DHS Swimmers Start Non-Profit

Grace Frankel and Lauren Kurzydlo, a pair of varsity swimmers at Deerfield High School, were alarmed when they saw statistics related to the number of child drownings. So they decided to do something about it.

Swimmers for Life, a non-profit organization created by the duo has a goal to prevent children from drowning and have already made a donation of nearly $2,000 to the North Suburban YMCA to help fund swim lessons for children who otherwise may not be able to afford it.

“We are raising money to provide swim lessons for children from families in need,” Frankel said. “Many children drown each year because they do not know how to swim, and our hope is by helping provide lessons, we may save lives.”

A donation of $10 provides one lesson, while $100 would pay for a ten-week set of lessons and $450 would pay for an entire year.

“Our organization means a lot to us and we would really appreciate any donations. All donations will go directly towards paying for the swim lessons,” said Kurzydlo.

Frankel and Kurzydlo, both Deerfield residents and juniors at DHS, have both been involved in swimming in the village since age four and now both work as swim instructors.

“We wanted to transform our passion into something that could help make a difference,” Kurzydlo said. “We know the value and importance of being able to swim and believe it is a skill every child should have.”