WEST AKRON — The Firestone Community Learning Center Swimming and Diving Team’s 34th annual “Kids Helping Kids” Swim Marathon with 31 participants Nov. 5 raised almost $23,000, some of which will support a project at Akron Children’s Hospital (ACH).
Shown at right teammates cheer on a swimmer as he finishes a lap. Firestone junior Eva Nixon is pictured above smiling as she swims laps during her six hours in the pool. Shown below members of the team cheer as the announcement is made about the amount of money raised.
The fundraiser, begun to honor a former Firestone swimmer who was battling cancer, has donated more than $193,000 to ACH to support the Burn Unit; an adolescent patient room; an adolescent patient exercise room; the Center for Child Advocacy; arthroscopy equipment; Child Life Initiatives; the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; and a new inpatient rehabilitation center. A portion of this year’s marathon funds will fulfill the fourth year of a five-year $25,000 pledge to assist in the renovations and creation of the new Rehabilitation Services outpatient sub-waiting room. Contributions for the fundraiser are still being accepted at www.firestoneswimming.org under “Donations.”
According to Erin Crabtree, assistant coach and marathon coordinator, some of the money raised will support team expenses and other projects. “Our 2022-23 team is a great mix of returning, very experienced veterans, some incoming freshmen with experience and a handful of new members that will help round-out very strong teams for both the boys and girls,” she said. “The new swimmers are picking up and learning very quickly and will be able to contribute to the already solid line-ups. We are all very excited for a very successful upcoming season.”
Source: Firestone swim marathon benefits ACH
Firestone Swimming and Diving 