07/10/2008: "Swimming the Crossing for Breast Cancer"

(Ready for July's swim (left) and Damien swimming in Eastsound, May 8, 2007 (photo by Dick Rudd)

20 Hours in 50 degree F water, swimming over two days in support of the Breast Cancer Treatment Support Mission Project, Orcas Island resident and photojournalist, Damien Stark will swim a 19.5 mile route from the Anacortes ferry terminal to Orcas Island and then Orcas Island to San Juan Island over the weekend of July 26th and 27th.

The swim is to raise awareness, and funds, for the Breast Cancer Treatment Support Mission Project (360/378-4474). This San Juan County Health and Community Service, funded by the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Foundation (Puget Sound Affiliate, www.komen.org ) since 2002, provides travel cost support in the form of ferry tickets, and gas and mileage reimbursement to San Juan County residents with breast cancer seeking diagnostic or treatment services on the mainland.

During 2007, with the assistance of the Komen Foundation, the Breast Cancer Treatment Support Mission Project served 29 San Juan County-based women by covering $20,000 in travel expenses.

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