hope, is grateful to all of the participants in this year’s fundraising swims.
The team had a successful summer. In all, 61 pool swimmers and 15 open water swimmers swam a ½ mile, mile or 5K and combined raised more than $86,000. This brings Team Hope’s 12-year total to $898,000.
“None of this summer’s success would have been possible without the dedicated support of Laureen Keenan, Jen DeSena, Ninfa Baron, Robin Camera, Caroline Smith and Lori Tyras,” said Ford. “I am very grateful to each of them for all that they have done.”
Ford also thanks the management and staff of North Hempstead Country Club for their cooperation and support in hosting a recent event for Team Hope swimmers, friends and families.
“I am also very thankful to the Manhasset Press and the Port Washington News for their extensive coverage and their help in telling our compelling story to our neighbors and friends,” Ford added.
Ford sent a letter and photos to all of his team members. “I hope that when the winter snows come, [they] will be able to look back on [the photos] and smile,” he said. “I also hope that as spring turns to summer, they will once again join us and help Team Hope ‘make waves to fight cancer.’”
Read more about Team Hope’s fundraising efforts here. For more information or to donate, visit www.swimacrossamerica.org.
