A group of dedicated swimmers is making waves for a meaningful cause.
Swimming America, which has raised $14 million in the Nassau and Suffolk areas since 2001, is returning to the North Shore this weekend for its annual event.
This year, participants can choose from half-mile, 1-mile, 2-mile, and 5K distances at Prybil Beach in Glen Cove, with swimmers diving into Long Island Sound this Saturday.
On Sunday, the Swim for America will continue with a 10K (6.2 miles) event in Cold Spring Harbor.
“We swam nearly 8,000 yards in preparation a few weeks ago,” said 69-year-old Steve Chestler from Woodbury. “We’ve been training for at least 10 weeks. Usually, two or three times a week, we were all over 5,000 yards.”
Chestler has raised over $110,000 individually and proudly represents Team Carolyn, named in honor of his late wife who passed away from adenocarcinoma in 2021.
“My kids and I thought it was the right thing to do,” he shared, reflecting on his wife. “It’s a way to unite everyone against cancer. People come together to do their best,” he added.
According to Chestler, securing donations and pledges has been surprisingly straightforward for his teammates. “A lot of people were apprehensive about fundraising… But they’ve told me, ‘I can’t believe how easy it was.’”
So far, Team Carolyn has raised $215,583, which is about 86% of their goal. “Everyone is touched by this awful disease; we want to make a difference,” Chestler expressed.
