Swim Team Raises $12,000 for Breast Cancer Research

The “Shark Tank” youth swim squad raised $12,000 for breast cancer research and awareness in a swim marathon event Sunday.

The Shark Tank Racing Squad raced 5,000 meters and collected funds to support the upcoming Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in D.C. through a combination of donations and pledges per lap.

The group of 37 boys and girls ages 8 to 22 surpassed their initial $7,000 goal.

“Today you know that you are blessed and lucky,"  Patty Friedman, club co-founder and one of the team's coaches, told her team in reaction to the funds raised at Sunday's event held in Woodbridge. "Last year, I asked you to make a difference, to not fit in, to lead and not follow and over that you have made a big difference."

To find out more about the team’s efforts and a Fairfax Station girl who participated in the fundraiser, . The group is continuing to raise funds until Coach Friedman participates in the Avon Walk in May.

Team Shark Tank has their own fundraising page for online donations and information.