Swimmers Take to the Water to Raise Cancer Funds

Information provided by Kelly Lennon

Over 70 members of the Team Suffolk Swim Club and Half Hollow Hills Varsity swimmers recently participated in a charity swim event sponsored by Swim Across America at the Half Hollow Hills High School West Natatorium.

 In only their third year hosting an event they have raised over $30,000. They dedicated this year’s swim to Christian Mattutat, a former team member himself and brother of current member, Gabriella.  Gabby stated, “ I am so happy everyone is coming together to support such a special cause in honor of my brother.” Swimmers ranged in age from 8 to 18 years old. The younger swimmers completed ½ mile while the older ones completed 1 mile, over 71 laps in the pool.  Proceeds from the event will support cancer research at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center-SAA Laboratory, the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.  

Kim Chan, a senior, teamed up with Kelly Lennon, a freshman, to help organize and run this event. KellyLennon, who raised over $11,000, now has participated in her 4th SAA event. Kelly said “Every year I look forward to these events and the overwhelming generosity of the people who donate to support this great cause. It makes the 64 laps seem like it’s the least I can do.”
The community can still donate money to the team by going to our website. http://www.tshills.org/index.html