Swimmin’ With Soul, Ellita on A Roll, 15 miles is the goal!

Hey y’all! I’m Ellita—Scientist, RN, proud St. Thomian, Floridian, and lifelong lover of the sea. This summer, I’m swimming 15 miles to raise funds for the American Red Cross, an organization that’s been a lifeline in times of crisis and a champion for water safety education.

Remembering the Storms

I still recall the chaos of Hurricanes Wilma and Katrina in 2005. As a student, I was out of school for nearly three weeks. While the American Red Cross wasn’t directly involved in our neighborhood, it was the strength and unity of our community that got us through those tough times. Without that support, we would have been in a bad way.

Fast forward to 2017, when Hurricanes Irma and Maria wreaked havoc across the entire U.S. Virgin Islands, including my beloved St. Thomas. The devastation was unimaginable, and lives were fundamentally changed. The American Red Cross was on the ground, providing essential aid and helping communities begin the long road to recovery.

‍♀️ Bridging the Gap in Water Safety

Did you know that Black children aged 10–14 drown at rates 7.6 times higher than their white peers in swimming pools? This alarming statistic is a stark reminder of the disparities in access to swimming education.

I’ve been fortunate to learn to swim at Gwen Cherry Park in Liberty City and later at my high school alma mater, the original MAST Academy in Key Biscayne/Virginia Key, Florida. These experiences not only taught me how to swim but instilled in me a deep respect for the water.

As an RN certified in BLS and ACLS by the American Red Cross, I understand the importance of being prepared. The Red Cross offers Learn-to-Swim programs for children and adults nationwide, aiming to reduce drowning risks and promote water safety.

Why This Swim Matters

As a Virgin Islander, Floridian, nurse, scientist, and swimmer, I carry a profound respect for the sea and Mother Nature. This 15-mile swim is more than a personal challenge; it’s a tribute to resilience, community, and the lifesaving work of the American Red Cross, a 501(c)(3) organization with over a century of service.

Your support will help fund disaster relief efforts and expand access to swimming education, particularly in underserved communities. Together, we can make a difference—one lap at a time.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s make waves for change! ❤️