A Plea for Pledges

Twenty-one years ago, I successfully swam the English Channel. Now I attempt it again, and attempt to set a record in the process (see more in previous posts below).

My university, the University of St. Augustine, has generously agreed to cover all my expenses. But now I’m asking for your pledges, to fund physical therapy research.

The Foundation for Physical Therapy has begun accepting per-mile pledges and flat donations. For per-mile pledges, the distance covered will be calculated by the remaining distance from France, should I quit. Be forewarned however, that I do not understand the word quit, so cosponsors who pledge should be ready to part with their fully tax deductible pledges to the Foundation.

Click here to make pledges and donations at the Foundation for Physical Therapy's Web site! All proceeds benefit physical therapy research!

I have asked that 50 percent of the funds received be unrestricted, and that the remaining 50 percent be reserved for long-term outcome research in the neuromusculoskeletal area of physical therapy practice. The Foundation will not assume any of my expenses. All monies received go directly to the Foundation.

In March, I will begin a weekly training report: just a few hundred words on such topics as how I’m gaining weight, the hours and miles being logged in my training, and how many jellyfish have kissed me, etc.

The English Channel must be swum without human contact. No hanging onto an escort boat. Food and liquids must be thrown or passed in a container. No wetsuit is allowed - just bathing shorts, thin cap, goggles with ear plugs optional (female swimmers often start in a two-piece costume and soon remove the top). If swimmers complete the 23 miles, they "must exit unaided onto a natural coastline with no water beyond." Most crawl out.

A proven endurance athlete, I hope to once again climb out on the other side. I hope that you will support me. Here’s the link to the Foundation page related to my efforts. More information to come.