By J . M. Lee
On August 9, 2024, Jill will take on her third Swim for Courage, aiming to conquer a record-breaking 60-hour 109km swim across the Georgia Strait to raise funds for Canuck Place.
Six years ago, Jill swam an astounding 76km across the Georgia Strait and back, raising $16,000 for our children and families. It was not a leisurely swim as she battled strong currents, unpredictable weather, and the physical toll of swimming such a long distance. At one point during the swim, Jill swam without moving for 3 hours due to strong sea currents.
This time, her swim is not just a test of physical endurance; it is also a tribute to her late cousin, Joshua, who passed away after he was diagnosed with cancer of the spinal cord. He was one of her biggest cheerleaders during her last swim for Canuck Place, and she will be holding on to that support when she hits the water this August.
Jill has also faced medical challenges, including multiple surgeries, a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease, and an accident that had her using a leg brace for an extended period. These experiences have strengthened her resolve to support the children and families we care for.
Reflecting on her experience, Jill notes that the key lesson for her was the power of mental fortitude. Her endurance to stay focused through pain comes from decades of competitive swimming, including her time on the Canadian Freediving Team in 2006, 2008, and 2012. She will draw from this again to push herself even further.
As she prepares for this life-changing adventure, Jill calls on the community to join her in this great cause to support compassionate care for those who need it most. Canuck Place provides pediatric palliative care for 920 children and families across BC and the Yukon. Our services include in-hospice medical respite and family support, pain and symptom management, provincial 24-hour clinical care line, music and recreation therapy, education and art, grief, loss, and bereavement counseling, as well as end-of-life care, ensuring that families in underserved areas can also access the crucial support that they need.
Cheer on Jill on her Swim for Courage by donating to her fundraiser to create waves of change at Canuck Place. Every dollar given makes a difference in the lives of children facing life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them.
A version of this story appeared on Canuck Place Children’s Hospice stories page.
About Canuck Place Children’s Hospice:
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is BC and Yukon’s pediatric palliative care provider. Over 920 children living with life-threatening illnesses and families from five provincial health regions receive Canuck Place inpatient and community care (in-home/in-hospital). Canuck Place operates ten patient beds and eight family suites through two hospices in Vancouver and Abbotsford. Services include in-hospice medical respite and family support, pain and symptom management, provincial 24-hour Clinical Care Line, music and recreation therapy, education and art, grief, loss, bereavement counseling, and end-of-life care. With donors, research initiatives, our talented team, patient family partners, and dedicated volunteers, we care for children with short lives and the families who love them.
