For the Islander
It was a beautiful show of community support at the Catalina Island Swim Club’s 10th Annual Swim for Pancreatic Cancer Research, held in honor of Richard Kleinman, a nurse at Catalina Island Medical Center whose memory continues to inspire this special island tradition.
This year, 60 ocean swimmers were greeted with lovely conditions as they completed the two-mile coastal swim from the Casino Dive Park steps to Frog Rock and back to the Casino.
Helping keep swimmers safe along the course, NAC Avalon Ocean Club had 28 students on the water assisting by kayak, keeping a watchful eye on swimmers and looking out for anyone who might need support. Chase boats and additional support vessels were also stationed along the route, creating an incredible community-wide effort centered around ocean safety.
One Ocean Club athlete, Lyla Machado, went above and beyond, paddling the entire two-mile course—and then some—on a prone paddleboard, cheering on and encouraging swimmers every stroke of the way.
It was a truly special morning on the water, bringing our island community together to honor those we have lost to pancreatic cancer, support those who continue to fight, and stand alongside the families and friends who have experienced cancer’s many challenges.
Together, the event collected an incredible $4,190 that morning for pancreatic cancer research. For a small island community, it was a powerful reminder that no community is too small to make a meaningful impact. Whether swimming, paddling, volunteering, donating, or simply showing up in support, every person played a part in contributing to a cause much bigger than ourselves.
A heartfelt thank you to the Catalina Island Swim Club for carrying on this meaningful tradition for the past 10 years and continuing to honor Richard Kleinman’s memory through community, ocean swimming, and support for pancreatic cancer research.
NAC Avalon Ocean Club was honored to play a part in keeping everyone safe and supported on the water—and even more honored to see another generation of island youth helping their community show up for such an important cause.