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Get In Step With the Swim-Sikorsky Cancer/Diabetes Walk/Run
The 2007 SWIM Walk/Run Covered New Ground

 More than 1,000 walkers participated in the 2007 Sikorsky-SWIM Walk/Run, raising more than $105,000. The event took place on September 16, 2007

 For the first time, the event also helped those struggling from diabetes thanks to Chief of the Division of Endocrinology at St. Vincent’s, Joseph Rosa, MD, who brought the idea to Ronald J. Bianchi, President of St. Vincent’s Foundation.

The SWIM has established a fund for diabetes patients as a result of Dr. Rosa’s involvement in the 2007 walk. Dr. Rosa hopes to see that fund continue and grow. His goals are to be able to provide footcare to Medicaid patients. Some of the funds will also be used to help with outpatient diabetic management at St. Vincent’s Family Health Center, which meets the needs of the sick, poor, homeless, disabled and frail elderly in the greater Bridgeport area through low-or no-cost care for those who qualify.

Dr. Rosa joined Jeffrey Pino, President of Sikorsky Aircraft as 2007 honorary co-chair. Laurie Havanec, Vice President of Human Resources at Sikorsky Aircraft and Joseph Racan of Teamsters Local 1150 served as co-chairs, while Pam Tarulli, Vice President of Human Resources chaired the St. Vincent’s team. Dr. Rosa wanted to get involved with the SWIM to support the underserved diabetes patients in the community. “There are many effective new medications available for the maintenance of diabetes, but patients are unable to afford them. Insulin, which is really a lifeline for many diabetics, isn’t available in generic form, so it’s costly,” said Dr. Rosa.

According to Dr. Rosa, many diabetic patients either have no insurance or on Medicare or Medicaid and can’t afford the co-pays. “While the national diabetes organizations provide funding for research, none of them provide assistance to the individuals right here in the community who need help dealing with their illness,” he said.

The Sikorsky-SWIM Walk/Run begins and ends at Captain’s Cove Seaport in Bridgeport offering two and four mile routes winding through St. Mary’s by the Sea. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and the Teamsters Local 1150 Union are the two major sponsors of the event. They work together to organize their employees' involvement, the set-up at Captain’s Cove and provide the lunch and refreshments supplied to the participants.

Both Havanec and Racan are proud to be involved. “We back the SWIM Across the Sound 100% and are proud to partner with them. They have supported individuals in the community for 20 years now, and many of us know people who’ve been helped by the SWIM,” said Havanec.

One of the teams “Patty’s Posse,” lead by captain, Patty Loux of Stratford raised an impressive $2,200. Patty’s posse consisted of 10 adults and two children who all participated for the first time this year. Patty, who has been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, said that although the disease is very advanced, she had no symptoms or knowledge of the disease. The shock of her diagnosis and her lack of preparedness has motivated her to aid the SWIM in educating others. “When I was diagnosed I had two choices: I could put my head down and drag myself through it, or keep a positive outlook and, armed with knowledge and the support of my family and friends, fight to overcome it,” she says.

Once word of Patti’s cancer spread to her friends and family, they made up pins and buttons that read “Patti’s Posse,” and they were distributed to everyone she came in contact with from caretakers to supporters. She then formed the team to participate in the SWIM Walk and they banded together in her honor.

“It is hard to find an organization these days where all of the funds collected go directly to people in the community who need it most,” Patti related, “and everyone knows someone with cancer. I just try to do my part and do what I can.”

We also welcome all cancer survivors who inspire us...more »

Here are photos of the event: