We are both currently university students who are hoping make a difference in the world and while we have both made a great start, we want to do something to challenge ourselves and the people around us to dream big. In July 2014 we will be attempting a swim across the Strait of Georgia from Sechelt BC to Naniamo BC, approximately 35km of open ocean. We are swimming to raise awareness about the challenges that women face when diagnosed with cervical, breast, uterine and vulvar cancer and to raise funds to support researchers who are searching for better treatments for women's cancers.
Who are you?
I am currently a 4th year student in Science studying biology at the University of Western Ontario. I was born and raised in Victoria, BC. I've always loved sports and played pretty much everything I could when I was younger: basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, and the list goes on. I started rowing when I was in high school and ended up at Western in London hoping to pursue it further. After injuring myself in my first year I was no longer able to row, so I took up running and now am going to be spending many enjoyable hours in the pool. I first met Kaylynn in grade 10 at our high school. We bonded over many mutual interests including cancer research and fundraising, and we both have a talent for coming up with crazy ideas - like this one!
Why are you doing this swim?
I'm doing this swim for several reasons. First, like I said, I like coming up with crazy ideas and trying to achieve them. It's always good to have goals right? Even if they seem a bit out there. However, I mostly am doing this for my fantastic and amazing mother, Sheree. She was diagnosed with cancer last year, a type specific to women. She isn't the first relative to have been diagnosed in my family, but it definitely hit closer to home than anything else. It's true that cancer is no longer a death sentence for the most part, but it's still scary. My family and I were lucky in that she needed very little intervention and treatment compared to many. I wanted to do something to raise money and awareness, and try and take something positive out of what happened. I also believe that money raised and research completed in the field never benefits just one individual. It can benefit many people and those who may be affected in the future. That is my motivation for doing this swim. Hopefully it will help get me through the 8+ hours in the cold waters of the Straight!
Future Plans?
My plans right now are very uncertain, which is a phrase I'm sure many people have heard from any student about to graduate from university. My interests lie either in research in Biology or a clinical career in Medicine. I have some exposure to both fields and I guess the next path I pursue will largely depend on who decides to offer me admission.
Favourite Colour?
Either blue or green. Depends on the day.
Favourite Food?
My favourite food.... All of them? I'm going to be swimming like 20 hours a week. I could literally eat everything in sight at any given time. Let's be real.
Favourite Movie?
I've always been a Star Wars nerd, but I do love Bond movies and Star Trek. My favourite Christmas movie is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (circa 1964 with Burl Ives).
Who are you?
I am 21 and I am currently a 4th year student in Health Sciences studying biomedical science at the University of Calgary. I was born and raised in the small town of Sparwood, BC, and I grew up loving sports and competition. I started out ski racing and then switched to road cycling at 15, and now of course I am spending more time in the pool then I ever thought was possible! I met Caryn in the 10th grade while attending a St. Michael's University School in Victoria BC when she stormed into my dorm room to see my room-mate. We have been friends ever since.
Why are you doing this swim?
At 16 I challenged myself to ride my bike across British Columbia to raise money for adolescent and young adult cancer patients, so doing things that are rather out of the ordinary and particularly challenging are kind of my thing. Back in August Caryn sent me a facebook message asking me if I wanted to something similar again, I of course said yes and we did a bit of brain storming and came up with this swim. I am looking forward to the challenge of attempting a 8+ hour swim across the Strait of Georgia.
Future Plans?
I, like many people in my degree stream, aspire to become a doctor. So I am hoping that I will eventually get into medical school and I would like to throw in doing a PhD at some point. I hope to become a clinician scientist in the area of peripheral nerve repair and regeneration. Basically, I want to go to school forever!
Favourite Food?
Maple syrup (if that is food) or pasta.
Favourite Colour?
Orange
Favourite Movie?
Patch Adams and Elf
We have many challenges ahead of ourselves in the next few months in order to prepare for this swim, but we are excited and we hope you are too!
About Caryn:
Who are you?I am currently a 4th year student in Science studying biology at the University of Western Ontario. I was born and raised in Victoria, BC. I've always loved sports and played pretty much everything I could when I was younger: basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, and the list goes on. I started rowing when I was in high school and ended up at Western in London hoping to pursue it further. After injuring myself in my first year I was no longer able to row, so I took up running and now am going to be spending many enjoyable hours in the pool. I first met Kaylynn in grade 10 at our high school. We bonded over many mutual interests including cancer research and fundraising, and we both have a talent for coming up with crazy ideas - like this one!
Why are you doing this swim?
I'm doing this swim for several reasons. First, like I said, I like coming up with crazy ideas and trying to achieve them. It's always good to have goals right? Even if they seem a bit out there. However, I mostly am doing this for my fantastic and amazing mother, Sheree. She was diagnosed with cancer last year, a type specific to women. She isn't the first relative to have been diagnosed in my family, but it definitely hit closer to home than anything else. It's true that cancer is no longer a death sentence for the most part, but it's still scary. My family and I were lucky in that she needed very little intervention and treatment compared to many. I wanted to do something to raise money and awareness, and try and take something positive out of what happened. I also believe that money raised and research completed in the field never benefits just one individual. It can benefit many people and those who may be affected in the future. That is my motivation for doing this swim. Hopefully it will help get me through the 8+ hours in the cold waters of the Straight!
Future Plans?
My plans right now are very uncertain, which is a phrase I'm sure many people have heard from any student about to graduate from university. My interests lie either in research in Biology or a clinical career in Medicine. I have some exposure to both fields and I guess the next path I pursue will largely depend on who decides to offer me admission.
Favourite Colour?
Either blue or green. Depends on the day.
Favourite Food?
My favourite food.... All of them? I'm going to be swimming like 20 hours a week. I could literally eat everything in sight at any given time. Let's be real.
Favourite Movie?
I've always been a Star Wars nerd, but I do love Bond movies and Star Trek. My favourite Christmas movie is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (circa 1964 with Burl Ives).
About Kaylynn:
 |
| Wetsuits make you feel like a superhero! |
Who are you?
I am 21 and I am currently a 4th year student in Health Sciences studying biomedical science at the University of Calgary. I was born and raised in the small town of Sparwood, BC, and I grew up loving sports and competition. I started out ski racing and then switched to road cycling at 15, and now of course I am spending more time in the pool then I ever thought was possible! I met Caryn in the 10th grade while attending a St. Michael's University School in Victoria BC when she stormed into my dorm room to see my room-mate. We have been friends ever since.
Why are you doing this swim?
At 16 I challenged myself to ride my bike across British Columbia to raise money for adolescent and young adult cancer patients, so doing things that are rather out of the ordinary and particularly challenging are kind of my thing. Back in August Caryn sent me a facebook message asking me if I wanted to something similar again, I of course said yes and we did a bit of brain storming and came up with this swim. I am looking forward to the challenge of attempting a 8+ hour swim across the Strait of Georgia.
Future Plans?
I, like many people in my degree stream, aspire to become a doctor. So I am hoping that I will eventually get into medical school and I would like to throw in doing a PhD at some point. I hope to become a clinician scientist in the area of peripheral nerve repair and regeneration. Basically, I want to go to school forever!
Favourite Food?
Maple syrup (if that is food) or pasta.
Favourite Colour?
Orange
Favourite Movie?
Patch Adams and Elf
We have many challenges ahead of ourselves in the next few months in order to prepare for this swim, but we are excited and we hope you are too!
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