Fall Nwsltr_web_Fall Nwsltr_web 11/20/18 2:39 PM Page 1

Fall 2018 Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE Our new recipients Satellite report By the numbers

Campaign highlights Upcoming events And more!

Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund Fall Nwsltr_web_Fall Nwsltr_web 11/20/18 2:39 PM Page 2

All because of Celebrating 39 Special Years you. And coming up on the 40-year-old version.

elcome to our 39th year campaign – As we reflect on our scholarship recipient ver think about just where your dona- Curious, isn’t it, how the simple act of making yes, 39 – and it has been an amazing population, I thought you would like to know tions go when supporting Swim With a worthwhile donation can elicit such a Wride for our outstanding physically some more about what makes up this year’s EMike? Well, university scholarships, of range of feelings, emotions – and joys. challenged athletes and the entire SWM family. class of physically challenged athletes. course. Some 231 of them over the last 39 years. But that’s the way it is around here. And 38 years of incredible growth and success con- how it’s been for those 39 years. As we head tinue to shatter our expec- Our new scholarship recipients hail from 11 Oh, sure, there are some overhead costs. toward year 40, our focus is on hoping to tations and this is only different states who suffered predominately Just like at your house. Can’t avoid them. attract endowments, so that the work of possible because of you, from spinal cord injuries incurred from dive, But we’re happy to report that our overhead Swim With Mike can continue in perpetuity. our generous volunteers, motorcycle, automobile, hunting accidents and and administration costs are less than 10% donors and USC campus also a terrorist attack. of the donations received. The rest goes to We won’t be here forever. No one will. But partners. scholarships. To support the young women there will always be a need. Which is why This amazing group of individuals is comprised of and men whose lives have been shattered it’s so important that there will always This year the Swim With 11 males and four females pursuing their degrees by devastating injuries.njuries. AndAnd toto helphelp themthem bbee a SSwimwim WWithith MMike.ike. Mike Board of Directors in higher education at 14 different universities with rehabilitationon expensesexpenses byby removingremoving voted to approve funding including USC, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, MIT, the burden of educationucation costs.costs. Ron Orr for 15 more exceptional Ohio State and Alabama. scholarship recipients who meet our criteria for The return on yourur investment?investment? EasyEasy toto calculate. It’s the smilessmiles onon thethe facesfaces ofof support: And, while these statistics are impressive, the our recipients whenhen theythey realizerealize thatthat students we support are even more so. Please • Have participated in organized, competitive they will have a chancechance atat a fulfillingfulfilling take a look at our new scholarship recipient sports life. When they experienceexperience reliefrelief ofof profiles on the following pages to learn more, the despair thatt soso manymany havehave feltfelt • Sustained a life-changing accident/illness and see how these outstanding individuals just after suffering theirheir tragictragic injuries.injuries. AndAnd blow us away! the immenssee ggratituderatitude • Have been accepted to a four-year or grad when they feel the immen toward our donorsors forfor whatwhat theythey – y youou – level institution of higher education A drop, a ripple, a wave . . . making a difference have done for them.hem. • Maintain a 2.5 GPA for 39 years! This brings our total to fifty recipients at 39 universities for the 2018-19 academic year. Since our 1981 inception, we have been honor ed to support a total of 231 scholarship recipients at Swim With Mike 122 universities nationwide. Founder and Executive Director

P.S. Looking for that perfect gift for a friend or relative this Holiday Season? Consider the ON THE COVER gift of education to support our Physically Swim With Mike recipient Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund in Ellie Shepard (University of Swim With Mike scholarship recipients honor of that special person. We will send Denver, MSW Social Work Katie Pasichuke and Jake Javier and the an acknowledgement of your generous gift. Spring 2021). Biggest Splash Contest winner at the Swim With Mike fundraiser in Danville.

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Lots to eat, lots to celebrate, The and lots and lots of people Brunch to THANK! e rolled out our 39th annual Swim With Ron announced that Yvonne Bogdanovich will be Mike campaign as scholarship recipients, our 2019 Claire Snow Volunteer of the Year Walumni, family and friends gathered at awardee. Yvonne has been a tireless advocate for the Swim With Mike Family Association Back to SWM and this award is certainly well deserved. WHY WE DO IT – Current recipients and alumni gather at the . L-R: Natalie Buchoz, Tyler Schilhabel, Alex Ruiz, School Brunch at the USC Galen Center. The event Kevin Schallert, Mike Nyeholt, Jake Olson, Rob Mucho, Josh Pollard, Zack Wentz, Abby Bennett, Dillon Connolly, Daryl Holm- is a unique opportunity to get to know each other We also had a visit from USC Head Football Coach lund, Gaby Martinez, Zack Collie, Edgar Rico, Spencer Fox, Greg Gardner, Zach Pickett, Austin Brotman, Chase Wagner, Hunter and learn more about our SWM family. Clay Helton. He surprised us all, but especially his Garstin, Roc ky Paneno, Tiffane King, Bea de Lavalette, Katie Pasichuke, Jack Jablonski, Mahrokh Ebarahimi. All photos by Dan team’s long snapper and SWM scholarship recipient We were pleased to welcome new SWM scholarship Jake Olson (USC Business 2019). Coach followed recipient Hunter Garstin (Middle Tennessee State Jake’s senior year update with a big hug and a University, Psychology 2021) who traveled with his most heartfelt endorsement of his support and sincere family to join us, and Laura and Mark Bauer, new backing of our SWM mission and success. recipient Brad’s (U of Missouri, Business 2022) pparents.arents. SScholarshipcholarship rrecipientecipient AAbbybby EEachach yyearear tthehe BackBack toto SchoolSchool BrunchBrunch isis plannedplanned andand BBennettennett ((BYU,BYU, PPhysiologyhysiology 22019)019) aandnd executedexecuted byby SWMSWM FamilyFamily Association’sAssociation’s co-foundersco-founders hherer mmomom jjoinedoined uuss ffromrom UUtah,tah, aandnd JenniferJennifer JohnsonJohnson andand TomTom Fuelling.Fuelling. Jennifer,Jennifer, TTyleryler HHoog’soog’s ((USC,USC, MMastersasters SScreencreen & whosewhose twotwo nephewsnephews areare SWMSWM alumnialumni recipients,recipients, TTVV WWritingriting 22019)019) mmomom jjoinedoined uuss worksworks tirelesslytirelessly asas ChairChair ofof thethe Brunch.Brunch. Tom,Tom, whowho ffromrom CColorado.olorado. iiss retiredretired PresidentPresident andand CEOCEO ofof Lawry’s,Lawry’s, expertlyexpertly arrangesarranges thethe detailsdetails ofof thethe buffetbuffet whichwhich isis ““TylerTyler a andnd I j justust l loveove t thishis i inspiringnspiring Surprise guest USC Football Coach Clay Helton graciouslygraciously donated.donated. AndAnd thethe icingicing onon thethe cakecake – honored the outstanding work of Swim With eevent,vent, iitt iiss ssuchuch a ccelebrationelebration ooff tthehe Lawry’sLawry’s hashas adoptedadopted SWMSWM asas itsits charity!charity! Mike and the many recipients in attendance. sscholarshipcholarship recipients’recipients’ successsuccess a andnd ppromiseromise.” WhatWhat a kickkick offoff forfor ourour 39th39th year!year! Plenty of activity during the “Meet & Greet” portion of the Brunch, with saaidid KKimim HHoog.oog. the eponymous Mike Nyeholt, Swim With Mike board member Mike Thomas, applicant Mahrokh Ebarahimi and her mom Homeira Hedazis.

Daryl Holmlund, a Swim With Mike alum, entertained everyone at the brunch.

Swim With Mike recipient Beatrice de Lavalette, Dillon Connolly (r), a Swim With Shayna Kobrinetz and Emma Olson now in her first year at Uni versity of San Diego, Mike applicant for 2019-20, with greeted guests as they arrived at the attended the Brunch with her companion Simba. friend Natascha Grundmann. Swim With Mike campaign kickoff. 4 5 Fall Nwsltr_web_Fall Nwsltr_web 11/20/18 2:39 PM Page 4

Meet the new Swim With Mike recipients

Amen Alyasiry Brad Bauer Austin Brotman Abigail Curtis Beatrice de Lavalette Gregory Gardner Dearborn, MI St. Louis, MO Ladera Ranch, CA Independence, KY Lake Worth, FL Lakewood, CA University of Missouri, Columbia Stanford Univ ersity Cedarville University University of San Diego University of Southern California B.S. Electrical Engineering B.S. Business Management B.S. Symbolic Systems RNBSN Nursing B.A. Entrepreneurial Business M.S. Computer Science Spring 2020 Summer 2022 Spring 2022 Spring 2022 Bilateral Leg Amputee Spring 2019 L 1-2 Spinal Cord Injury C 4 Spinal Cord Injury C 6 Spinal Cord Injury Bilateral Paraplegia Lower Limbs Spinal Cord Injury L 1 Spinal Cord Injury men grew up in Detroit and rad played a variety of sports t the age of five, Austin’s bigail was always an active orn in France to American reg started his sports career A played basketball starting at Bas a kid, including summer A mom dragged him to swim A child, participating in ballet, Bparents, Beatrice always Gin t-ball where he found that the age of five. At the age of 13 league swimming. When he lessons and he hated every cheerleading, soccer, t-ball and wanted to be a professional persistence brings success. He he was playing basketball in his started high school he had to minute. But after two years he cross country. She was diagnosed athlete, riding horses since she went on to play soccer, baseball front yard when he heard gun- decide and his parents encouraged found his way in the water and with idiopathic scoliosis when she was three. At the British School and basketball. He also partici- shots and within seconds found him to go out for swimming. came to love swimming. was 11 years old. In September of Paris she ran track and high pated in karate, bowling and himself lying on the ground in He was immediately successful of 2012, she had a spinal fusion jumped; winning gold in high golf. extreme pain. and was encouraged to try At twelve he started playing performed. jump at the International water polo where he found his water polo, and by high school Schools Sports Tournament He went on to star on the Valley He was paralyzed and in the true calling. had his way up to Varsity swim- During the operation, an error European Championship. Christian High School football hospital when he heard about ming and water polo. The Brot- occurred. Abby came out of the team and was offer ed scholar- wheelchair basketball and fell Prior to senior year he was ranked man family was vacationing in surgery with a spinal cord injury At the British School of Brussels ships to several small colleges in love with the adapted version top player in St. Louis and he was Florida, exploring uninhabited that resulted in a loss of motor she played varsity women’s soccer but decided his future would of his sport. He aspired to the working hard in the weight room islands by boat and spending function from the waist down. (winning two silver ISST medals). be better enhanced by concen- highest levels and was thrilled to and the pool. The season was off nearly every moment in the After intensive physical therapy, In addition, Bea has competed trating on academics. Greg be admitted into the prestigious to a great start when on a spring water. Austin asked his dad Abby has been able to regain her in dressage and hunter equitation went on to major in Chemical Electrical Engineering program break trip to Cancun, Brad dove what the depth finder showed. ability to walk. However, due to shows, going to the Fre nch Na- Engineering at UC San Diego. at the University of Arizona. into the surf, hit his head and When he responded nine feet, the damage done, she is unable tionals four years in a row. was later diagnos ed with C4-5 Austin ran and dove into the to participate in the sports she In November 2015 he was riding One of Amen’s great passions is incomplete quadriplegia. water as he had done many once loved. In March, 2016, Beatrice was quad motorcycles in the desert maintaining a fit and healthy times before. This time, how- critically injured during the outside Las Vegas and crashed, lifestyle. Even in a rigorous After surgery swelling resulted ever, Austin hit his head, shat- So, she became team manager Brussels Airport terrorist attacks. breaking his left femur, right academic environment, he is in an inability to breathe on his tering his sixth cervical vertebra. of her high school Cross Country She sustained severe internal heel bone and burst-fractured achieving this by playing wheel- own. He was flown back to the team and also became involved injuries and lost both lower legs. his L1 vertebrae. He spent three chair basketball and weightlifting. USA where he spent three months After weeks of recovery and in communi ty service. She was Four months later she got back weeks in the hospital and then in the hospital but miraculously months of rehab he came to the inducted into the National Honor on her horse and made the six months at Craig Hospital Building connec tions with other he was able to walk out of the realization that scoring water Society and Spanish Honor Society. decision to set her goals on the before returning home. He has people has been paramount in hospital. After graduating and polo goals and becoming a sur- She is now attending Cedarville Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Bea is been admitted to the USC his success. Strong relationships a year in rehab he changed his geon was no longer in his future. University and one day dreams studying entrepreneurship at Masters Program in Computer is something Amen strives for plans and enrolled at Mizzou’s Austin graduated with his high of becoming a Nurse Practitioner USD. She wants to start a com- Science and plans on a career under any circumstances. U of A prestigious Trulaske College of school class and was admitted so that she can help others like pany that makes affordable in the aerospace and defense is the perfect spot to do just that. Business. to . herself. adapti ve sports equipment. industries.

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Recipients - continued

MacDaniel Graff Kale Hyder Gabriela Martinez James Pierce Jon Plazcz Aaron Stant Pasco, WA Davenport, IA , CA Lake Forest, CA Englewood, CO Van Wert, OH Gonzaga University Johns Hopkins University of Southern California Portland State University B.S. Metropolitan State University - Ohio State University B.S. Kinesiology and Physical B.S. Neuroscience - Spring 2022 M.S.W. Social Work Mechanical Engineering B.S. Construction Management B.S. Architecture Education - Spring 2020 Transverse Myelitis ASIA D Spring 2021 Spring 2020 Spring 2024 Spring 2023 Spinal Cord Injury, Paraplegia Spinal Cord Injury C 5 Spinal Cord Injury T 6 Spinal Cord Injury C 4 Spinal Cord Injury Spinal Muscular Atrophy ac attended Chiawana High ale serves as a great example orn and raised in East L.A, Gaby ince the age of 10, Jim was on grew up in a very athletic aron developed a passion MSchool where he played Kof a student-athlete. Begin- Bgrew up playing a variety of Sinto sports, starting with track, Jfamily and learned to skate A for the water when he varsity football, track and golf. ning in first grade, he started sports, but her favorite was always transitioning to swimming and before he could walk. Hockey began competitive swimming. He was a scholar athlete in three to par ticipate in cross country, competitive swimming. At 13, triathlon and then getting into was his sport and he played year and looked forward to a suc- sports. in 2014 at the beginning baseball and track. His greatest during a family gathering, Gaby long/extreme distance obstacle ’round while dabbling in baseball cessful high school swimming of his junior year Mac fell out success was in basketball where accidently dove head first into a course races. He graduated from and football. In high school he career. But at a summer meet he of his tree stand while hunting he played in high school prior shallow pool, not realizing it Ramona High School in 2008 with was encouraged to try lacrosse started a race and immediately with his dad, breaking his back. to June 17, 2015 when he woke was only four feet deep. She a 3.5 gpa then went on to a career and ended up winning the State knew something was wrong. While unable to play, he continued with what he thought was a was knocked unconscious and as a power lineman apprentice. Championship. to participate in practices and in minor injury or fatigue. The next woke up in the hospital, and His lungs began to burn and he the weight room, supporting the day he felt better but later the was diagnosed with a C 5 spinal Every day he would find himself After graduation he went to needed help getting out of the team and rehabilitating his body. symptoms progressed rapidly cord injury. climbing to the top of 50-foot work for his dad’s construction water. A neurologist gave him and after being rushed to the power poles, surrounded by high company and was able to get a the bad news that he had spinal He learned to play wheelchair emergency room he was diag- After her injury, and with the voltage live electricity while try out for a junior hockey team. muscular atrophy. basketball and in his junior year nosed with Transverse Myelitis, help of family, friends and completing mathematical calcu- After three years at the junior went to the track state champi- an inflammatory disease of the childhood swim team buddies, lations in his head. level he earned himself a spot So his competitive swimming onship as a thrower and played spinal cord suffered by only 1400 she found her way back to the on the University of Wisconsin- career was over, but he started on the golf team during his people in the U.S each year. pool and relearned how to After a fall that resulted in a T 6 Stout hockey team, but in the coaching youth swimming and senior year. swim. complete spinal cord injury he summer following his freshman also competed on the golf team. He missed nearly his entire realized a need to change course year a moped accident resulted in After his diagnosis he decided Mac has served in many leader- sophomore year but developed The water became a vital asset to and began taking prerequisites a spinal cord injury and paralysis. to stick with it even with all the ship roles, both as a mentor and an enthusiasm for academic her rehabilitation, and currently, for mechanical engineering. While at Craig Hospital he learned challenges. Aaron is pursuing a a coach, with organizations such excellence. Kale was awarded she is strengthening her adaptive Encouraged by friends and family, about SWM and applied for a degree in architecture with a as Young Life, Wild Life and with the Iowa Governor’s Scholar swimmer skills at the nearby he focused on fitness activities. scholarship. minor in disability studies at Ohio an organization that helps take Award, National Honors Society Aquatic Center. Gaby Jim lifts weights, SCUBA dives State University and is the second youngsters with disabilities on President, Phi Theta Kappa Honor graduated with her B.A. in and uses his mountain handcycle Jon continues to pursue a bach- Swim With Mike recipient to hunting and fishing adventures. Society as well as other academic Sociology from Cal State L.A. and to go on hikes with friends. He elors degree in Construction attend that prestigious school. Mac was encouraged to apply awards. He is now a member of is now working on completing married his girfriend Carrie who Management with revised goal for a Swim With Mike scholarship the disability advocate group at her Master of Social Work at was admitted to Oregon while he to specialize in ADA consultation He will concentrate his studies by Gonzaga and USC alumnus Hopkins, a scientific researcher USC, where she aspires to make a was admitted to nearby Portland that will allow individuals with on historical and modern archi- and SWM board member Nate at the medical center, and an positive impact on marginalized State University in Mechanical disabilities to live and work tecture and appreciates SWM Higgins. admissions office volunteer. communities. Engineering. bar rier-free. for giving him the opportunity. 8 9 Fall Nwsltr_web_Fall Nwsltr_web 11/20/18 2:40 PM Page 6

Recipients - cont. Returning Alumni They’re Back!

Swim With Mike Returning Scholarship Recipients Academic Year 2018-19

Nick Balenger Jack Jablonski Kristina Ripatti William and Mary Law, 2020 USC Communications, Fall 2019 USC Masters Social Work, 2019

Joe Barber Jake Javier Troy Russell Thomas Venos Jessica (Duhon) Rodriguez Ben Hulin Southern Connecticut State Univ. Cal Poly SLO Biomedical University of New Haven Anmore, BC San Diego, CA Salt Lake City, UT Film Production, 2022 Engineering, 2021 National Security, 2020 University of Alabama Concordia University, Chicago Grand Canyon University B.S. Kinesiology PhD Health and Human PhD Psychology Abigail Bennett Jonathan Jimenez Archer Senft Spring 2022 Performance - Spring 2020 Spring 2020 BYU Physiology, 2019 San Diego State University University of Pennsylvania T 12 Spinal Cord Injury T 2-3 Spinal Cord Injury T 5-6 Spinal Cord Injury Marketing, 2020 Computer Science, 2021 Joseline Castillo homas is from Canada and essica grew up in Louisiana as rowing up in Indiana, Ben Drexel Univ. Architecture, 2022 Mackenzie Johnson Ellie Shepard Tstarted playing soccer at five. Jthe youngest of five ch ildren. Gplayed soccer and basket- Auburn Univ. Account ing, 2020 University of Denver He played year ’round and in his She played high school varsity ball and attended Bob Jones Austin Charters Masters Social Work, 2021 final season his team won the basketball and softball until one University where he graduated Business Thomas Kidd league cup. His second sport was day in May 2003 when she was in 2004 with a B.S. in Health, Administration, 2018 University of Oklahoma Theo St. Francis baseball and he was a pitcher. He in a horrific automobile accident. Fitness and Recreation and Business Analytics, 2019 MIT Mech. Engineering, 2022 also participated in basketball, At 16 years old she suffered a went on to work as an Outdoor Zack Collie track, wrestling and volleyball spinal cord injury at the T2/T3 Education Instructor in Brookston. CSU Fullerton MS Counseling, 2021 Mackenzie Langley Blake Steineke and skied with his family. level, resulting in paralysis. University of Denver Sociology CSU San Marcos In September of 2006, he was in Morgan Dunnigan & Political Science, 2020 Business Administration, 2021 At the age of 16 Thomas was in a That didn’t stop her from helping a motorcycle accident that left Davidson College Undeclared, 2021 di rt bike accident that resulted with coaching or graduating as him a T 5-6 Paraplegic. After five Kendra Muller Brooke Thabit in paralysis from the waist down. class valedictorian. In 2008 she weeks of intense therapy, he re- Molly Fausone BYU Neuropsychology, 2019 Savannah College While a patient at G F Strong transferred from LSU to Cal State focused his life and his goals and Michigan University I nterior Design, 2020 Rehab Center he was introduced San Marcos to attend Project Walk. started training in different sorts Medicine, 2020 Ronan Nelson to adapted sports, first basket- She completed her bachelor’s of adaptive sports. UCLA Political Science, 2018 Vicki Varner ball and then tennis. degree in 2011 and moved on Spencer Fox Randolph Macon College to San Diego State University Within seven months he pushed USC MS Materials Engineering, Jake Olson Psychology, 2019 His strong arm from baseball for a master’s degree in Exercise his first half marathon and has 2019 USC Business Administration, 2019 translated quickly to a strong serve Physiology and Nutritional Science since competed in over 25 wheel- Cecilia Villarruel in tennis and less than two months in 2014. chair marathons. His biggest Hunter Garstin Andrew Ouellette Western University Health after his injury Thomas was given accomplishment in distance Middle Tennessee State University of Colorado Boulder Sciences MS Physician the opportunity to play against Jessica began teaching Kinesiology competition came in 2016 when University Psychology, 2021 Business Administration, 2021 Assistant, 2019 some of the best juniors in the as an adjunct instructor at CSUSM he was able to complete an world. He went on to train with and SDSU in 2015 and at the Ironman triathlon in Louisville, KY. Tyler Hoog Katie Pasichuke Tyler Vitiello the Canadian National team and University of Saint Katherine as an Ben attended Bethel College and USC MFA Screenwriting, 2019 USC International Relations, Montclair University MA led the Canadian Junior team in Assistant Professor of Kinesiology. completed his M.A. in teaching. Global Business, 2020 Indus./Org. Psychology, 2019 the World Team Cup. Thomas In 2010 she met her now husband Currently he works as a physical Joe Hunsaker chose the University of Alabama at the church they both attended. education teacher in Salt Lake Josh Pollard Chase Wagner for their strong academic programs She is pursuing a PhD in Healt h/ City, UT and is pursuing his PhD Business Management, 2019 USC Mech, Engineering, 2019 USC Film Editing, 2020 as well as their varsity level wheel- Human Performance at Concordia in Psychology at Grand Canyon chair tennis team. University in Chicago. University. 10 11 Fall Nwsltr_web_Fall Nwsltr_web 11/20/18 2:40 PM Page 7

Satellites, Endowments and more USC Yell Leader Alums Rosemary Kraemer Raitt Continue to Support Foundation Endows a Keeping the dream going! Swim With Mike Third Scholarship

Alumni Recipients Zach Pickett and Daryl Holmlund Take on the Waikiki Roughwater Swim

nother perfect day in paradise provided were coming back in, the current was pretty A the 49th Annual Waikiki Roughwater strong and the waves were pretty big, so Swim participants a good opportunity to we were pulled out with a big current or challenge the surf in the 2.38 mile course were getting pulled in with a huge wave that begins at Sans Souci Beach and ends at crashing on top of you. So, it was little rough Duke Kahanamoku Beach. at the end.”

Yell Leader alums regularly support Swim With Mike by Rosemary Kraemer Raitt Foundation trustees John Kraemer For the last 13 years, From Daryl: “This swimming laps and collecting donations. This will be and Cheryl Hammond, with Ron Orr and Mike Nyeholt, Swim With Mike was my first trip the group’s 25th year doing this for SWM! present their gift to Swim With Mike. has been the official to Hawaii, so we very year our loyal USC Yell Leader Alumni philanthropy that went out and heryl Hammond and John Kraemer, the Group has supported SWM by swimming is supported by the previewed the E C generous trustees of the Rosemary Kraemer laps, and 2019 marks their 25th consecutive Waikiki Roughwater course yesterday. Raitt Foundation, have made another gracious organization. This We swam out to year of increasing their swim laps to raise gift to the Swim With Mike Physically Chal- is the first time the shipwreck and money for SWM. They have increased their laps lenged Athletes Scholarship Fund by establishing that SWM scholar- saw turtles, and annually, and this year's annual incremental their third Endowed Scholarship. This new gift ship recipients have some small sharks. augmentation produced a lap count of 7,936! will provide funds in perpetuity to one of our participated, and But today was a highly qualified scholarship recipients. Zach Pickett (USC good challenge Each and every lap is counted toward the annual Business 2018) and and I was very Yell Leader Alumni Challenge, supported by the Each year, we will have three Rosemary Daryl Holmlund (USC happy to be part generosity of our friend, Jason Pilalas. Jason Kraemer Raitt En dowed scholars representing Masters Teaching of the competi- commits his sponsorship per lap and has been the foundation, and for that we are most 2012)gavethe other tion.” doing this for 25 years. Thank you, Jason! grateful. swimmers a real swim for their money Swim With Mike scholarship recipients Zach and Daryl with Another Swim The USC Yell Leader Alums are led by Troy John Kraemer tells us “We are pleased to as they crossed our own Kaia Hedlund at the 49th annual Waikiki Roughwater With Mike alum, Remelski (USC 2000) and current SWM Board announce that we will fund a third Swim With Swim. Swim With Mike is the official charity of the event, now in member. 2019 will be a celebration of the 100th Mike endowed scholarship in the name of the the finish line just its 49th year. Photo by Cyndia Michelle Lavik. Joe Broc (Hawaii minutes apart! Pacific University anniversary of the founding of USC Yell Leaders. Rosemary Kraemer Raitt Foundation. We Communications 2010) is currently an Edu- The group is planning a gathering of all alums believe that the Physically Challenged Athletes Zach says, “This was a real challenge! cation Assistant at the local Kahuku High so they can continue to break their lap record Scholarship Fund is enhancing lives in a truly I started training in mid-June and swam School. He and his mom Cindy manned the Swim for the 25th consecutive year. Troy has already meaningful way and we are proud to be part every other day until now (September 1). With Mike booth with the he lp of our good started spreading the word for all to join in the of that.” I only swim in pools so it was a little different. friend, Gordy Grundy, and handed out SWM celebration on the weekend of April 6 and make Going out and coming back it was a little swag to the swimmers and donors. Eighty- the pilgrimage back to the USC pool to keep the The vision of the Swim With Mike Endowment rough. When we were going on the four generous donations were received at ripple effect moving forward. If you are inter- Fund is to reach a goal with which we can straight, it wasn’t too bad. But, when we the event, and we thank you! ested in sponsoring the Yell Leader Challenge, support the mission of our organization please contact Troy at [email protected]. in perpetuity, helping physically challenged athletes for years to come to realize their Thanks to all our Yell Leader friends and family, own true and unique potential. and to Jason Pilalas for his continued support! 12 13 Fall Nwsltr_web_Fall Nwsltr_web 11/20/18 2:40 PM Page 8

Campaign Directors In Action Katie and Jake – A Lesson in Courage Third Annual SWM The Dynamic Danville Duo cholarship recipients, lifelong friends So SWM made a splash in the San Francisco Bike-A-Thon in Utah and San Ramon High School graduates Bay Area as Katie and Jake planned a great SKatie Pasichuke (USC International Rela- campaign to raise funds, having fun sharing bigail Bennett (Physiology 2019) and Kendra tions, Global Business 2020) and Jake Javier the SWM message with their very supportive A Muller (Neuropsychology 2019) are both (Cal Poly SLO, Biomedical Engineering 2021) community as they helped ensure that future Swim With Mike scholarship recipients attending were each injured just one year apart – Jake recipients will benefit from their efforts. BYU. They held their Third Annual broke his neck in 2016 after diving into a pool Bike-A-Thon at Draper Park in Utah the night before his high school graduation Let’s hear it from Katie: “This is my first year on July 21, and had about 50 and Katie crushed her vertebrae after falling as a Swim With Mike scholarship recipient, and bikers and runners participate and off her neighbor’s balcony at USC a year later. so my first experience hosting a fundraising record their miles. In addition to event. My mind is in awe of what a success we having a lot of fun, they counted This past June, Katie and Jake hosted 250 were able to have in a non-college campus more than 300 miles covered to benefit friends and sponsors at their local swim club small town! I feel so humbled by the love and Swim With Mike. Thanks, ladies! in Danville. Entrance fee was $5, and most support we received from our Northern Cali- guests generously contributed more. fornia community – over $22,000 to this amazing From Abby: “What raising money for SWM means cause. Every hour my family and I spent of to me - I am so beyond grateful for all the SWM has Guests enjoyed a day-long Swim-A-Thon, and hard work leading up to today was more than done for me, and I am incredibly passionate about a featured event – The Biggest Splash Contest. worth it. It’s an amazing feeling – The more I can the Fund’s mission and what it stands for. I am The Biggest Splash Contest contestants Keeping track of the miles walked, run or ridden by participants give back the better off so many people can be.” happy to do my best to give back to this incredible at the third annual Bike-A-Thon are Swim with Mike recipients donated $5 to participate, judges were Katie, program.” Ben Hulin (PhD Psychology 2020, Grand Canyon University), Jake and one of their family friends. The Contest There ’s that Ripple Effect again! Kendra Muller (Health Neuropsychology 2019, BYU) and wasas a hitt witht eeveryonee yo e fromo 5 yyearsea s ooldd ttoo Abby Bennett (Physiology 2019, BYU). Kendra Says: “I love that I can be so involved and ccollegeollege sstudents,tudents, jjumpingumping oonn iinn aass ffriends,riends, Pictured l-r: Jim Javier, Jake Javier, create a true community of support wherever ffamilyamily aandnd ccontestontest judgescheeredjudgescheered Isabelle Javier, Katie Pasichuke, I am. It’s truly incredible to explain what the bike- love it and aren’t just raising money for a cause themhem on.on. Jill and Jim Pasichuke with a-thon is for and see the individual reactions. that may be far away from our circle of the world. Swim With Mike Alumnus Steve Dalton (Dominican University of California, “People that stop to ask are excited and very willing “Swim With Mike fundraisers have shaped me to Humanities 2015). to help. We have gained so much support and I continue to work hard and increase the awareness think that is because we are intimately connected of the organization. I love sharing the Swim With with the foundation and people can see that we Mike feeling!”

We are kicking off our 39th annual Fundraising Campaign to support physically challenged athletes and want you to be part of the fun as a Campaign Director.

As a Campaign Director, you will become our grassroots representative, reaching out to your online friends, schoolmates, neighbors, family and prospective sponsors to support your own fundraising campaign on behalf of our outstanding scholarship r ecipients.

Please visit the Swim With Mike website at swimwithmike.org to register – and while you are there, take a look at some of the other campaigns, such as the ones shown here, that are underway by other Campaign Directors. How about helping recruit another Campaign Director? Please let us know who we can contact by emailing us at [email protected].

Join the Wave!

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Over $22 million raised in scholarshiplarship support since 1981

Scholarship dollars awarded for 2018-19: $ 961,949

2018-19 Scholarship Recipients:s: 5050 (39 universities nationwide)

Total number of Swim With Mikeke scholarship recipients: 231

Total sports represented: 60 SwimSwim WithWith MikeMike Total universities represented: 122 by the We could not have accomplished this without your help. Thank you! NUMBERS COMING UP Saturday, April 6 - 39th annual Swim With Mike, USC Uytengsu Aquatics Center

Friday/Saturday, April 5 & 6, 2019- SWM Wheelchair Basketball Tournament presented by UBS in the at USC

Also in 2019:

Swim With Mike Rose Bowl Aquatics Center – March 29 - April 5 / 9th annual

Swim With Mike University of California San Diego - April 27 / 9th annual

Swim With Mike Universit y of California Santa Barbara - TBA / 5th annual

Swim With Mike Hawaii - September 2 / 15th Annual (in conjunction with the 50th annual Waikiki Roughwater Swim)

Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund University of Southern California • Heritage Hall 203B • Los Angeles, CA 90089-0602 Please check out our website at www.swimwithmike.org to learn more about our fundraising activities, or to join our team as a Campaign Director! Design: Mike Navarro Mike Design: