Swimming for a cure
About 14 years after Chase Murdoch was diagnosed with leukemia, the Sylvan Lake teenager and his family will swim from sunrise to sunset to raise funds in support of cancer research.
He’s been in remission for 10 years, but when he was 22 months old he was diagnosed with the form of cancer and spent his early years in treatment for it.
His sister Samantha was five at the time, and stayed at her grandparents so her parents could manage Chase’s condition and treatment.
Samantha was young at the time and didn’t really understand what this meant. It wasn’t until later that she truly appreciated the situation.
“I probably didn’t realize how serious it was,” said Samantha. “It affected me more now as I’ve grown older. Now my brother and I have an incredible relationship and it’s a lot to do with this.
“I am so lucky I still have him and I cherish that a lot more.”
“Since then the cancer world has been a huge part of my family’s life,” said Samantha. “As well Chase and I grew up competitive swimming together, so kind of putting the two passions together Chasing for a Cure is created.”
For the third year in a row the Murdoch family will swim from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on March 23, as part of Chasing for a Cure. \The relay will take place at the Sylvan Lake Aquatic Centre, 4804 48th St.
For the relay, groups must have at least one participant in the water at all times over the 12-hour period.
“It’s a long day.”
The first year the Murdoch family participated in the event it was only the four of them, Samantha, Chase and their parents.
“We swam a lot,” said Samantha. “Last year more of my family came out and my team was bigger.”
This year they hope to raise $10,000. For the two prior events they raised $15,000.
The event is in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.
People can donate be visiting the website chasingforacure.yolasite.com.
Samantha said they are also looking for a sponsor to help finance the use of the Aquatic Centre.
They have part of the facility fee covered, but would still like to have two more sponsors willing to contribute $195 each to cover the remaining costs. To help call 403-746-2737 or email chasingforacure@live.com.
mcrawford@reddeeradvocate.com
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