On September 29, I’ll be swimming 28.5 miles around Manhattan with NoSolo. If I finish, I’ll be the first Lebanese and Lebanese-American to complete the swim.

Swimming has been a huge part of my life, from growing up in Rhode Island, to studying in New York, to competing Division I, and eventually taking on longer open-water challenges. A lot of people have been part of that journey. Whether we swam together, studied together, worked together, or were simply friends at some point along the way, your support would genuinely mean the world to me.

I’m also doing this swim to raise awareness for mental health, especially among young athletes. Athletes are often taught to keep pushing, stay tough, and not complain, even when they are struggling. I know what that feels like. Some days are great, some days are difficult, and sometimes just showing up is an achievement.

The swim will likely take around 8 to 10 hours. I’ll be swimming in open water, dealing with currents and changing conditions, without a wetsuit, and feeding from the water along the way.

To be able to take part, I have to raise the full fundraising amount. All of the money raised goes directly to New York Open Water to support their work keeping New York’s waters clean and making swims like this possible. I do not personally receive any of the money.

Any donation, no matter the amount, would help me reach the target and allow me to swim. Sharing this page would also mean a lot.

To everyone who has ever been part of my journey through swimming, school, work, or friendship, I would love to have you be part of this too.

And to everyone back home in Rhode Island, I’ll be carrying home with me for all 28.5 miles.