Roger Cox
2006 SWIM Volunteer of the Year
If you had to describe the ideal volunteer, you would probably describe Roger Cox. He's always there to help out at St. Vincent's SWIM Across the Sound events and activities.
Often on short notice, Cox is willing to give up his free time to sell SWIM fish at Bluefish games at Harbor Yard, Stop & Shop and Wal-Mart, hand out lunches at the Circus for Children with Cancer and Chronic Illnesses or help out at the annual Corn Maze at Plasko's Farm in Trumbull. It doesn't matter what the request; Roger pitches in. An avid sports fan, Roger enjoys selling the fish at the ballpark. He approaches people with a sincere and honest approach to donate a dollar to the SWIM that few can resist.
Deborah Cox, Roger's wife of 26 years, describes her husband as a hard worker, brimming with energy and a kind person who rarely has bad moods. Many fellow SWIM volunteers who have worked alongside Roger have the same opinion. Roger, a Trumbull resident, never asks for any special treatment; he always asks what he can do for others.
Cox has two sons, Brian and Kevin. He lost his daughter, Kim, to breast cancer in 2001. She received such outstanding and compassionate care at St. Vincent's Medical Center during her illness that Roger still holds a special place in his heart for the hospital. After her death, he attended the SWIM Memorial Service that takes place every year on the Sunday after the Swim Marathon at Captain's Cove. The service moved him so much; he decided to get involved with the SWIM. It was a perfect match for him.
Despite a demanding schedule at Select Business Systems in Trumbull where he is a marketing manager, Roger always has time for his family and his volunteer work. Around the house, he works at the odd jobs to keep the household humming. Deborah says he's a terrific father to both sons and pitches in washing the dishes or cutting the lawn. As his children grew up, Roger has volunteered as a coach or an extra pair of hands for his kids' soccer or Little League teams and marching band.
For the last seven years, Roger has worked tirelessly to help the SWIM turn the tide against cancer.
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