Grounded in Purpose and Relentless in Hope

Do you live in Marblehead ?

Have you ever checked out the Marblehead Festival of Arts ?

Do you race sailboats in Mass Bay ?

Have you ever been to a regatta party sponsored by Mount Gay Rum or Goslings Rum ?

If you answered yes to any one of these questions, then chances are pretty good that you either know, or know of Gary Swain.

Gary is a lifelong Marbleheader! He is an avid sailor, but most importantly he is a man with a HUGE heart who would never turn away a friend in need. 

He has volunteered to help charitable organizations, and has helped to get key sponsorships for several major sailing events. Amongst many others, Gary successfully brought the British Virgin Islands in as the Title Sponsor for the 2019 J 105 North American Championships.

Gary developed heart failure in 2001. At the time, he was not aware that his condition was genetic and that he would eventually need a heart transplant. He has undergone several procedures, including having at least 4 pacemakers, in an attempt to synchronize his damaged heart so that it would beat "normally". When that didn't work, his team of physicians put him on a long list of medications meant to slow the progression of his heart failure. Eventually he received a surgically implanted defibrillator. He has been hospitalized so many times, it's difficult to count. 

Initially after his diagnosis, Gary continued to sail and go about his life. In fact, for the first several years, he kept his condition a secret, with only a few close friends knowing about it. He never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him, and he definitely didn't want to ask anyone for help. He has always maintained a positive attitude and has worked hard to stay as mentally and physically strong as possible.

Unfortunately, just 2 weeks before the 2019 J 105 North American Championships, his Medical Team advised him that it was no longer safe for him to sail competitively. As much as he hated the idea, he complied with that advice as he couldn't, in good consciousness, put himself or his teammates in danger.

Gary met the love of his life in May of 2009. Sheelagh Nelis, also an avid sailor, was born in Newfoundland and grew up in Halifax Nova Scotia. They met by chance when they both boarded "Ares" with friends to sail to Boston Harbor for the start of leg 9 of the Volvo Ocean Race. They maintained their long distance relationship, seeing each other when they could, until Sheelagh made the move from Canada in 2012. They were married on September 1, 2012 aboard Nirvana, a beautiful 80 ft Maxi sailboat that Gary often crewed on. 

Gary is currently hospitalized at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and is listed as a priority on the transplant list. He will remain in the hospital until he receives a heart transplant. Everyday is a challenge for Gary and Sheelagh, as Gary's heart continues to be unstable without the help of multiple intravenous medications to maintain a safe heart rhythm. Most days Gary and Sheelagh can only visit via video calls.

Now, Gary needs OUR help. Although insurance will cover the costs related to his heart transplant surgery and lengthy hospital stay, there are associated medical expenses that will add up quickly, including large deductibles, expensive co-payments for lifelong transplant medications, cardiac rehabilitation, follow-up procedures and office visits. A heart transplant is a serious commitment. It is critical that Gary complies with all of these requirements so that he can take care of this precious gift of Life . Sheelagh will need to take a leave of absence from work, as she will become his full time primary caregiver. As such, some of these donated funds will also go towards helping with their living expenses.

We will continue to update you all on their progress as we go. 

Gary and Sheelagh are up for this incredible challenge. Are you?

Let’s show the Swains some love !!