2006-08-03
Swim Across the Sound
Some news about some amazing swimmers and their quest to raise money for cancer awareness. An Arizona swimmer is a part of this event so keep reading...
Bridgeport, CT – On Saturday, August 5, four amputees will swim 15.5-miles from New York to Connecticut to raise money and awareness for cancer patients. Three of the swimmers are bone cancer survivors who each lost a leg in the battle against cancer. The fourth swimmer is a Paralympic swimming hopeful who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident.
Competing as the only all-amputee relay team ever to swim in the 15.5-mile charity race called Swim Across the Sound, their goal is to inspire hope and motivation in others who may be facing difficult times.
Each swimmer has a unique story. Learn more:
David Prince; Atlanta, GA; 22 years-old – On March 14, 2002, Prince lost his right leg below-the-knee in a motorcycle accident. Previously an athletic person, Prince didn’t let his amputation stop him from competing. At the 2005 Endeavor Games, Prince medaled in 15 out of a possible 16 track, field, and swimming events. He is currently an instructor at the Atlanta SCUBA and Swim Academy. Prince’s goal is to become a Paralympic champion.
Mark E. Rowley; Mesa, AZ; 54 years-old – A bone cancer survivor, Rowley lost his leg in June 1977. From his early years as a varsity competitor on a high school team with four All-American members to his current position as dive master on the Mesa County Sheriff Divers Posse, Rowley has always been an avid swimmer. A Dive Master since 1984, Rowley is also a member of the Arizona Masters Swim Team and has completed the 10-mile rough water swim in Seal Beach, CA for over 18 years in a row.
Kyle Underwood; Canton, OH; 43 years-old – A bone cancer survivor, Underwood lost his right leg through the hip 30 years ago while battling cancer. Turning tragedy into positive experiences, Underwood became a top competitor in able-bodied and
amputee cycling, garnering medals and shattering road racing records at the 1988 Paralympics in Seoul and at the National and World Championships in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Determined to help amputees overcome the challenges he faced, Underwood became a certified prosthetist/orthotist in 1996.
Cindy Underwood; Canton, OH; 47 years-old - A bone cancer survivor, Cindy Underwood lost her left leg through the hip 32 years ago while battling cancer but she did not let that slow her down. She spent many years as a lifeguard and swim instructor. As an elementary school teacher for 24 years, she has managed to
keep up with energetic first and second graders. Cindy Underwood is a mother of two (Zachary, 17; Rylie, 12) and wed Kyle Underwood last summer.
About The Swim: Swim Across the Sound has a unique niche, helping cancer patients and their families. The Swim, which is part of St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, sponsors 34 cancer education, screening and prevention programs and assists cancer patients on a case-by-case basis. In 2004, the Swim raised a record $2.5 million and offered services to 18,000 cancer patients and their families. The Swim began in 1987 and has grown into the premier local cancer charity in Connecticut.
