Escaping Alcatraz Cancer Fundraiser

 

Hello everyone my name is Braulio Fonseca; thank you for taking the time to visit this page. I was first diagnosed with Cancer when I was 19 years old, and after 15 years of being clear, I was diagnosed with Cancer for the 2nd time. After radiation and chemotherapy and the grace of God, I was able to walk away from that hospital bed and have been Cancer free ever since. This year was my 6 year anniversary. While I was fighting, I told myself over and over that I would do anything to get out of that hospital bed, and I vowed that if I survived, I would do everything in my power to live a meaningful life.

 

Exercise and movement became my obsession as I could not bring myself to sit for an extended period of time and swimming became my way to let my mind process what had happened and a way for me to try and give back. I have been attempting to raise awareness and funds to fight Cancer and support those who are suffering now.

 

3 years ago, I attempted to swim Alcatraz as my first tribute and collected 100 names that were written on my body for the swim. That year I was plucked from the bay with hypothermia and did not make the crossing successfully. I realized in that attempt that the Alcatraz crossing wasn't about finishing; it was about trying and fighting, just as those of the names I was representing. The names on my body give me the drive to fight and the passion to give everything I have. 

 

1 year later, I returned to San Francisco with over 400 cancer warrior names on my body as a tribute and had raised around 6000 dollars toward the cause. I entered the water prepared for anything, and after 40 minutes, I found myself standing on the shoreline... triumphant. I will swim Alcatraz every year for the rest of my life because I would rather die in that water than in the hospital bed, where I swore I would do anything to escape it.

 

So once again, this year on April 23rd 2022, I will attempt once more. I am asking you for your support and for you to join me on this adventure. If you know anyone who is fighting cancer, has fought cancer in the past or has passed away from the fight, I urge you to share their names and their story with me. Each name will remain on my list and will be written on my body for as long as I continue to swim, which will be for the rest of my life.

 

This is my tribute to those who suffer and are suffering and my way to honor everyone who has been affected by this horrible affliction. A portion of the donations will be used to get me to San Francisco for the race and travel expenses. The rest will be donated to the American Cancer Society or to an individual who is currently fighting now. Your support to this cause will help change lives and I am grateful for your support.

 

Please consider donating in any way, either with a name or with funds or both, to make this year another successful tribute. Last year we raised roughly 6000, and I would love to beat that mark this year!! The goal for 2022 is 10,000 dollars, and together I hope we can make that happen!!

 

Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this. Alcatraz 2022 is sure to be a great success.