Swimming to Beat Parkinson’s

Ellen Swims, Watercolor in Moleskin Sketchbook, 6-18-2024

Exciting News! I am thrilled to share that my amazing aunt, Ellen De La Cruz, is preparing to swim across the English Channel to raise awareness for Parkinson's disease. This incredible challenge is a testament to her dedication and strength. I will travel overseas to join her care team and cheer her on from the shore.

UPDATE: My Aunt Ellen, swam for 5.5 hours, 30% of the way, and over 7 miles in her attempt to conquer the approximately 21-mile channel. We watched in awe as her powerful arm strokes and steady kicks propelled her through the choppy water, minute after minute, jellyfish floating by. Ellen never stopped swimming; her arms kept moving, and her legs kept kicking. However, she became disoriented and showed signs of hypothermia, and the Captain made the right call to prioritize her safety and pulled her. Our entire family and Ellen’s supportive crew of friends and swim buddies are incredibly proud of her. We know she is disappointed, but she gave everything and pushed herself to the limit.

Ellen reaching one of the shipping lanes in the English Channel