Visit The Swim Online at www.swimacrossthesound.org.

Save the Date: Swim Day, August 5th at Captain's Cove in Bridgeport. More than 190 swimmers swimming to raise donations for cancer patients. Come on down and cheer them on.

WICC/Mohegan Sun Radiothon Tunes Into Listeners
WICC/Mohegan Sun Radiothon tuned into listeners to raise $225,000 June 9th and June 11th.

WICC Talk Show Celebrity John LaBarca hosted the Radiothon that ran a total of 13 hours over two days. He entertained his listeners with music, banter, and stories about how cancer affected his family, losing his father, mother, and a brother to the disease.

St. Vincent's Foundation President Ron Bianchi also stepped behind the mic to help raise funds to support the Swim's 34 cancer education, screening, support, and prevention programs. Even St. Vincent's President/CEO Susan L. Davis slipped on the earphones to make a pitch to listeners to contribute to the Radiothon.

Dr. Frank Scifo, co-chair of the Swim with Jan Williams, missed the Radiothon for the first time in six years as he recovers from recent surgery. However, Scifo called into the Radiothon to lend his support and urge listeners and his patients to donate. Williams also manned the phones and went on the air to support the Swim.

"The Radiothon is like a marathon," said Bianchi. "But it's a lot of fun and is a major fundraiser for the Swim. We can't thank WICC and Mohegan Sun enough for their support in putting on this Radiothon every year."

Cancer survivors, such as Terrance Rosso and Art Sheehan, told their stories about how the Swim had helped them to cope with the challenges of their disease. Dozens of Swim volunteers manned the phones to take pledges and worked tirelessly over the two-day Radiothon, recording more than 1,500 calls. In addition, many supporters and friends dropped in during the Radiothon to lend support and contribute to the Swim.

Mark Fries Goes the Distance, Completes Marathon
At about the 17-mile point into the marathon, Mark Fries of Sandy Hook began to wonder why he decided to run the 26-miles Big Sur International Marathon in California.

His knees, ankles, feet all hurt; his lungs were gulping air as he ran. The Big Sur International Marathon consisted of 22 miles of punishing hills. This was his fourth marathon and he knew what to expect; he never panicked. Then he looked out across the Pacific Ocean that bordered most of the course, and the view was stunning.

It distracted him from all his discomforts; then he thought of the teens back home in Connecticut that he was running for in support of St. Vincent's Teen SmokeStoppers. He also recalled his friend who was fighting his battle with cancer. Fries raised more than $10,000 for Teen SmokeStoppers.

Fries has embraced the cause because of his commitment to helping kids live healthy, productive lives. An insurance executive for Beardsley, Brown and Bassett, a division of People's Bank in Bridgeport, Fries views smoking as one of the most damaging lifestyle choices that kids face as they grow up.

"Health costs are rising which is directly related to choices that people can make," Fries said. "We know that smoking is directly related to poor health. I know of no one who is healthy that smokes. Teen SmokeStoppers has a proven track record that it can help kids make smart decisions at a critical point in their lives."

The night before the marathon at a pre-run pasta dinner, Fries got the best advice from a 67 year old who had run three dozen marathons: Never worry about how far you've come and how far you have to run, stay in the present. It reminded him of the battle of cancer patients who face a challenging battle with their disease and must hold onto hope in the present.

"I had no idea how difficult this marathon was," Fries said. "It was listed as moderately difficult, but it was hill after hill. The beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway distracted me from the challenge. I also knew I was running for a great cause."

Fries finished the marathon in a solid 4 hours and 16 seconds. He was hoping to break four hours, but experienced some weakness early in the race because he hadn't eaten breakfast and a quick pit stop both cost him his target goal. A couple miles from the finish, he saw his wife, Nancy, who cheered him on, which inspired him to pick up his pace.

All winter, Fries trained for the marathon, logging the miles and coping with the aches and pains that come from extensive training. He runs a minimum of eight miles a day between three and four times a week. He said he needed to train hard for this marathon because of the challenging course that offers 13 hills in the last half of the run. In 2003, he ran the New York Marathon with his daughter Emily for Teen SmokeStoppers. Fries said this run was harder because he didn't have his daughter to motivate him. Father and daughter completed the marathon in 4:12.

Fries lives by the creed of being involved in the community and helping those less fortunate. He belongs to an impressive list of organizations in which he remains very active: University of Bridgeport Trustee and member of St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation Board, former Chair of United Way Board of Eastern Fairfield County, Shehan Center in Bridgeport, Bridgeport Rotary, International Rotary, and Newtown Scholarship Association.

"Completing this marathon [Big Sur International] was something to be real proud of," Fries said. "More importantly, was the cause I did it for. TSS and the kids who benefit from it will be the real winners."

Touring "The Chimneys" for Charity Raises Cancer Awareness
Swim Across the Sound took a step back in time and offered a tour of The Chimney's on May 20th to allow the public a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the mansion and help fight against cancer.

The stunning and elegant Chimney's Georgian mansion served as the host for the beautiful afternoon event, featuring tours of the home, live music, champagne and strawberries and chocolate hors d'ouevres from Luigi's of Bridgeport.

Over 150 people attended the tour of The Chimney's to enjoy the largest private residence in Bridgeport, built in 1929. Located on Old Battery Road, by St. Mary's by the Sea, the stunning 21-room mansion includes a grand staircase, nine fireplaces, hand-painted murals, five master bedrooms, tennis court and swimming pool.

The house is for sale at the asking price of $4.85 million, presented by The Black Rock Reality Group. The event raised over $10,000 to support the Swim's 34 cancer education, prevention and screening programs.

Jan Williams, co-chair of the Swim and The Chimney's Tour, thought the mansion tour added a new dimension to the Swim roster of events.

"People really enjoyed the day, touring this magnificent mansion and supporting the Swim," Williams said. "How often do you get the opportunity to step back in time like this and see one of the great homes in the state?"

The Swim Names Tom D'Addario Its Man of the Year
St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound 101 Boys' Night Out recently named Tom D'Addario the 2006 Swim Man of the Year at Vazzy's Restaurant in Bridgeport.
D'Addario, President of Mario D'Addario Buick, Pontiac, Nissan, GMC and Cadillac in Shelton, was honored for his commitment to the community and Swim Across the Sound.

The evening raised more than $20,000 to benefit Swim Across the Sound's 34 cancer education, screening, prevention, and support programs.

D'Addario along with Chuck Mattes of William B. Meyer, Inc. together purchase a car every year that is presented to Swim Across the Sound to be raffled. The raffle has generated a total of more than $200,000 over the last four years. In addition, it also partially funds the Irma and Mario D'Addario Hypertension Fund at St. Vincent's.

"It's an honor to be recognized," D'Addario told more than 100 guests and friends. "You support great causes like the Swim and St. Vincent's because it's the right thing to do, not for awards and accolades. But I humbly accept this award and thank the Swim for its recognition."

D'Addario becomes the seventh Swim Man of the Year. The other past honorees are:
John DiMarco – 2000
Gene O'Neill - 2001
Andrew Julian - 2002
John Vazzano – 2003
Dr. Frank Scifo – 2004
Armand Cantafio - 2005

D'Addario, a Shelton resident, began his automotive career at the age of 20 by working for and eventually with his father, Mario D'Addario, at the automobile dealership, Mario D'Addario Buick, Inc. located in Shelton. Working through all phases and departments of the dealership, D'Addario eventually became the General Manager and Vice President. In addition to the responsibilities at the dealership, he also had to oversee the daily operations at Mario's Body Shop and Mario D'Addario Limo Service.

After his father's death in 2000, D'Addario took over as President of Mario D'Addario Buick Inc. The Pontiac brand was added to the dealership in 2002, requiring the relocation of the Nissan brand to its own new facility in 2003. In 2004, D'Addario established an onsite auto body repair facility and in 2005 added the Cadillac brand.

D'Addario and his family established the Irma and Mario D'Addario Hypertension Program at St. Vincent's in memory of his parents and also have participated in various St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound functions. D'Addario lives in Shelton with his wife Mary and children Tom Jr., Dan and Sara.

At the event, comedian Perry Gardner entertained the crowd with his comedy. Joe Furnari served as chairman along with co-chairs Brock Dubin and Michael Parente. John Vazzano, owner of Vazzy's, underwrote the entire dinner and open bar. Mayors Mark Lauretti of Shelton and John Fabrizi of Bridgeport both spoke about D'Addario's accomplishments and applauded his commitment to the community.

Golf Tournament Scores for the Swim
Over 112 golfers teed off to help raise cancer awareness at the 5th Annual St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound Golf Tournament. The tournament raised over $65,000 to support the Swim's 34 cancer education, prevention and screening programs for cancer patients and their families.

The tournament took place at Whitney Farms Golf Club in Monroe, where participants enjoyed a sunny day for golf on a challenging course. The Stone Barn Restaurant, located at Whitney's Farms, provided a delectable lunch and dinner for all golfers. Golfers also took part in a silent auction that included sports memorabilia, golf equipment, and assorted unique items.

Prizes were awarded to the lowest foursome net and gross teams. The #1 low net team sponsored by Healthcare Environmental was Jim Gengo, Paul Gengo, Ralph Gengo and Fred Sacco. The #1 low gross winners sponsored by Wachovia Bank and Marisa's Ristorante was Steve Moran, Glen Belush, Jay Sicilian and Attillio Marini.

Ralph LoStocco and John Lawrence, M.D. co-chaired the tournament and were very pleased with the turnout and the amount of money raised to benefit the Swim.

"The Swim Golf Tournament is a very successful and special event," said LoStocco. "The afternoon was remarkable. I am very fortunate to be able to co-chair this event in which all participants are able to give back to those in need, via the Swim, by playing a sport they love."

Swim Across the Sound Hartford Chapter Pops Its Cork
St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound Hartford Chapter recently raised more than $20,000 at the second annual Wine Tasting/Silent Auction event at Farmington Country Club to benefit cancer patients and their families from the Greater Hartford area.

The Wine Tasting/Silent Auction drew several hundred wine lovers, who sampled fine wines from around the world and bid on more than 100 donated auction items, ranging from sports memorabilia to art work. Kelli Cilbrith and Mitch McGrath, co-chairs of the event, were thrilled with the funds raised for cancer patients.

"It was a lot of work putting the event together," Cilbrith said, "but worth it when we see how much we raised and know that it will benefit Hartford area cancer patients. It was a great evening and we applaud the hundreds of people who turned out to support it."

While bidding on silent auction items, supporters enjoyed hors d'oeuvres donated by Ruth's Chris Steak House and wines provided by Wine Cellar 4. Adult & Pediatric Allergy & Asthma of CT (Kevin P. McGrath, MD) was the title sponsor and The Wild Raspberry Cheese Shop and Godiva Chocolatiers were co-sponsors. Brandon Rudat, a reporter for NBC 30 Connecticut News acted as the MC.

Cancer survivor Diahann Phillips of Bridgeport, who benefited from the Swim programs, explained how the charity helped her through her battle with cancer.

"Without the Swim, I don't know where I would be," Phillips said. "By supporting this event, you are helping people like me. As a spokesperson for them, we thank you for taking part in this wonderful event."

The Swim launched a Hartford Chapter in 2005 and is dedicated to raising funds for cancer patients and their families in the Hartford area. In its first year, the Swim Hartford Chapter was extremely pro-active, hosting a miniature golf tournament and a "Smile a Mile for Cameron Walk" to benefit a child from the Hartford area with a rare form of cancer.

Cilbrith and McGrath will also host two benefit nights at the New Britain Rock Cats games during the 2006 season. For more information about the Swim Hartford Chapter, call 203-526-3935 or 860-874-8998.

Sailing Regatta Cocktail Party Has Smooth Sailing
The second annual Sailing Regatta Cocktail Party/Silent Auction set sail at the Black Rock Yacht Club in Bridgeport May 19th to benefit the Swim breast cancer programs.

Mary Daley, Nancy Gill, and Maureen Pelletier hosted the evening that featured musical entertainment, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and silent auction at the Black Rock Yacht Club overlooking St. Mary's by the Sea. The auction raised more than $20,000 as a kickoff to the Sailing Regatta scheduled for July 15th at Fayerweather Yacht Club, surpassing last year's total donations.

The auction included dozens of works of art, gift certificates for vacation trips, golf clubs, fine wines, and jewelry. Joseph Marino, a cancer survivor helped by the Swim, was the featured artist, who donated several pencil sketches. The evening also included a live band that had the Swim supporters dancing away the night for charity. WindCheck Magazine sponsored the evening for the second straight year.

Several local restaurants provided food and hors d'ouevres: Ash Creek Saloon, Bitter End, Black Rock Castle, Blood Root Vegetarian Restaurant, Café Tavolini, Catering to the 9's, Deli-Way, Harborview Market, Oyster Bar & Grill, Taco Loco, The Field, Tucker's and Tuscany.

Former NY Giant & Dodger Greats Talk Baseball for the Swim
Ralph Branca and Bobby Thompson, the two participants of the most famous homerun in major league history, Thompson's "Shot heard round the world," delighted a crowd of baseball fans June 14th to benefit the Swim.

The former stars talked baseball, reliving Thompson's 9th inning three-run blast off Branca which won the 1951 pennant for the New York Giants in the National League's first ever playoff series. The Giants completed the "Miracle at Coogan's Bluff" coming back from 13 games on August 12th to catch the Brooklyn Dodgers and eventually force the playoff series that thrust Branca and Thompson forever into baseball history.

Branca and Thompson attended a private reception for the crowd in the skybox suite at Harbor Yard. The meet-and-greet featured an all you can eat buffet and beverages as well as a game ticket. Each fan received a framable photo of "the moment" that both players autographed. Proceeds from the event benefited the Swim.

The DiMatteo Family 1st Annual Golf Tournament Tees Off
The DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation recorded a winning score for the Swim, hosting its first annual golf tournament that raised more than $5,000.

The tournament took place May 22nd at the beautiful Woodbridge Country Club with a complete field of more than 130 golfers who enjoyed a beautiful day of golf while helping cancer patients and their families. The dinner also featured a silent auction of sports memorabilia.

The tournament also benefited the Niemann-Peck Foundation which does research on a rare genetic disease that prohibits the breaking down of cholesterol, and Adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare brain disease.

Rosemarie Esposito presented the check along with Loretta Lesko at the Mohegan Sun/WICC Radiothon on the air to inspire others to give.

COMING SOON:

The Prostate Cancer Institute Celebrity Dinner Fields a Lineup of Baseball Stars & ESPN Celebrities
The Swim Prostate Cancer Institute Celebrity Dinner will feature a lineup of past baseball stars and celebrities – former Yankee pitcher Goose Gossage, Red Sox pitcher Bill Lee, and ESPN Baseball Analysts Karl Ravech and Steve Phillips June 29th at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport.

Get into the game by attending the special meet-and-greet the stars at 6 p.m., and obtain autographs and a digital photo. The ticket is $250 and includes hors d'ouevres and cocktails, and dinner to follow. Attendance is limited.

You can also opt to attend only the dinner and enjoy the meal and be entertained by all the celebrities talking baseball. The dinner ticket is $125, seating is limited. A silent and live auction of unique baseball memorabilia will also be offered.

Get into the lineup and make your reservations now for the PCI Celebrity Dinner. Call St. Vincent's Foundation, 203-576-5451.

Frank Morse of Carter Morse & Mathias of Southport and Bill Mitchell of Mitchells of Westport are the co-chairs of the event. Bank of America is the title sponsor of the third annual PCI Celebrity Dinner.

The funds raised through the celebrity dinner will allow PCI to continue its community screening program. PCI staff and St. Vincent's urologists screen men throughout the community for prostate cancer. Men age 50 and older should undergo an annual PSA blood test along with a digital rectal exam. African-American men run a higher risk of prostate cancer and should have a prostate exam, beginning at age 40.

The Swim Marathon Ready to Make Waves for Cancer Patients
More than 190 swimmers, both solo swimmers and relay teams, will take on the challenge of the 15-mile marathon swim across Long Island Sound on August 5th to benefit the Swim.

This year's field of amateur swimmers includes eight soloists and 31 relay teams that will swim from Port Jefferson, L.I. to Captain's Cove in Bridgeport. The event attracts swimmers ranging in age from 13 to 65.

Many of the swimmers do this event not only to challenge themselves, but also for the memories of friends, relatives or loved ones dealing with cancer. Team Hanger will feature six swimmers who all have handicaps or lost limbs from cancer or accidents. The first swimmers will probably begin to arrive after 2 p.m., and awards ceremonies will take place at 7 p.m.

Dave Parcells, director of the Swim Marathon and a top Masters amateur swimmer, is delighted at the response from swimmers around the state and the Northeast. "The amount of inquiries to take part in the ‘Swim' continues to grow," Parcells said. "We've increased the size of our field and also have attracted many strong swimmers. There's a lot of excitement about the event and it's for a great cause. That's a winning combination in my book."

The Swim changed to an all-amateur format two years ago, returning to its roots. The Swim combines an athletic challenge and is a fundraiser at the same time. Last year, the event raised approximately $220,000 primarily from pledges collected by the teams and solo swimmers. Each relay team raises a minimum of $5,000 and the solos a minimum of $1,000.

Swim Hartford Chapter Co-Hosts Bone Marrow Drive
The Swim Hartford Chapter and National Marrow Donor Program of New England will co-host a "You Could Be the Missing Piece!" Marrow drive.

The marrow drive will take place on Sunday, July 9th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wethersfield Country Club. The event will honor Sue Ellen Lyons and other individuals across Connecticut with Leukemia, Aplastic Anemia, Sickle Cell Disease and other diseases curable through unrelated Stem Cell Transplants.

Mitch McGrath, RN and Kelli Cilbrith, co-chairs of the Swim Hartford Chapter are looking forward to the successful turnout of the marrow drive.

"I believe it is very important that healthy individuals know that they are able to give of themselves to help individuals that are battling these diseases," said Cilbrith. "Swim Across the Sound is honored to be able to host the marrow drive and we know that this event will help save peoples lives."

Participants in the marrow drive must be between the ages of 18 and 60, be in good health and must not exceed the maximum weight stated in the National Marrow Donor Program guidelines.

Individuals must be willing to become a part of the National Marrow Donor Program Registry to offer hope and support to patents across Connecticut and the world searching for unrelated bone marrow or stem cell transplants.

Those interested in participating in the drive must remember that National Marrow Donor Program tissue typing drives are not for one person only and tissue typing is a costly process. Swim Across the Sound has raised funds to cover some of the costs for testing, but donations of any amount would aid in the success of the marrow drive.

7th Annual Sailing Regatta Sets Sail July 15th
Fayerweather Yacht Club in Bridgeport will host the 7th Annual Swim Across the Sound Sailing Regatta on Saturday July 15th, 2006. The Regatta is presented by Fayerweather YC and Black Rock YC in Bridgeport and Housatonic Boat Club in Stratford and sponsored by WindCheck Magazine.

The starting line will be South of "2A" outside Black Rock Harbor. Racing divisions will be PHRF Spinnaker, Non –Spinnaker and One-Design, under Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association www.ecsa.org ratings.

There will also be a ‘Fun Sail', open to all boats. Crews will navigate an 11-mile course collecting clues to solve a puzzle. There will be prizes and a special award presented to the "best party boat". At 4:00 PM there will be a picnic at Fayerweather with Irish/acoustic music by CAMAC.

Entry is $100 per boat. Each entrant will receive a skipper's bag, T-shirt, hat and flag. Each boat will receive five picnic wristbands, and additional bands are $5 each. Skippers and crews are encouraged to collect pledges for their boats, and all donations to the Swim across the Sound Sailing 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

Swim Across the Sound Night @ New Britain Stadium
Rock Cats (Minnesota Twins) vs. Trenton Thunder (New York Yankees)
Monday, July 24, 2006
Gates Open @ 6:05 PM - Game Time @ 7:05 PM

Rock Cats Players will sign autographs in the Concourse for 30 minutes after the gates open.

St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound will hold a sports memorabilia Silent Auction during the game. Half the proceeds of your ticket will benefit Swim Across the Sound Hartford Chapter.
A portion of pink Rock Cats

Aquathon Set For a Big Splash
Dive into the St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound 19th annual Aquathon/Walk, sponsored by WICC 600 and Coca-Cola, to raise awareness in the fight against cancer.

The 2006 Aquathon/Walk will take place at Fairfield University Recplex on Friday, July 28th. The Aquathon segment of the event will begin at noon until 10 p.m. and the Walk will start at 7 p.m. Enjoy a 2-mile walk through Fairfield University's scenic campus or cool off in the Recplex pool while walking and/or swimming at your own pace to help raise funds for cancer survivors and their families.

People of all ages are encouraged to participate in the Aquathon/Walk by swimming laps or walking and raising pledges. On Friday night, there will be a picnic and live entertainment, featuring a band, for all participants. Swimmers and walkers with pledges of $50 will receive a commemorative Swim Across the Sound T-shirt. Additional prizes will be awarded to individuals who raise $100, $200 and $350 in pledges.

"The Aquathon/Walk has raised more than $730,000 in its 19 years as an event," said Ray Giovanni, Aquathon/Walk chair. "The money raised through the Aquathon/Walk will help underwrite the Swim's 34 cancer education, prevention and screening programs.

"These programs are essential in the effort to win in the fight against cancer. I believe every stroke, step and lap makes a difference in a cancer patient and survivors life. The Aquathon/Walk is a truly inspirational and memorable event."

Swim Scraptober Fest
Get out your photos and memorabilia for the Swim Scraptober Fest October 7th at the Hawley Conference Center at St. Vincent's Medical Center.

Bring your pictures and pack your gear for a mega 12-hour scrapping and stamping event from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Creative Memories and Stampin' Up consultants will be available to assist you.

Tickets are $40, which will benefit the Swim breast cancer programs. The event includes a light lunch and dinner. There will be raffles and door prizes. Free parking is available with a validated ticket. For tickets or more information, call Leah Brady at 203-576-5172.

Shop At the Swim Online Store
Do your gift shopping at the Swim Store. Click here to visit the Swim Online Store and peruse all the great items. All purchases benefit the 34 Swim cancer education, screening, prevention, and support groups.

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 $2.52 million in 2005 and helped 20,000 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.