Why the Waldrons Swim for Swim Across America

On June 30, 2012, my daughters Emma (18) and Abigail (17) and I will be participating in Swim Across America’s open-water swim in the chilly waters of Long Island Sound, Stamford/Greenwich, CT, raising money for cancer research. While this will be my third time participating in this SAA swim, no other swim (or any other charity event I have supported over the years) comes close to tugging on my heart, or means as much to me, as this swim.  

The Waldron ladies will be swimming in tribute of my friend and colleague Sonali Bruschi, who has been recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer and is in the process of her treatment to become cancer-free. Sonali and I are Pfizer Inc. colleagues and have been working closely together over that past year, solidifying a wonderful professional relationship and personal friendship (as well as a shared love for chocolate!) Sonali is one of the most beautiful people I know, both inside and out, whose strength amazes me. I am honored and delighted to have her as a friend.

Sonali was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in mid-April. After having had a routine physical two years ago, she found out she had multiple thyroid nodules, but was told no follow-up was needed. Earlier this year at the recommendation of a new doctor, she had a repeat sonogram done and discovered that one nodule had grown and was exhibiting suspicious characteristics. A biopsy confirmed that it was in fact malignant and she will be undergoing a full thyroidectomy on June 29. Coincidentally, Sonali will be on her first day of post-op recovery at the same time that Emma, Abigail, and I will be plunging into the sound. Sonali states, “ While you are swimming away, I will be sending you encouragement, hugs, and thanks from the hospital!” And, while Sonali is recovering the Waldron ladies collectively share - Sonali will be our inspiration to keep our arms pulling and legs kicking!  

Sonali shares that she is immensely grateful for the love, support, and friendship shown to her since her diagnosis. She states, "Once the paralyzing word 'cancer' enters your life, it can feel like it’s going to be an unwelcome life-long companion. Even with a more easily treated cancer like thyroid cancer, there is still a future of follow-ups, scans, and fear of a recurrence, but the amazing generosity and support of Tanya and her daughters through their participation in SAA has really underscored for me that there’s hope and a lot of it. Also, knowing that there are so many dedicated volunteers who contribute their time, swim talent, and energy every year to contribute their part towards a cure, is a tremendous gift that will keep on giving for me and so many other cancer sufferers.' For me, these words from Tanya really encapsulate the power of the Swim Across America event: 'While I will never be a scientist, researcher, or doctor that can help treat or find a cure for cancer, I can help raise money for them so they can do what they do.'"

So why do Emma, Abigail, and I swim … because all of us must do our part in the battle to beat cancer.  The world needs Sonali … and many more amazing people just like her. Please strongly consider joining in our quest! http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/site/TR/OpenWater/Greenwich?px=1119023&pg=personal&fr_id=1506