Visit The Swim Online at www.swimacrossthesound.org.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Swim Across the Sound wishes all its friends, volunteers and supporters the best for the holiday season and a prosperous New Year. The Swim thanks everyone who helped make it another successful year. The Swim is there for cancer patients when they need it because of your support and generosity.

Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield Sports Gala to Benefit the Swim Raises Funds for Police, Fire and EMTs
The Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield Sports Gala packed the Omni Hotel ballroom in New Haven December 8th and raised more than $70,000 to benefit local and state police, firefighters and EMTs and their families who are battling cancer. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut was the event sponsor.

Bobby Valentine, manager of the Japan Champion Lotte Marines and Karl Ravech, host of ESPN Baseball Tonight, served as co-MCs, talking baseball and hosting the live auction of sports memorabilia. The evening also drew several prominent Connecticut sports celebrities – former Los Angeles Laker Wes Matthews of Bridgeport, San Diego pitcher Craig Breslow of Trumbull, Walter Luckett, former Bridgeport high school star and college All-American as well as Yale baseball coach and former St. Louis Cardinal John Stuper.

The event kicked off with a silent auction of rare sports memorabilia autographed by stars from the Yankees, Mets, NY Giants, NY Jets, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and top golfers.

“Every time I attend a Swim event, I’m proud to be a part of it,” said, Valentine, the co-honorary chair of the Swim. “The Swim gives cancer patients hope and somewhere to turn to in their most trying moments. The Swim does such important work. If we didn’t have the Swim, we would have to invent it.”

The David Felner Caregiver Award, named in honor of a former Stratford firefighter, was presented to Betty Blake of Fairfield, mother of professional tennis star James Blake, who recently lost her husband to cancer. The award is given to a state resident that has demonstrated care and compassion in caring for a loved one in time of need. Felner’s children, Matthew, Christian and Jamie and his father Fairfield Fire Chief Richard Felner presented the Caregiver Award.

The four co-chairs of the Sports Memorabilia Gala were Colonel Edward Lynch of the Connecticut State Police, Peter J. Curley, CEO of Public Safety Employee Assistance Program, Robert LaTorraca, CEO of American Medical Response, and Captain Peter Struble, President Fire Chiefs of Connecticut. Monsignor Robert Brown, State Police Chaplain, gave the invocation.

St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation Dedicates Maureen Lynch Ringel Cancer Resource Room
St. Vincent’s Medical Center dedicated the new Maureen Lynch Ringel Cancer Resource Room Dec. 3 to benefit cancer patients with more than 60 Ringel family and friends in attendance.

The Ringel family and friends donated more than $20,000 to fund the Cancer Resource Room in memory of Maureen Lynch Ringel of Southport, who waged a valiant battle against cancer. The Paul Newman Fund also made a sizable donation to the cancer resource room. The donations will also benefit the Maureen Lynch Ringel Support Fund For Women With Cancer to help women battling their disease at St. Vincent's Medical Center.

The cancer resource room stands adjacent to the St. Vincent’s Infusion Center, where cancer patients can use to access information on the Internet about their disease as well as utilize articles, books, pamphlets, and videos about managing cancer.

The Cancer Resource Room contains two computers and printers. A portrait of Maureen Lynch Ringel’s portrait, painted by Stratford artist Hank McLaughlin, hangs in the resource room as well as a landscape of Vermont countryside with a church steeple in the background, painted by Ringel. A framed portrait of Ringel also hangs on the door of the Cancer Resource Center.

Ronald Bianchi, president of St. Vincent’s Foundation, said the Cancer Resource Center will carry on Maureen Lynch Ringel’s legacy. “The new Cancer Resource Room will preserve Maureen Lynch Ringel’s legacy for many years to come,” he said. “St. Vincent’s staff enjoyed treating Maureen. They were concerned with Maureen as a person, not just a patient.”

Maureen Murphy, Ringel’s daughter, described her mother as a caring person, who was concerned more about others than herself. “The nurses of St. Vincent’s were so warm and personable, they helped make my mother’s treatment a positive experience,” Murphy said. ‘We hope the Cancer Resource Room will make patients feel comfortable in a small way during their treatments. The room is intended to suit patients’ needs. It is a place they can go and think about other things for a while. My mother lived each day to the fullest and I hope this room will inspire others to do the same.”

Rev. Thomas Lynch, Ringel’s brother and pastor of St. James Church in Stratford, blessed the room, dedicating it as a sacred place for healing. “We pray that this room be a special place where God can do his work. This new room as part of the Infusion Center will infuse patients with a deeper spirituality and promote their healing.”

Nan Persico, a St. Vincent’s oncology nurse, remember Ringel as a special patient who spread a strong feeling of optimism and inspired other patients. “Maureen was a vivacious and strong woman who talked about her family, never about her cancer,” Persico said. “I wish we had a thousand patients like Maureen. Her memory is alive here. She helped provide this room for all cancer patients who come to this Medical Center.’

Murphy reminded family and friends of her mother’s favorite prayer that inspired her as she faced her disease: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” After the dedication, family and guests enjoyed breakfast in the Medical Center library.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Maureen Lynch Ringel Support Fund For Women With Cancer, can send a gift to St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06606 or call 203-576-5451.

The Swim 4th Annual Car Raffle Cruising in the Fast Lane
Get your tickets for the exciting 2006 Pontiac Solstice sports car to benefit the Swim. The Solstice is Pontiac’s hottest the new model and has drawn rave reviews from car magazines.
The Solstice is donated by D’Addario Buick, Nissan, Pontiac, GMC and William B. Meyer Co.

To catch a glimpse of the roadster, stop in the St. Vincent's Medical Center lobby where it’s on display.

The Swim will draw the winning ticket Feb. 8th at its Celebrity Breakfast to kick off the 2006 season. Tickets are $20 for the Solstice and are on sale through St. Vincent’s Foundation office (203-576-5451) or in the Seton Gift Shop in the lobby of the Medical Center. Only 2,750 tickets will be sold.

Duchess Restaurants Raise $10,335 to Benefit Swim Breast Cancer Programs
Diane Lavin, Marketing Director of Duchess Restaurants, recently presented Swim Across the Sound with a check for $10,335 as part of her restaurant’s support of Breast Cancer Awareness during October.

Each of the 16 Duchess Restaurants sold pink ribbon cards to customers for $1 to raise funds to support the Swim’s breast cancer programs. The Shelton Duchess raised the most donations and five top sellers received Swiss Army watches and Swim T-shirts.

Duchess Restaurants also teamed with WICC 600 and WEBE 108 radio stations to promote breast cancer awareness during the national awareness month.

Duchess restaurants, noted for their “Fresh Food Served Fast”, accepted $1 donations at their 16 Fairfield county locations. Each donation benefited cancer patients and has helped fund the Swim’s Breast Cancer programs. The pink ribbon cancer cards were hung in the windows of all the Duchess restaurants.

Duchess and WICC raised $10,335 throughout October at their Fairfield restaurants. Duchess’ president, Diane Lavin, was delighted with the overwhelming support of both Duchess employees and patrons. “It is amazing how many people support the Swim and the fight against Breast Cancer,” Lavin said. “Duchess is more than honored to help turn the tide against cancer. It really is true, everyone knows someone.”

Lexus of Westport Hits High Gear for the Swim
Muffy Crabtree of Lexus of Westport and Leon Gjoni, general manager of Lexus of Westport, recently presented the Swim with an $12,400 check to support its breast cancer programs.
Lexus of Westport also located in Fairfield at Kings Highway Cutoff donated $50 to the Swim for every new and pre-owned car sold during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Lexus of Westport also handed out Swim pink magnetized ribbons to every customer visiting their locations during October.

“The Swim is a great cause that we fully support,” Crabtree said. “It serves a great need in the community which we’re proud to support.”

Lexus of Westport also was a major sponsor of the Swim Sunset Sail, chaired by Kathy Young of Fairfield. “The Swim has developed a great relationship with Lexus of Westport,” Young said. “The entire car dealership stands behind the cause and stepped up to support it.”

Swim Across the Sound & Swiss Army Brands Celebrate Cancer Survivors
Swim Across the Sound and Swiss Army Brands honored more than 400 cancer survivors November 11th at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport at the annual Cancer Survivor Breakfast.

Swiss Army President/CEO Sue Rechner presented the Swim with a corporate donation of $42,000 to support the Swim’s 34 cancer education, screening, prevention and support programs. Swiss Army also donated a complimentary watch to every cancer survivor. Cancer survivors also enjoyed complimentary breakfast to celebrate their individual battles with cancer.

Diahann Phillips, a breast cancer survivor from Bridgeport, delivered an emotional speech about her battle with cancer and how hope and a positive attitude are necessary in recovering from the disease. “Cancer survivors are courageous group”, said Phillips, “And they should be applauded for their strength. It takes mental, physical and spiritual strength to overcome this disease.” Tom Coccozza, a cancer survivor and graphic designer for the Swim, was honored with a plaque for his creativity and dedication to the Swim for the last decade.

“The Cancer Survivor Breakfast is a wonderful event,” Rechner said. “Swiss Army is honored to be able to help the Swim and give hope to cancer survivors and patients across the state. We donate the watches because they’re symbolic of how precious time is to all of us.”

Swim Supports Smile A Mile
The Swim Hartford Chapter went the extra mile for the Smile a Mile for Cameron Walk November 13th at St. Joseph ’s College in West Hartford.

Over 300 walkers of all ages came out to support Cameron Brooks, a third grader at Aiken Elementary School in West Hartford, who was diagnosed with a Diffuse Pontine Giloma, an inoperable brain stem tumor in 2004.

The Swim Hartford Chapter and Charles and Carla Brooks, Cameron’s parents, created the Smile A Mile for Cameron Walk in honor of Cameron’s strength in the battle against cancer. A gift basket worth over $1,800 was donated to the Brooks family.

The family plans to plant a tree in Cameron’s honor at Aiken Elementary School in the spring of 2006. Kelli Cilbrith, co-chair of the Swim’s Hartford Chapter, was amazed by the turnout at the walk. “It is surprising how many people supported the Swim and Cameron’s fight against cancer. The Swim Hartford Chapter is so thankful for the overwhelming support in Hartford County. This was an emotional event and we had a great turnout. The money we collected will help other children in Cameron’s situation.”

Smile a Mile for Cameron raised over $9,000 to help children battling cancer in the Greater Hartford area. Subway provided the lunch and McDonald’s donated juice for all of the walkers. The New Britain Rock Cats mascot, Rocky, joined the walk to add some entertainment and to complete the first lap with Cameron. Commemorative T-shirts were given to all participants who gave a minimum donation of $50 to the Smile A Mile walk.

Jan Williams of Captain’s Cove Named New Swim Across the Sound Co-Chair
St. Vincent's Medical Center Swim Across the Sound recently named Jan Williams of Captain’s Cove Seaport in Bridgeport and a prominent community activist, its new co-chair.

Williams joins Frank Scifo, M.D. of St. Vincent Medical Center, practicing in Stratford, who has been the co-chair for the last seven years of the cancer charity. Because of time constrains, WICC talk show host John LaBarca ends his tenure as co-chair, which he filled for the last four years. LaBarca was a valuable co-chair, promoting the Swim on his radio show and a driving force behind the annual WICC/Mohegan Sun Radiothon that runs for two days and raised $250,000 in 2005.

“John was a key part of the Swim,” said Ron Bianchi, President of the St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation. “He helped us in so many ways through his show. We couldn’t have accomplished what we did without him. We also welcome Jan Williams who has tremendous drive and energy and will bring fresh ideas to the Swim. She has thrown open the doors of Captain’s Cove, which is the home to the Swim. We’re excited to work with Jan, who will add a new and exciting ideas to the Swim.”

Since the Cove’s inception in 1981, Williams along with several family members have operated the site, which is the home of several annual Swim events, such as the Swim Marathon and the Sikorsky Walk. Kay Williams, Jan’s father, was the founder of Captain’s Cove. She is involved in all aspects of the Cove, running the marina, restaurant, and shops, which are open from April to October, drawing approximately 400,000 people annually to the site on Bostwick Avenue.

Her goal as the new co-chair is to continue to promote the Swim so more cancer patients can take advantage of its services. She also would like to expand the Sunset Walk that now exists and possibly introduce a new event, such as the Blessing of the Fleet in Black Rock Harbor.

“My goal is to continue the great work that has already been going since 1987 when the Swim began,” Williams said. “I want people to be aware how accessible the Swim is and how many people it helps. We need to continue to raise money, which allows us to offer services to more people since there’s such a growing demand. I’m proud to be part of this great organization and only hope to live up to the standards the co-chairs of the past set during their time.”

Williams is the co-founder of the annual Bluefish Tournament, which involves hundreds of fishermen from Connecticut and Long Island Sound. She is a life-long resident of Black Rock and married to Rob Burlinson, a tri-athlete who participates in Swim events.

Shop at the Swim e-Store
Get into the Swim Across the Sound. Show your support by wearing a Swim hat, sweatshirt or golf shirt, display a Swim pink cancer ribbon on your car or stay dry in the rain with a Swim umbrella.

You can get any of these items and more at the new Swim e-Store on the Swim website, http://stvswim.promoshop.com. View all the images of the available items and purchase any online with a credit card on the secured site. It’s quick and easy and we will ship it to you.

You can shop in the comfort of your home to purchase a gift for a loved one, a cancer survivor or yourself. For holiday shopping, remember the Swim e-Store, open 24/7.

All purchases support the Swim’s 34 cancer support, education and prevention programs and help cancer patients and their families. Help the Swim turn the tide against cancer.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! :

The Swim Kicks Off 2006 with the Celebrity Breakfast
The Swim will plunge into the 2006 season with the Celebrity Breakfast Feb. 8th at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport.

You can be a celebrity waiter at the breakfast and sponsor a table ($300 for table of 10) and invite friends to tip you and help raise donations to fight cancer. Or you can attend individually ($100 minimum tip donation). The event will feature a full breakfast as well as a speaker to be determined. Co-Chairs of the event include John DiMarco of Luigi’s of Bridgeport and John Matthews.

The Swim Car Raffle winning ticket for the 2006 Pontiac Solstice donated by D’Addario Buick, Nissan, Pontiac, GMC and William B. Meyer Co. will also be drawn that morning. To be a celebrity waiter or attend, please call the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation at 576-5451.

Valentine’s Dance Raises the Beat for the Swim
Put your heart into the Pia Lauren Spa di Bellezia Valentine’s Dance February 10th at Roberto’s Restaurant, 505 Main Street in Monroe. Hosted by Pia Lauren, owner of the beauty spa in Fairfield, the dance will feature the music of Francesco Castiglione with tenor Erin Caruso.

Tickets are $100 per person, which includes appetizers, dinner, desert and open bar all evening. Dinner is a choice of prime rib, salmon or chicken picatta. The cocktail hour begins at 7 p.m. with dinner and dancing to follow. The proceeds raised by Valentine’s Dance will benefit the Swim’s Breast Cancer programs. For tickets and more information, call 203-254-8308.

The Swim Paper Sunflower: Symbol of Hope
Swim Across the Sound has recently introduced the Swim Sunflower. This bright and beautiful paper flower symbolizes the spirit of hope and life.

“There When You Need It” is printed in the center of the sunflower, below the Swim logo. The vivid yellow petal design gives the sunflower a realistic and unique look. If you purchase a flower, each donation represents a ray of hope in the fight against cancer.

The Sunflower is sold at Swim events as well as local retailers and offices throughout Fairfield County. For a donation of $1, you can purchase a sunflower to support the Swim’s 34 cancer awareness, support, prevention and education programs.

If you know of any locations willing to sell the sunflowers for the Swim, please contact St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation at 203-576-5451.

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.