Seton Swimmers Persevere in 1st Annual Splash for CF Swim-a-thon

Congratulations to Seton Swimming for completing our 1^st Annual Cystic Fibrosis “Splash for CF” Swim-a-thon.  As a team, we raised $6,260 and had 45 swimmers complete at least 200 lengths of the pool – that’s 5,000 yards or nearly 3 miles!  And thank you to the Given family for their great job in organizing the event!

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections.  I can also obstruct the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

There are a number of Seton families affected by Cystic Fibrosis and all of the life limiting challenges it imposes.   The wonderful news is that scientists are closer than ever to a CURE.  The scientists we are supporting at the CF Foundation and Johns Hopkins University are studying new medications right now that hold the promise for a normal life for those who struggle with Cystic Fibrosis.  In January of 2012 the CF Foundation announced its new medication, Kalydeco, which essentially cures one mutation of the disease.  This medication works effectively in 4% of the CF population, but we can help the other 96% who hope and pray that the cure is found for them.

The $6,260 that we raised will certainly contribute to attainment of this goal.  Our top fundraisers were:

• Joe Zapiain – $645
• The Ceol Family – $630
• Joe Kosten – $575

Thanks to Seton alumnus Kevin Kohlhaas, Joe Zapiain is the proud owner of a new IPOD Mini!  Great job to Joe and all of the Seton Swimming families who raised money for this worthy cause.

We had 46 swimmers complete the 200 lengths of the pool, including:

As you look through this list, you will see many kids who have never swum anywhere near this far at one time.  Today’s swim was truly a great accomplishment for many of these swimmers, particularly some of the younger 7^th graders.

We also had some other new swimmers accomplish some great distance swimming feats:

I’m very proud of what we accomplished today.  Not only did we do some small part to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, many of us learned a valuable life lesson that we are capable of so much more than we think we are.

Great job Seton Swimming!

Coach Jim Koehr