Team Angelfish Takes on Swim Across the Sound for Cancer Survivors
Turns out, you really can’t keep Team Angelfish out of the water, even on our day off!
Swim Angelfish recently traded swim lessons and aquatic therapy sessions for an eight-hour relay across the Sound as part of Swim Across the Sound, coming together as a team to support cancer survivors and their families.
Led by our incredible team captain, Ashley Holka, the team was up before the sun, in the water by 7:00 AM, and ready for a long day of swimming, teamwork, and plenty of memories along the way.
Swimming for a Cause
For Swim Angelfish, being in the water is a big part of what we do every day. But this time, we were swimming for something a little different.
Swim Across the Sound brings the community together to raise awareness and support for people impacted by cancer. We were proud to take part alongside so many other swimmers, teams, survivors, families, volunteers, and supporters who came together for this meaningful event.
Our team was especially excited to participate because of Ashley.
Ashley is a longtime Swim Angelfish swim instructor who inspired us to put together a team in her honor.
As a cancer survivor and someone who is now finishing medical school with a goal of making a difference for others, she continues to be an incredible source of inspiration to everyone around her.
Having Ashley lead our team made the day even more meaningful.
Eight Hours, One Team
With an eight-hour relay ahead of us, teamwork was the name of the game. Ailene, Dave, Carey, Ashley, and the rest of Team Angelfish took turns swimming throughout the day, working together to keep the relay going.
There were early alarms, tired muscles, and plenty of time in the water—but there was also sunshine, laughter, encouragement, and a whole lot of team spirit.Each swimmer brought their own energy to the day, and every time someone climbed out of the water, another teammate was ready to jump in and keep us moving.
That’s what made the day so special. It wasn’t about one person swimming the whole distance. It was about everyone doing their part and supporting one another along the way.
A Day to Remember
While we spend so much of our time helping others experience confidence and success in the water, it was fun to step into the water together as a team and take on a challenge of our own.
And, of course, we loved every minute of it.
The day was filled with beautiful moments, from watching the sun come up over the water to cheering each other on between relay legs. We left tired, probably a little sunburned, and very grateful for the experience. Most importantly, we were honored to be part of an event that supports an incredible cause and brings so many people together.
The Power of Coming Together
At Swim Angelfish, we know firsthand how powerful a community can be. Every day, we see what happens when people come together to support one another, remove barriers, and create opportunities. Swim Across the Sound was another beautiful reminder of that same power.
Whether we’re teaching a swimmer a new skill, helping someone experience the water in a new way, or jumping into an eight-hour relay with our coworkers, we believe in showing up for one another. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who organized, participated in, volunteered for, and supported Swim Across the Sound. And a very special thank you to Ashley for inspiring Team Angelfish to take on the challenge.
What a day. What a team. What a cause.
And yes, we’re already wondering what we’re getting ourselves into next!
