The idea for the event was born in a conversation between a middle-aged Ithaca woman who is active in Hospicare and her physician, also a woman. Both swam that first year and each year since. Everyone completes the swim at her own rate: some more experienced swimmers make the crossing in only 35 minutes; others take more than an hour, stopping to chat and dog-paddle as they move across the lake. Speed is not the important thing. Prizes are given to those swimmers and boaters who raise the most money in sponsorships.

The first Women Swimmin' raised over $54,000 for Hospicare and Palliative Care Services (HPCS) and the third a staggering $152,000 -- a demonstration of the incredible generosity of people in Ithaca (and beyond) and their recognition of the importance of HPCS.

As Women Swimmin' grows, we continue to be profoundly moved by the growing enthusiasm and energy of our community for the event.

In the words of C.L. Haxton (1913 - 2006), local poet and long-time friend of Hospicare...