Clara Barton Is Having Me Swim

But not toward Disasters

Q: Who is there first to render aid when a disaster strikes? A: The Red Cross.

I grew up in and now live not too far from OKC, and at the OKC bombing, the Red Cross arrived within minutes to provide care to victims, first responders, and families.

Official site of the OKC National Memorial Musuem: https://memorialmuseum.com/experience/the-memorial/

My daughter currently lives in NYC. The Red Cross leaped into action immediately when the planes flew into buildings to provide much-needed first aid.

Official site of the 911 Memorial and Museum: https://www.911memorial.org/.

My elementary school had a health class that taught us students how the internal organs, tissues, and blood in our bodies all work together to maintain life. My mind would become tortured by so many inner body-related images and functions that my breathing would increase rapidly, my stomach would begin doing flip-flops, and my face would turn green. Without fail, I would be sent to the office nurse during each health class. Then, my nausea increased, wondering if the nurse’s treatment might involve a needle of some sort. Of course, there never was a needle involved, but my mind couldn’t help racing in that direction. UGH!

I could never and would never be in the medical field in any capacity, but this truth causes me to have the deepest respect for those who do work in that area, including Red Cross volunteers. The Red Cross shows up to assist bloodied, hurt people. If I showed up at disaster sites, I would hamper, not help, the efforts of the Red Cross. I would add to the chaos by being an unnecessary person who needs medical attention.

What I can do, however, is swim. For June, the Red Cross is hosting an event where I have signed up to swim 15 miles to help raise funds for the Red Cross. I am already swimming a mile to a half-mile daily for exercise, so why not join the cause? Here is my fundraising page: https://www.facebook.com/donate/2318704808527117/#.

Usually, I am not fond of anything that requires me to ask others for money. When I was in the Camp Fire Girls and discovered that there was a time of year when we were supposed to sell candy, I quit the group before I could be dishonorably discharged for failing to promote the product. I believe so strongly in everything the Red Cross does, however, that I am swimming for charity.

If you feel moved to contribute, please remember that no amount is too small. This isn’t the type of fundraiser where you have to pledge by the mile. Open your heart and wallet to provide aid to those who truly need it. Thank you and have a great day!

P.S.: Please do not unsubscribe because I am seeking donations.

P.S.S.: I am officially a wimp—a swimming wimp—but still a wimp.