This is not the story of a travel far from home, but of the journey to a new and improved spiritual state. Every year for the last thirteen years on the second Wednesday in July, the Lance Armstrong Foundation in association with Different Strokes Swim Shop puts on an open water swim in order to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I first heard about the event four years ago from a teammate on my summer swim team. Up until this year, I could not over come my fear of swimming in untreated water to participate in this event with my friends and teammates. I always “woke up with a fever” the morning of the event and stayed home.
As the sun broke this July morning, I had already been up for several hours contemplating ways to avoid diving into that frigid dirty water. An excuse so good there could be no doubt on anyone’s mind that I was once again to afraid to get in and swim. Swimming in lakes, oceans, rivers and virtually any type of water that has not been treated, or where I cannot see the bottom has always frightened me. The thought of swimming a mile in the Detroit River was simply not feasible.. “I’m not going to wimp out again this year. I will swim this with my team!” My motivational thoughts, while quite cheesy, were comforting. As the clock struck six and my alarm sounded I rolled out of bed and decided there could be no harm in just going down to check out the event with the team.
At seven sharp the van carrying all of my teammates laid on its horn in my driveway, too excited to care if it woke any of my neighbors. This was it. I was going to go down to that island with them and die in E. Coli infested water. I grabbed my bag and climbed in. Our drive took us from my home down Lakeshore Rd. and into the not-so-archaic ruins of Detroit. The drive took us within view of the GM Building and the Renaissance Center, before making a sharp left onto the Belle Isle Bridge. We passed the decaying mass that once was the Detroit Boat Club, whose property’s sole purpose was to house the rowboats of local crew teams, and headed for the parking lot in the center of the island.
Car after car were pulling into that tiny lot. There wasn’t a single space left for our mighty swim van, so up the side of the grassy hill is where we parked. Waves of people flooded the Belle Isle Beach. Upwards of 500 swimmers had shown up for this magical event and at least triple that number in spectators. Out on the horizon the river was dotted with boats and kayaks full of lifeguards operating the event.
As we made our way over to an open picnic table, I noticed a man with one leg and no hair. He was dressed in a wetsuit and goggles, supporting himself with a cane. I approached the man and asked the all so obvious question, “You aren’t swimming this? Are you?” He replied, “Why of course I am, I got my suit and goggles. Nothing has stopped me from swimming before, and cancer certainly will not stop me now.” This man had three months left on his life. Cancer had taken his leg.
I placed seventh in the Men’s Open Event with a time of 25:30. Needless to say this, man’s courage and determination inspired my own.
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/19000307/swimmers-brave-detroit-river-to-sink-cancer
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
1 Reply to “From Fear to Triumph: Cancer Stories from the Detroit River”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!