Supporters “Swim A Mile” for women’s cancer research
on October 8, 2012
Sporting a pink scarf around her newly shaved head and a black baseball cap with pink rhinestone accents, Debra Hagan watched her sister swim Saturday afternoon.
Hagan, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, was moved to tears as she supported her sister at the 17th annual Swim A Mile for Women with Cancer. “I’m here as her cheerleader,” Hagan said. “I’m not a swimmer, but I can sure can cheer her on.”
The annual event is sponsored by the Women’s Cancer Resource Center, an Oakland-based organization that provides services to cancer patients.
At Saturday’s fundraiser, hundreds of women in bathing suits—many with the names of cancer patients or survivors scrawled in colored ink across their backs—jumped into the swimming pools at Mills College in Oakland to help raise money for cancer research.
Participants of all ages swam laps, walked or even used paddles to help them get to the finish: 45 laps in the pool completed the mile-long swim. Some swam alone and others partnered up to walk in pairs and encourage each other.
Upbeat music ranging from the popular song “Call Me Maybe” to the “Cupid Shuffle” filled the air. Tables stacked with fruit, cookies, bagels and other snacks were provided for Swim A Mile participants and spectators.
The event brought together swimmers of all ages to raise money for WCRC. The event is the center’s largest fundraiser and swimmers raise a third of the annual budget, said Peggy McGuire, the center’s executive director. “Every penny goes into service for women with cancer in the East Bay,” she said.
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- A swimmer sits poolside, moments before jumping in to help raise money at the 17th annual Swim a Mile for Women with Cancer event.
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- Shonda Scott, founder of the Pink Access Foundation, gives a high five to a supporter in the crowd. The non-profit organization, which provides support services to cancer patients, donated $4,000 to Saturday’s event.
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- A young swimmer takes a break from the event and grabs a snack from the refreshment table. The Swim a Mile drew participants of all ages to help raise money for cancer research.
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- Debra Hagan, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, watches her sister swim at the fundraiser. “I’m here as her cheerleader,” Hagan said. “I’m not a swimmer, but I can sure can cheer her on.”
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- Swim a Mile participants fill out cards to let the crowd know who they are honoring while they swim. For many, these names bring more meaning to the event.
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- Sandy Kurtz, who has participated in the annual Swim a Mile five times, posts a list of names to honor on Saturday. “I can swim, it’s something I can do,” she said. “I can’t do everything, but that’s a little thing I can do.”
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