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Swimming for Grandpa & Cancer Patients
By Michaela Gordon

Editor’s Note: Michaela Gordon will take part in the 2005 Swim Marathon as a soloist. She wrote this piece to inspire others to do their part to help cancer patients.

As a child, I always loved the water. My mother put me in swim lessons and passing each level took me several attempts. I remember being frustrated about this truth, but yet I really enjoyed swimming so I continued. My best friend and I decided to join the town swim team. I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I worked as hard as I could to complete every workout.

I decided to do more swimming on a small club team and by age 14, ended up swimming for a USA team in MA. I was by far the worst swimmer in the pool. I felt liked an ant that had marched to the sea for death. However, I was determined to get better, and that I did. My mother, supportive and devoted, allowed me the opportunity to follow my dreams. She would wake up at 3:45 a.m. to drive me to morning practice, work all day, and then bring me back to the pool at night.

As I approached my last year at Worcester Academy, I decided I wanted to be a collegiate athlete. I went on to swim for four years at Springfield College. It was difficult for my grandparents to get to my swim meets because they were getting older and unfortunately, my grandfather was getting sicker.

My senior of college, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. I always wished that he could have seen me swim. It was the end of my career, or so I thought, and I really wanted him to be at championships.

I didn’t think he could come; which was a disappointment. I was getting ready to swim the 200 free, my favorite race. I was standing behind the blocks waiting for my heat and saw my grandfather. He was sitting up in the stands with his Irish scally cap. I really wanted to win this race and I did. It was the only time, and the last time that my grandfather saw me swim.

My grandfather was a man of strength, warmth, and passion. He lived his life as full as he could, even to his last breath. I am swimming across the Sound in memory of my grandfather. I live my life similar to that of my grandfather.

I demonstrate strength through my mental and physical training for this swim. I demonstrate warmth through my commitment to help others with cancer and hopefully inspire people to help fight this disease. And lastly, I want to demonstrate passion. Our lives go by fast and are precious. Whatever we do we must do it with passion. I’m passionate about swimming and making it across the sound on August 13th. I am determined to make a difference in this world, and this is my small way of doing just that. So thanks grandpa and all those who have supported me along the way.

The WICC/Mohegan Sun Radiothon Tunes Into the Swim
This year’s WICC/Mohegan Sun Radiothon reached its goal of $250,000 after 12 hours on the air June 24th and 26th with WICC Radio personality John LaBarca and Frank Scifo, M.D. Swim co-chairs, as hosts of the Radiothon.

The Radiothon went on the air June 24th 5 a.m.–10 a.m. on WICC Radio 600 AM and June 26th 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. LaBarca, who poured his heart into his emotional pleas for his listeners to contribute to the Swim, thought the hours of emotional work were worth it. “The Swim is very close to my heart,” he said. “I lost my father to cancer and now my brother was recently diagnosed with it. If we had the Swim around then, it would have been a lot better for my family. That’s my motivation to do the Radiothon. It’s demanding, but worth every minute.”

The Radiothon featured celebrities and dignitaries. However, it was the hundreds of calls from regular listeners donating what they could afford that made the Radiothon a success this year.

The WICC Radiothon included testimonies from several cancer survivors, such as Art Sheehan, a cancer survivor helped by the Swim, who also encouraged listeners to give to help others. The Fairfield Board #9 of Basketball Officials came on the air to donate a $6,100 check raised through a youth basketball tournament. Samuel Augustine of Bridgeport, who is unemployed, contributed $660 to help others less fortunate than him.

Dr. Frank Scifo, co-chair of the Swim and a Stratford internist, rallied many of his patients with personal pleas that resulted in several donations from them. “I was so happy to see many of my patients come through for the Swim,” he said. “They really came out to support us.”

St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation President Ron Bianchi said the Radiothon is his favorite event because it draws from all levels of the community. He also praised WICC for its generous support.

“You always walk away with a great feeling when you hear people calling in and pledging money to help cancer patients in need,” Bianchi said. “Without the generous support of WICC, this Radiothon just wouldn’t happen. WICC has been a great supporter for the Swim. They help us raise a significant amount of money for our programs. We truly appreciate and value our partnership with WICC.”

The Swim 101 Boys Night Out Honors Armand Cantafio
Swim Across the Sound 101 Boys Night Out honored Armand J. Cantafio, CEO of Northeast Electronics Corporation in Milford, as the Swim Man of the Year June 2nd at Vazzy’s Restaurant in Bridgeport.

Every year, the Swim selects a prominent man in the community to honor for his accomplishments and community support. The event raised more than $20,000 to benefit the Swim.

Cantafio started Northeast Electronics in 1961, building it into a leader in the hermetic glass to metal sealing industry, which is critical to the aerospace industry, military, and automotive and commercial applications.

Dr. Frank Scifo, co-chair of the Swim, praised Cantafio for his commitment to charity work and his innovations in the electronics industry.

“The Swim is proud to have Armand Cantafio as a member of its family,” Scifo said. “He is an outstanding individual who has built his business into a leader in the industry and still cares about others. Armand embodies the spirit of the Swim.”

Cantafio grew up in Bridgeport, graduating from Harding High School and the University of Bridgeport. He has served on several boards and committees, such as Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee to Platt Regional Vocational Technical School, Director and Vice President of the CT Burns Care Foundation and member of the U.S. Military Academy Appointee Selection.

Frank Gaudiano, Vice President of Northeast Electronics, served as chair of the event. Vazzy’s of Bridgeport donated all the food for evening.

Sal DiNardo Dinner Serves Up Tasty Support for the Swim
Sal DiNardo invited his friends to dinner at the sumptuous Il Palio Restaurant in Shelton June 16th. The meal was on him; he asked that all his guests make a minimum donation of $500 each.

The fourth annual DiNardo Dinner raised more than $36,000 for the Swim while supporters dined on delectable hors d’ouevres and mouth-watering Porterhouse steaks with all the trimmings. DiNardo and his two sons, Peter and Leonard served as hosts for the evening. The Swim presented DiNardo with an engraved clock for his continued support of the Swim.

Dr. Frank Scifo, Swim co-chair, praised DiNardo for his compassion for cancer patients. “The Swim is fortunate to have a man like Sal DiNardo supporting us,” Scifo said. “Every year, we can count on his support. He’s always there for the Swim. ”

About 100 supporters enjoyed tasty hors d’ouevres donated by fine restaurants, such as Tucker’s and Tuscany as they bid on more than 100 donated items in the attractive Black Rock Yacht Club, overlooking Long Island Sound. The silent auction items ranged from paintings to golf clubs. Terrance Rosso, an artist and cancer survivor, donated a beautiful landscape painting for the auction.

Nancy Gill and Mary Daley co-chaired the event and St. Vincent’s oncology nurses Nan Persico and Maureen Pelletier were part of the silent auction items committee. The first cocktail party is a prelude to the Swim Sailing Regatta July 16th, hosted by Fayerweather Yacht Club in Black Rock. Boats will sail in both competitive and non-competitive courses to raise funds to benefit the Swim’s mammography programs.

All guests enjoyed the festivities, which included tours of the facility in addition to cake and fruit smoothies and give aways. All women signing up for a mammogram received a free Women’s Imaging Center pink T-shirt.

Thanks to $1 million in funding from Swim Across the Sound, the Women’s Imaging Center offers digital mammography, ultrasound and bone density screenings in a caring, comfortable, and supportive environment designed especially for women. The Center screened more than 3,500 women in its first year of operation. The Women’s Imaging Center offers mammograms Monday and Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The stylish new center offers an extra measure of comfort, convenience and privacy while at the same time providing a wide range of diagnostic and interventional radiology services. The full resources of the Medical Center also enable the center to provide all follow-up, secondary testing, referrals and a coordinated approach to care. Breast cancer is second only to skin cancer in women who stand a one in seven chance of developing the disease.

With a highly qualified and compassionate staff and an expert team of board certified radiologists available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, St. Vincent’s provides comprehensive services in both diagnostic and interventional radiology. All insurances are accepted, and the Center serves under and non-insured women who meet financial qualifications. To schedule a mammogram at your convenience or for information call (203) 576-5500.

Health Net Sponsors Swim Tour de Sound Ride
Health Net of Shelton hopped on board as the major sponsor of the Swim Tour de Sound cycle ride June 18th, beginning and ending at Roger Ludlowe Middle School.

Health Net also drew more than 50 riders who took part in the ride that stretched over three courses of 10 miles, 25 miles and 100 kilometers (62.5 miles). About 200 riders took part in the event, who raised minimum pledges of $35 to participate in the event. Riders received Tour de Sound T-shirts and Fox racing socks. After the ride, cyclists enjoyed lunch catered by David Grant of Shelton and the rock tunes spun by DJ Bob Wright.

Steve Nelson, president and CEO of Health Net and an avid cyclists and triathlete, also rode in the event and said Health Net was proud to be involved with the Swim.

“At Health Net, we pride ourselves on being involved with the community,” Nelson said. “We’re happy to sponsor this event and support Swim Across the Sound, which does so much for so many people.”

Dennis Brown and Dan Rose, M.D., chief of cardiovascular surgery at St. Vincent's Medical Center, chaired the event and took part in the rides. Lenny Deaso of Fairfield, a member of the Tour de Sound committee, was honored for his commitment and work in organizing the event. Both chairs were encouraged with the turnout of the event, which raised more than $25,000 to help cancer patients and their families.

“It was a great day, perfect for a ride,” Dr. Rose said. “There were plenty of riders and plenty of enthusiasm. Each year, we look to grow this event.”

Swim Golf Tournament Hits the Target
More than 120 intrepid golfers teed off in the fourth Swim Golf Tournament May 24th at Whitney Farms Golf Club in Monroe that raised $65,000.

Rain and cold temperatures shortened the tournament to 9 holes, but didn’t dampen the spirits of the golfers in the scramble format. The entry fee for individual players was $300.

Golfers enjoyed the challenging course as well as lunch and dinner at the Stone Barn Restaurant at the golf club. The 1st place low gross team was Mark Fries, Frank Morse, Mike Niedermeier, and Terry O’Connor. The 1st place low net team was Mike Piscitelli, Paul Fernandes, Dan Brooks, and Mike Kopiec.

U.S. Surgical Corporation, Norwalk, was the title sponsor of the tournament that benefited the Swim’s 34 cancer education, prevention and screening programs. Ralph LoStocco and John Lawrence, M.D. co-chaired the tournament. A round of applause goes out to the volunteers, who braved the cold and the rain, to monitor the closest to the pin shots on the par-3s and provide drinks for the golfers.

Capelli Salon Holds Cutathon to Raise Cancer Awareness
Capelli Salon hosted its first annual Cutathon, raising $2,500 to benefit Swim Across the Sound.

Capelli Salon, located on Route 34 in Derby, opened its doors June 25th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to raise money for the Swim. Customers were charged $10 for a fashionable haircut. The salon also raffled off gift baskets and certificates to local restaurants. The gift baskets included imported Italian spa treatment items, fresh Italian pastas and Swim Across the Sound souvenirs and memorabilia.

Anna Durante, owner of Capelli Salon and cancer survivor, was delighted to be involved with the Swim and the Cutathon’s success.

“I am more than privileged to open up my salon for such a worthy cause,” Durante said. “Cutting hair, making friends and raising money towards cancer… What could be better?”
Customers enjoyed delectable sweets and snacks provided by local caterers at the quaint river front salon. Numerous volunteers joined Durante at Capelli Salon to make the Cutathon a haircutting hit.

Bungay Student Council Raises Funds to Benefit the Swim
Nicholas D’Antona of Seymour might only be 10 years old, but already appreciates the need to help others. He introduced the idea to the Bungay School Student Council of raising money to benefit Swim Across the Sound, the St. Vincent's Medical Center cancer charity. His fellow Student Council members loved the idea and decided to sell “Candy Kisses for Cancer” to students that benefited the Swim.

The rest of the story is a sweet success. For three months, Council members sold enough candy at lunch to raise $310. Bungay teachers and staff also contributed by giving donations on dress-down Fridays. D’Antona, a precocious fourth grader with a blonde crew cut and wire-frame glasses, got the idea to help cancer patients when he attended the Swim Celebrity Breakfast last February with his grandfather, John, northeast regional manager of Mother Parkers/Martinson Coffee, which was a sponsor of the Celebrity Breakfast.

Nicholas enjoyed helping to serve tables of Swim supporters who gave him tips that he collected for charity. After the breakfast, he wanted to continue to help cancer patients, so he rallied his classmates to help out. “I wanted to accomplish something,” Nicholas said. “I thought the kids at school would want to help people with cancer. They did. They bought plenty of candy.”

John applauded his grandson for his determination and resourcefulness in spearheading the fundraiser on his own.

“I’m amazed at how determined my grandson was to raise this money. It was all his idea, we didn’t say anything to him,” John said. “He’s a very determined kid.”Pat Sabatini, a fifth grade teacher at Bungay and advisor to the Student Council, said the entire school embraced the idea, which turned out to be a fun project that taught children about the importance of charity. The other Student Council Members helping in the sale of Candy Kisses were: Ian Hardman, 9, Grade 3, Hayley Corkery, 8, Grade 3, Jesse Popik, 10, Grade 5, and Christina Cretella, 11, Grade 5.

Nicholas said he’s not done yet. He’s planning another fundraiser for next year, but this time it might involve more nutritious food. But he’s confident his fellow students will support it.

Fitness Edge Hosts Yoga on the Beach for the Swim
Dozens of yoga enthusiasts hit the beach June 25th at Sherwood Island State Park to participate in a group yoga session to benefit the Swim.

Set at the edge of the Long Island Sound on a balmy Saturday morning, the 90-minute group yoga session featured Fitness Edge members and non-members, beginners and experts, each of whom donated $25 to Swim Across the Sound.

“With the rhythmic waves in the background and the gentle breeze on their skin, the participants in this year’s Yoga on the Beach event said it was as relaxing as it was worthwhile,” said Fitness Edge Marketing Director Christian Carbonara.

Serena Perrin, 42, a mother of two from Westport said she came out to this event both to support Swim Across the Sound and to join other yoga enthusiasts in a tranquil waterfront setting. “It was an amazing experience for me to be doing something I love in such a serene spot on the beach. There was a tremendous spirit of good will and a lot of positive energy because we knew we were doing it for a great cause.”

The Fitness Edge developed a partnership with Swim Across the Sound in 2002 because the club's staff members were moved by the Swim’s motto “Because everyone knows someone” (affected by cancer). With 20,000 residents in Southwestern Connecticut alone, this motto rings true all too often, including within the Fitness Edge Family.

“Once The Fitness Edge started working with the Swim,” recalls Carbonara, “We realized just how meaningful this organization is to the community. “We began our partnership by hosting various in-house events to raise money for this unique organization, and we have expanded our efforts over the years, because our management and our members really believe in the Swim’s mission.

In 2005, The Fitness Edge has planned a range of events that will raise funds for this winning team this summer. Look for other fundraisers, dates, and information in the coming months on their website www.fitnessedge.net or by calling 203-330-1964.

The Fitness Edge health and fitness clubs are the largest privately owned health and fitness chain in the state of Connecticut. Since 1987 they have grown to over 22,000 members at 7 Fairfield County locations. Clubs are located at 125 Old Gate Lane in Milford, 99 Beardsley Avenue In Stratford, 665 Commerce Drive in Fairfield, 542 Westport Avenue in Norwalk, 230 East Avenue in East Norwalk, 1333 East Putnam Avenue in Greenwich and in Westport The Women's Fitness Edge is located at 20 Saugatuck Avenue.

LOOKING AHEAD...:

The Swim Is Coming
The 18th Annual Swim Across the Sound 25km marathon swim will take place on August 13th at Captain’s Cove in Bridgeport.

A record field of 26 relay teams and 14 soloists are registered to take part, totaling more than 150 swimmers. In 2004, the Swim Marathon raised a record $200,000 for cancer prevention, education and support programs sponsored by the Swim. Swim officials are expecting another sellout crowd in 2005.

There will be entertainment and Swim items for sale on the dock at Captain’s Cove, including a DJ, jugglers and other entertainers. The Swim has become one of the most popular and challenging long distance swims in the USA. Come out and enjoy the day and root the swimmers on, who are swimming for cancer patients and their families.

Swim Across the Sound Sailing Regatta To Set Sail July 16th
The 6th annual Swim Sailing Regatta, hosted by Fayerweather Yacht Club in Bridgeport, will set sail July 16th.

Sponsored by WindCheck Magazine and presented by Fayerweather YC and Black Rock YC in Bridgeport, Housatonic Boat Club in Stratford and Cedar Point YC in Westport, the Regatta donated over $15,500 to the Swim’s free mammography programs last year.

Prior to the Regatta, there will be a Cocktail Party hosted by Mary Daley & Nancy Gill (date and venue to be announced). Live and silent auctions will be held at both the Party and the Regatta Picnic.

Last year, many sailors went home with fantastic maritime artwork with custom framing by The Greenwich Workshop of Fairfield, sailing gear, a case of wine bottled by Dr. Cosmo Filiberto and dinners at local restaurants.

Sailing will take place outside Black Rock Harbor, and will include a non-competitive ‘Fun Sail’; sailors will navigate an 11-mile course collecting clues to solve a puzzle. Racing divisions will be PHRF Spinnaker, Non –Spinnaker and One-Design, under Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association - www.ecsa.org - ratings.

Entry is $100 per boat, with each entrant, receiving a skipper’s bag, T-shirt, hat, flag, and five picnic wristbands. Additional bands are $5 each. Skippers and crews are encouraged to collect pledges for your boat, and boats raising additional money will be entered in a drawing for a special prize. All donations to the Regatta are tax-deductible.

Entry forms are available at area yacht clubs, or at: www.sassr.org

Please send to:
Swim Across the Sound Regatta
c/o Chris Szepessy
165 Green Acre Lane
Fairfield CT 06824
(203) 255- 5322
elantics@yahoo.com

Take the Plunge at the Aquathon
The 18th annual Aquathon will make waves July 29th at the Fairfield University Rec Plex pool. Swimmers are invited to jump in the pool and swim laps to help cancer patients and their families.

Swimmers are asked to make a minimum pledge of $50. All participants receive a specially designed Aquathon T-shirt. Those raising more than the minimum are eligible for additional Swim items – hat and sweatshirt. Raise $500 or more and receive a Paloma Picasso tote bag filled with cosmetics and other products.

This year, the Aquathon will consolidate to one day from noon to 9 p.m. The event will feature a live band, a magician and food and beverages. Ray Giovanni, branch manager of Bank of America in Monroe, will serve as the Aquathon Chair.

For more information, please download the Sponsor Pledge Form. For questions, please call St. Vincent’s Foundation, 203-576-5451.

In addition, join walkers the first annual Sunset 2-Mile Walk for Cancer, starting at 7 p.m. Walkers will follow the course that winds through the beautiful Fairfield University campus. For more information, contact Michael Murray, 203-981-5528 or michael781@hotmail.com

Swim Hartford Chapter Goes to the Ball Game
The Swim Hartford Chapter is teaming up with the New Britain Rock Cats for a cancer awareness night at New Britain Stadium July 25th.

The Rock Cats, the Double A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, will battle the Portland Sea Dogs, the Boston Red Sox affiliate, in a 7:05 game. Come out to the game and wear something pink to show your support for the Swim and cancer awareness.

Click HERE to download the ball game flyer. The Rock Cats will donate a portion of the ticket price for every one sold through the Swim Hartford Chapter.

The Swim Hartford Chapter will also be selling Swim items to benefit its breast cancer programs. Kelli and Mitch McGrath, co-chairs of the Swim Hartford Chapter, invite all Swim supporters to enjoy a fun night at the ballpark and support a good cause.

Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk
The Swim welcomes new volunteers who want to make a difference in their community and the lives of cancer patients. All you need is compassion. To volunteer, call St. Vincent’s Foundation – 576-5451 or visit the Swim website, www.swimacrossthesound.org.

Remember the Swim
Of all the worthwhile causes, few meet the work the Swim does in helping others. There are many ways to help the Swim:

• Donate to Swim events;
• Participate in Swim events;
• Name the Swim in your will;
• Donate a planned income gift;
• Volunteer;
• Run your own Swim fundraiser.

For more information, call the Swim Foundation at 203-576-5451.

St. Vincent's Medical Center's Swim Across the Sound is turning the tide against cancer.

The Swim has a unique mission to help cancer patients in need. The Swim raised $2.5 million in 2003 and helped 18,000 cancer survivors and their families throughout Southern Connecticut.

This is not a research program, but a charitable foundation dedicated to helping people on a case-by-case basis. The Swim has grown into a series of year-round activities focused on raising funds to underwrite 34 cancer education, screening and support group programs.