Going the distance for cancer
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FUNDRAISER
Posted By KELLY MCSHANE, SPECIAL TO THE PACKET AND TIMES
Posted 1 month ago
More than 30 swimmers plan to dive into the Severn River Saturday as the Canadian Cancer Society celebrates its 10th annual Swim for the Cure.
"There's every level of ability involved. It's a very do-able swim," said Debbie Bang, who owns a cottage on the river and has participated in the event every year since its inception.
The 12.8-kilometre swim, which has seen more than 100 different participants over its 10 years, begins at the Severn River Swift Rapids Lock 43 and ends at Big Chute Lock 44. Another option for swimmers is to participate in a 25.6-kilometre stretch, which ends at Port Severn Lock 45. Of the dozens of swimmers, six will attempt the longer distance -- including Bang, who also gave the long distance a shot in her first year of participation.
"I was pulled 2.5 kilometres from finishing. This year, I'm going to finish even though I'm 10 years older," said Bang, noting she wasn't in the right frame of mind at the time of her first attempt.
"There is a physical component to this and you need to train and be in good physical shape, but actually finishing is all mental. It's about believing that you can do it," she said.
As the participants swim their way through the river, members of their personal crew will travel alongside in a canoe or boat to keep the swimmer motivated and watch for signs of fatigue.
Depending on weather conditions, the swim could take participants anywhere from five to 11 hours to reach the finish line. Swimmers are permitted to form relay teams in order to complete the distance if needed.
"Swimming is so good for you. It uses every muscle in your body and it's an activity you can do throughout your entire lifetime," Bang said.
According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, regular exercise may reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by up to 42%.
"This is one of the only open-water swims like this in Ontario," said Bang, noting the event attracts swimmers from all corners of the province.
"People can still sign up, but you would need some experience as a swimmer," said Bang.
This year, participation is at its highest number ever, pushing the funds raised to more than $100,000 over the past decade.
"We're doing incredibly well. We're anticipating raising between $25,000 and $30,000, which is almost double what we've raised in the past," Bang said.
Funds raised through the swim go to the Canadian Cancer Society to be used for breast cancer research.
For more information, visit www.swimforthecure.ca.
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Breast cancer stats
An estimated 8,900 Ontario women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and an estimated 2,100 will die of breast cancer in 2010, according to studies conducted by the Canadian Cancer Society.
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