Three years ago, I did a 10K swim with Colin's Hope to challenge myself and to raise money for fatal drowning prevention. One of the things I learned is that there are drownings and there are fatal drownings. That was a distinction I had not made in my mind. This organization is about safe swimming and educating people about what drowning looks and sounds like so that when a child or adult is drowning, someone recognizes what is happening and takes action to prevent the incident from turning fatal.

In 2017, I swam with my friend who had a personal connection to this cause. Dave kayaked for me as my water guardian. And I grew to love Colin's Hope and its Executive Director, Alissa. When I got out of the water on the day of the swim, Alissa gave me the biggest and longest hug I've probably ever received from anyone in my entire life. That lake swim was a beautiful experience all around - and this from someone who has "fissues."

Today, Colin's Hope announced that it's big annual swim event is going virtual in light of the pandemic and the safety issues that presents. That's a hard decision for the organization. I had not signed up to swim again because lake swimming is a bit stressful for me (again, "fissues"), but with the cancellation of the live event, I saw an opportunity to do a pool swim in a unique way. Between July 8 and September 2 (which is Colin's birthday), I will swim a marathon. I started today - my first time in the water since March - with a 1-mile swim at my YMCA. I only have 25.2 more miles to go!

There is so much uncertainty in this time, but getting in the pool and doing this event feel right to me. If for any reason I no longer feel safe in the pool or if my pool access changes, then I will convert whatever miles I have left to a run of some kind. Details on that later, if the need arises.

I have a big fundraising goal for this organization. This is a hard time for everyone, including non-profits. If you are able, please consider a donation to Colin's Hope in support of this swim. And if you are inclined to swim rather than donate, please sign up. I would welcome your virtual companionship, and I would be proud to cheerlead for you along the way.

Lots of love,

Taline