Channeling A Cure

Dear friends and supporters,

Most of you may know me and for those that do not, let me introduce myself. My name is Rachel Griffin and my heart is set on making a positive impact on the world. Daily, I draw inspiration from the unwavering strength of those facing the battle against cancer. In light of this, I've decided to take on a substantial challenge—pursuing the Triple Crown in swimming. To date, only 331 people in the world have successfully completed this trifecta. My mission is to raise funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer research, patient care, advocacy, and more. I will do this in honor of my mother, Patricia A. Griffin, who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer 16 years ago this May.

Recognizing the ambitious nature of this goal, I embarked on my journey in 2018. As a solo swimmer, I successfully conquered two of the world's toughest open water swims—the Catalina Channel, 21 miles from Catalina Island to Palos Verdes, California - 2018 and the 20 Bridges, also known as the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, a 28.5-mile circumnavigation of Manhattan Island - 2019.

This summer, in honor of my mom and all of those who are battling cancer, I am taking on the challenge of swimming across the English Channel (minimum of 21 miles) on August 28th (or as close to that date as weather permits) to complete the Triple Crown. If I am lucky, the weather will be favorable, the water temp with be in the upper 50s / low 60s, the jellyfish will be sleeping, the freighter traffic will be light and the lady of the sea will politely let me cross - all while ONLY wearing a swimsuit, swim cap, goggles and ear plugs. I know this journey will demand rigorous training—cold open water swims, countless hours at the pool and gym—testing my body and mind like never before. Yet, these challenges pale in comparison to the struggles faced by those battling cancer.

My swimming goal is lofty, and so is my fundraising target—I aim to raise $100,000! While it may seem like a substantial amount, envision the lives we can positively impact together. 100% of all donations (minus any GoFundMe fees and boat rental charges) will be distributed to three remarkable organizations, chosen in honor of Patricia A. Griffin -- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (NYC), The Hirshberg Foundation (LA) and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (LA).

Join me in "Channeling A Cure." Your financial support will propel each stroke, motivating me every step of the way. You are the buoyancy that keeps me afloat!

In advance, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for any amount you choose to contribute. Your donations and encouraging words mean the world to me during this challenging endeavor.

Let's make waves against cancer—stroke by stroke, mile by mile.

All my love,

Rachel

*** Follow along at www.facebook.com/ChannelingACure

*** For those that donate $250 or more will receive a Channeling A Cure T-Shirt - please put your size next to your name.

*** For those that donate $500 or more will receive a Channeling A Cure Hoodie OR (2) T- Shirts - please put your size next to your name.

*** For those that donate $2,500 or more will receive their name or logo on the back of the Channeling A Cure Tee / Hoodie as a Special Thank You and (1) Hoodie OR (2) T-Shirts - please put the sizes next to your name

*** For those that donate $5,000 or more will receive their name or logo on the back of the Channeling A Cure Tee / Hoodie as a Special Thank You and (1) Hoodie AND (2) T-Shirts - please put the sizes next to your name

*** We will have (2) shipments of Tees / Hoodies - June and September ***

MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER: MSKCC is the world’s oldest and largest private cancer center. It has devoted more than 130 years to exceptional patient care, innovative research, and outstanding educational programs. It also was the unofficial home, or Chateau de Sloan as I refer to it, for my mom during all her treatments. It has also been the home away from home for the countless other families who have battled and are still battling cancer. (www.mskcc.org)· http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/ChannelingACure

THE HIRSHBERG FOUNDATION: Founded in 1997, the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research, and providing information, resources, and support to pancreatic cancer patients and their families. I am proud to say that they have helped my friend’s father put up one of the best fights against this disease that I have seen, and he is currently in remission. (www.pancreatic.org) http://support.pancreatic.org/goto/ChannelingACure

PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK: Founded in 1999, PanCan is dedicated to fighting the world’s toughest cancer. In its urgent mission to save lives, they attack pancreatic cancer on all fronts: research, clinical initiatives, patient services and advocacy. Their efforts are amplified by a nationwide network of grassroots support. They are determined to improve patient outcomes today and to double survival by 2020. (www.pancan.org) http://support.pancan.org/goto/ChannelingACure