Swim Helps Raise Money for Pancreatic Cancer Research

On a hazy, humid Sunday morning, several hundred people converged at Rocky Point Beach to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

The annual PurpleSwim event was founded by Tim Beatty in honor of his father, Bud Beatty, who was an avid swimmer, swim coach and all-around community supporter. Bud lost his battle with pancreatic cancer several years ago.

In 2008, Tim decided to swim from Rocky Point Beach to Hart-Miller Island and back. His plan was to raise a couple hundred dollars for pancreatic cancer research. Beatty and four friends
made the swim and raised nearly $8,000. In 2009, 100 people registered and 81 swimmers completed the course. Participants raised $13,000.

In 2010, the number of participants doubled and netted $21,776.31. The 2010 swim was also the first year for two courses—a one-mile course and a two-mile swim.

This year's event, the 4th Annual PurpleSwim, had 102 participants in the one-mile swim and 120 for the two-mile course with the goal to raise $30,500. Just 12 hours before the event began, the website tote board was showing $32,000 already raised.

Anne Shimabukuro, a six-year pancreatic cancer survivor, was excited to participate in the swim.

She admits that being one of the few who survive this silent killer is amazing. Her husband, John, and her two daughters Emily (9) and Holly (8) were all there to cheer for mom.

A team of volunteers working together provided support for the event. They include Buddy Cole, a resident of the Back River Neck Peninsula and an avid supporter of the PurpleSwim, who agreed to coordinate the 31 kayak volunteers manning the course.

Volunteers like Brenda Cabrera awakened at 3 a.m. to drive to Essex from Woodbridge, VA to support this worthy cause.

Sarah Pease, who posted the call for volunteers on Kayak Meet-Up, slept in until 4 a.m. before driving north from Fairfax, VA.

Ron Long, of Parkville, found the event through Chesapeake Paddlers Association. He wanted to participate after learning that his wife's boss had recently been diagnosed with pancreatic
cancer.

Heidi Magladry, a nurse who often participates in triathlons, was a kayak volunteer supervising swimmers, including her 14-year old son, Spencer.

Bluepoint Timing staff Sean Hoar and Jay Bugenhagen provided their expertise, timing the swimmers as they entered and exited the water. Results can be found on their website and on the PurpleSwimBaltimore website.

The Rockaway Beach Volunteer Fire Department was also on hand with truck and ambulance crews to provide any assistance that might be needed.