my story becomes my mission

"...before handing off to future generations." - George Bernard Shaw

Water seems to be my life's common thread...

Swimming connected me to my friends when I was growing up. It has connected me to my siblings as an adult and it continues to connect me to many new friends through swim training, participation in open water events and coaching.  

My active alcoholism made it impossible for me to live a productive life. I had trouble connecting with anyone or anything - except another beer. Throughout my adult life, I became more and more disconnected as a family member. I could perhaps best be described as a burden to those around me. I had given up hope on any sort of successful professional life and was largely undependable. Most devastating of all is that I could not be the role model I should have been for my children.

Finally entering into a program of Recovery in my 50's, my life was transformed. My physical health improved drastically. My mental focus was enhanced and symptoms of Depression were minimized. My ambition and drive had returned. And most importantly,  I was given the opportunity to restore a strong and loving relationship with my family. Not everyone is so fortunate.

Reconnecting with the water as a sober adult has allowed me to reconnect to life with a renewed sense of purpose and intention. I have recognized a potential within myself that is allowing me to share the gift of Recovery with others.https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNrKl60lPbsUgSP6mY_VEvUtOP8C9Cz-vPkkySrDpvH-b3YA8d-M3Z-EMqk4pTeaw?key=QS1xWXNMdmtDQjRpangzOHVWaS1KeWtMSTFkOVpR&fbclid=IwAR11qKnzf9FKASShV1CmRNEoGbzmP7mGC5cbkec6-FHQw0YGx3O4gVFpSUw

Check out my Around Coronado Swim video here:

I'm filled with such immense gratitude for the discovery of what's possible through Recovery - at any stage of life - that I've made it my mission to help others discover their own potential by sharing my story and spearheading fundraising campaigns. Now I'm asking YOU to participate with me in providing resources for Recovery through iSwim4 and The Herren Project. You can donate to iSwim4 at the buttons on this site, or make a direct, tax-deductible donation to The Herren Project at:

https://theherrenproject.networkforgood.com/projects/164155-iswim4-s-fundraiser

 Sharing my pursuits in Open Water Swimming is my personal way of  demonstrating just how much someone who suffers from alcohol & substance abuse disorder can achieve in life when given a second chance.

I TRY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY DEMONSTRATING WHAT'S POSSIBLE - YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY HELPING ME PROVIDE OTHERS WITH A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE!

SWIM GOGGLES - OPENING EYES TO SEE WHAT'S POSSIBLE

The increasing curiosity in Solo Marathon Swimming achievements has given me a platform to GIVE BACK while achieving something BIG in the name of Recovery.

 Bringing attention to such bold athletic adventures is only truly useful inasmuch as they serve to inspire others to take action on this important social issue. 

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The true heroes in Recovery are those who dutifully help others in their daily struggles. However, the attention we bring to the EVER-GROWING AND INCREASINGLY DEADLY DISEASE of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Disorder through these aquatic pursuits is intended to provide a second chance to others who have experienced the same sense of hopelessness as I did. 

IMAGINE GIVING SOMEONE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE RESCUED FROM A HOPELESS EXISTENCE...  RECOVERY HAS TRANSFORMED THE LIVES OF MANY WHO WERE ONCE A BURDEN, AN ANNOYANCE AND A LOST CAUSE - INTO INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ROLE MODELS, INSPIRATIONS AND PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF THEIR COMMUNITIES. THE HERREN PROJECT FULFILLS THIS MISSION COMPASSIONATELY AND EFFECTIVELY.

By leveraging marathon swim events as fundraising efforts through the iSwim4 campaign, we have been able to raise THOUSANDS of dollars for THP to help others discover a life of sobriety. This has become my way of making an impact and expressing my gratitude.

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Think about the message that my story illustrates: I suffered from multiple physical ailments and a hopeless mental state. The example I set as a father was that of a "well-intentioned loser" at best. My behavior as a husband was completely unreliable and untrustworthy and my efforts as a professional could be defined as falling tremendously short of potential and chronically self-sabotaging. 

Just as many others have inspired me through their stories, I'm relating mine as a way of paying it forward...

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By continuing to bring attention to my story as I pursue ambitious marathon swimming objectives, I can raise awareness and funds to help others discover a life of infinite possibilities.

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YOUR SUPPORT AND SPONSORSHIP IS VITAL IN ENABLING ME TO CONTINUE THIS MISSION.