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Annual Swim for the Cure Saturday on Severn River by Bob Mitchell Oakville Beaver Staff 35 | Thursday, July 23, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com At 17, Oakville's Debbie Bang discovered a lump on her breast. Fortunately, it was benign. Now 55, the long-time nurse knows the importance of exercise in the battle against any disease so she intends to keep swimming for as long as she can. "It keeps me fit and young and hopefully will prevent me from ever getting breast cancer," Bang said. "As a health practitioner, I know how exercise can dramatically make a difference and so can having a positive attitude and belief." On Saturday (July 25), Bang will be participating in the annual Swim for the Cure (www. swimforthecure.ca) near her cottage on the Severn River. Organized by her and husband Steve, this is the 15th edition of the endurance and relay swim. "Over the 15 years, we've had 135 different swimmers participate and we've raised more than $208,000," said Bang, now a manager at St. Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton. Money raised goes to cancer research. It's not an easy event. Participants swim 2.8 km (8 miles) and relay. It takes between threeand-a-half to seven hours to complete so unless you've already practised and previously registered for the event, you unfortunately can't swim. But you're welcome to attend, cheer, do- Pictured from left, Hannah Wight, Cheryl Wight (Debbie Bang's friend with breast cancer and Hannah's mom), and Bang. Hannah would be waiting for Bang at the end of the swim with her towel, years before Cheryl was diagnosed with breast cancer -- then she started to finish the swim with Bang, going greater distances each year. Now -- she swims some of the distance with her uncle for her mom. | photo courtesy Debbie Bang - www.swimforthecure.ca nate and register for next year's event, Bang said. "It's a significant swim. It's not the kind of thing you can just show up and do," said Bang, who has swum 26 km in 10 hours. "I like to consider myself as a diesel engine. I can go a long way, but I'm not super fast. Bang has had relatives on both sides of her family who were struck by the disease. "Each swimmer has their own personal reasons for wanting to participate. Many know somebody who has cancer," she said. Every day in Canada, 62 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to Canadian Breast Cancer Statistics. Some of the swimmers have used the Swim for the Cure as a stepping stone to other endurance events like swimming Lake Ontario or the Muskoka Lakes, others to increase their fitness level and extend their life. "The swim is about setting a goal and believing it is achievable," Bang said. "Our crew, supporters and the other swimmers make it possible for us to finish; just like those journeying with breast cancer." She expects about a dozen swimmers will participate this year and has set a goal of raising $15,000. "We don't have as many swimmers as in the past because some of the swimmers on one of the relay teams were involved in a serious bike crash a few weeks ago," Bang said. "But we are welcoming several new swimmers this year and their commitment to the swim; an unknown course and new distance for them is truly inspiring." The event begins at the Severn River Swift Rapids Lock 43 and ends at Big Chute Lock 44. Severn River is 90 minutes north of Toronto, off Highway 400. With Luscious Lips & Beautiful Wrinkle-Free Eyes! Plump up your lips & ward off fine lines that are adding years to your face. Book your "Freshen up for Summer " package* and look fabulous for all your summer events. Save $100 OFF your purchase and receive a complimentary APT Rejuvenating Peel* Treat yourself, you know you deserve it! Freshen Up For Summer Call 905-849-8646 to book your "Freshen up for Summer" package 1276A Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON, Canada L6J 7W5 E. info@aptmedspa.com www.aptmedicalaesthetics.com * Offer valid for APT packages of $700 or more. Not to be combined with any other offer. Expires 08/31/15