`This past month, Bishop Feehan Swim captains participated in the nationally recognized “Swim Across America” fundraiser. The organization strives to unite communities while still promoting cancer research, valuing money raised in a community, benefiting members of that community, which ultimately makes a difference from within.
Varsity Swim and Dive captains Isabelle Demedeiros, Maria Pallapotula, Avalyn Butt, Brian Parkinson, Rishi Verma, and Antonio Morabito all participated in a half-mile swim in the choppy waters of Scarborough Beach. Each participant raised their own money to support the foundation through private sponsors.

Isabelle shared that even though the water conditions weren’t ideal, everyone was swimming for the same goal. This inspired her to get in the water and push through the discomfort. She remembers a mentality of “if they can do it, we can do it too” that got her through the swim. Other swimmers kept her going as well as the memory of all those affected by cancer, for which she was swimming in memory of. The motivation helped keep her and her teammates grounded- even if they were in the water.
The event itself, Isabelle recalls, was particularly emotional. The swim was a symbol of humility and sacrifice while also honoring the memory of family members and friends. Additionally, it brought survivors together, a powerful aspect of the organization’s accomplishments. At the end of the swim, Isabelle says that there was an overwhelming amount of cheering and that “everyone was so supportive.”

Even though this year was her first experience with Swim Across America, Isabelle attributes her readiness to all of the hard work the team put in during their season. Getting back into the water as a team this month gets her even more “ready for the new season.” The swim environment is “just so positive and comfortable,” and it was special to be able to experience and take part in the organization’s goals as a team.