In less than two hours, the Holmdel Hurricanes Swim Team swiftly raised $6645 for the American Cancer Society at their annual swim-a-thon on July 7.
Swimmers, from ages five to eighteen years of age, solicited donations from friends and family. Coaches and parents then cheered them on while they swam the breast, butterfly, back and freestyle strokes to help the team raise nearly $2000 more than last year.
“It is incredible that we could raise so much more money with fewer swimmers this year,” said Lois-Marie Brooks, team member and co-coordinator of the marathon.
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According to Brooks, 90 swimmers swam 7784 laps, which equals 111 miles. The the top swimmer reached 211 laps, which is over three miles.
“The kids are doing a great job,” said Director of Special Events Brad Bennett, of the American Cancer Society, who was on site that day.
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According to Bennett, the money raised will be used for education, advocacy, and research, as well as patient and family services. A portion of the money will be used locally.
Bennett encouraged and thanked the swimmers. He raffled off some incentive prizes from the American Cancer Society. He also outlined the proper steps to preventing skin cancer and reinforced the importance of following them each time swimmers are in the sun.
The tireless swimmers were rewarded with a snack provided by parents and the satisfaction of being part of a worthwhile undertaking.
