Kassi KappelosOver the weekend the Mills swim team participated in the Women’s
Cancer Research Center of Oakland event, Swim-a-Mile, to raise
money and remember those loved one’s lost to cancer.
The two day event provided the swim team as well as the
community the opportunity to raise money and raise awareness about
the effects of cancer on women. The Mills swim team along with
their trainer Bridgett Mansell, coach Neil Virtue and one alumna
raised $2200 with a total of 23 miles.
Among the swimmers who participated on the team, several of them
were swimming for loved ones.
Alexi Ueltzen swam for her grandmother, who was afflicted with
cancer, in her first Swim-a-Mile at Mills.
She said, “this event was really fun for me, everyone is here to
have fun and be spirited.”
For the past nine years the Mills Trefethan Aquatic Center has
hosted the WCRC event, which by expectations will meet and surpass
their projected earning of $250,000.
With over 500 participants in this year’s event, WCRC will have
the money necessary to continue their goal of informing women about
cancer and providing support emotionally and physically for cancer
patients.
“Everyone who walks through our door will get the help they
need, whether it be the cancer patient or their family,” said board
director of WCRC, Merle Wiener.
For one Mills swimmer, sophomore Michelle Christensen this
fundraiser was especially important this year.
“Last year was really cool but this year my family was
especially proud of me. This time I was swimming for my grandmother
who passed away from cancer last year,” said Christensen.
Despite having new swimmers to the team everyone who
participated was able to complete one mile. This is what inspired a
lot of enthusiasm and satisfaction.
“To see that everyone could be involved and the entire team
finished their goal was something to be proud of,” said
Christensen.
