Dana says: “A friend introduced me several years ago to the incredible work that Make-A-Wish Foundation does granting wishes for critically ill children. His son, Tristin, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of 13. Make-A-Wish Foundation granted Tristin’s wish and I had the opportunity to see the family photos from their trip. The entire family was smiling and so happy. They were able to forget their worries for a few blissful days. Unfortunately, their son lost his battle with neuroblastoma several years later. But he fought the entire way. He lived his life to the very fullest, something all of us should do. His son was an age group swimmer as was I many years ago. I think it’s a fitting tribute to swim 13.1 miles (a full half-marathon) and raise money for the local children currently waiting to have their wishes granted.”
“Tristin fought bravely for 5 1/2 years. We traveled all over the US for treatments since his disease was so rare. He loved to swim! He was on his high school team, CSAS, and one of our local pool teams, Stuart Heights Swim Team. Heartbreakingly, Tristin passed away May 29, 2015 at the young age of 18. He was my whole life.” – Jason Greer, father
Dana MacCorquodale was raised in the YMCA swimming pool and cross country courses in Lockport, Illinois. She began swimming at the age of 5 and joined a local cross country running club at age 6. Her days were filled being shuttled from practice to practice and competing. She ran her first half marathon at 8 years old. She did her first triathlon when she was 10 and she was the first female out of the water. Dana loves the smell of chlorine and the delicious feeling of utter exhaustion after a tough practice. She loves to train. She loves a challenge. Dana’s dad is a runner and her mom is a triathlete, having competed in the Kona Ironman 3 times. Her life has always revolved around sports. Due to injury, she can no longer run competitively but she can still swim, and swim, and swim … she fell in love with open water swimming at an early
age. When she gets into the open water, she is able to get into a rhythm, relax, and it’s just her and the water. That’s where Dana has found her bliss. She has had amazing coaches and the things they instilled in her have made her not only a better athlete but a better person. She owes them a debt of gratitude and feels that it’s her time to give back.
Let’s get together as a community and show these brave children that
they are in our hearts and prayers. 100% off the money raised is going directly to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Virginia.
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It costs an average of $9,000 to grant one child’s wish.
Please help us make the wishes of these children happen! A donation in any amount is greatly appreciated.