Mayan Channel 27km Swim Fundraiser

Goal: $5,500 | 50% Donated to Visuality (LGBTQ+ Youth of South Florida)

In May 2026, I’ve been invited to take on one of the toughest endurance swimming challenges in the world: the 27km Mayan Channel Crossing in Cozumel, Mexico. This is not just about testing my limits in open water — it’s about using my journey to give back.

Half of all proceeds raised will go directly to Visuality, an LGBTQ+ organization dedicated to empowering and supporting the youth of South Florida. Their work creates safe spaces, fosters community, and builds strength through shared challenges — the same values I’ve learned through endurance sports.

Or donate directly to them here: Visuality

My Journey

In 2021, a routine doctor’s visit was my wake-up call: I was obese, with triglycerides over 550. Faced with the reality of my health and my future with my children and someday grandchildren, I made a choice.

I started simply — walking every day. Within six weeks I lost 15 pounds, and I felt better. That led me to running, and then to my first half marathon. From there, the challenges kept growing: a triathlon with my brother-in-law, my first Ironman 70.3 in under seven hours, and then the full Ironman in Frankfurt, Germany in 2023. Overall dropping 50lbs and a new perspective on life!

When I discovered open-water swimming, something clicked. I trained for the 8-mile Alligator Lighthouse Swim, where I endured over 100 jellyfish stings and a shoulder injury, yet still finished. I realized then: swimming is not just training — it’s my passion.

Now, with eyes set on the English Channel before I turn 50, this Mayan Channel crossing is the next step in my journey.

Why Visuality?

Endurance sports have taught me that no challenge is faced alone. The support of family, friends, and teammates makes the impossible possible. Visuality shares that same spirit — creating a team and a safe community for LGBTQ+ youth who face daily challenges of acceptance, identity, and belonging.

By donating, you’re not only helping me swim 27km across the Mayan Channel — you’re also uplifting young people who deserve the same sense of strength, support, and future that endurance has given me.

How You Can Help

Goal: $5,500 (50% to Visuality, 50% to cover training & event costs)

Every dollar matters — together, we can create impact in the water and in the community.

Support Visuality and make waves of change for LGBTQ+ youth.

Or donate directly to Visuality: Visuality

I will be providing updates to my training and the really cool people in the community that are supporting me!

The only way I’ll be successful is with the support of my best friend and partner Nichole!

what an adventure this will be!

Thank you for helping me turn this swim into something bigger than myself.

Let’s make every stroke count.