Mathews grad retains swimming for most cancers analysis | Information, Sports activities, Jobs

Mathews High School Class of 1989 graduate Andy Rieger has finished plenty of swimming in his life to boost funds and consciousness for most cancers analysis.

This summer season, he’s taking on a brand new problem. Later this month, he’ll embark on a brand new journey, swimming the English Channel from the United Kingdom to France to boost funds for Swim Across America.

Rieger, who now resides in Houston, mentioned what he calls “the challenging journey of swimming” will likely be to swim the English Channel, which spans roughly 22 miles.

He mentioned the English Channel is famend for its highly effective currents and cooler water temperatures, round 60 levels Fahrenheit.

“I’ll commence my swim from the beach near Dover Harbor in England and conclude near Cap Gris-Nez in France. Although the distance is 22 miles as the crow flies, the currents will likely force me to swim closer to 26 to 27 miles. I anticipate completing the swim within approximately 12 hours,” Rieger mentioned.

He mentioned he will likely be accompanied by an escort boat with a help crew of two to 3 people on board.

“Their primary responsibility will be to provide me with feeds every 30 minutes, monitor my progress and keep me motivated. However, there are a few restrictions: I can’t touch the boat or wear a wetsuit. Every 30 minutes, my support team will toss me a water bottle containing a sports energy drink for my feeds,” Rieger mentioned.

He mentioned this yr he devoted himself to making ready meticulously for the swim and has been within the closing two months of his coaching.

“I’m not only undertaking this as a personal challenge but also raising funds for cancer research supported by Swim Across America. All the funds I raise for my English Channel swim will directly contribute to cancer research at MD Anderson in Houston and Rush University Hospital in Chicago,” he mentioned.

Rieger mentioned to donate to his Swim Across America — English Channel swim, go to www.swimacrossamerica.org, click on on the donate hyperlink and seek for his identify.

OTHER SWIMS

Rieger mentioned as in earlier years, a number of relations will take part in Swim Across America on Aug. 9 in Chicago. They are his dad and mom, Gil and Casey Rieger, of Vienna; his brother Thad Rieger, of Columbus; and from Salt Lake City, his daughter Aurora Rieger, his sister Amy Bos, his nephew Stephen and spouse Rachael Bos, and her son, Andrew Bos.

HIs spouse, Kristen, a Warren native and 1991 Warren G. Harding High School graduate, additionally will be part of them from Houston.

The Riegers had been married in Warren in July 2024.

“We are reuniting to form Team Rieger at Swim Across America — Chicago to raise funds for cancer research at Rush University Hospital. We swim in honor of my brother Matt and my first wife Jordana, both of whom lost their battles with cancer in 2021 and 2018, respectively,” Rieger mentioned.

He mentioned in addition they honor different relations, together with each Thad and Gil, who’ve had their very own battles with most cancers, in addition to Thad’s father-in-law who misplaced his battle with most cancers.

“We swim in honor of the countless others whose lives have been impacted by cancer. For me personally, this is a way to pay it forward for all the people who supported my family during the difficult times of both Matt and Jordana’s battles,” Rieger mentioned.

He mentioned Team Rieger’s objective is to boost $20,000 this yr, and they’re making good progress up to now.

To donate to Team Rieger for Swim Across America Chicago, go to www.swimacrossamerica.org/chicago. Click on the donate hyperlink and search Team Rieger or any workforce member.

ANOTHER SWIM

On Oct. 11, Rieger additionally will take part in Swim Across America — Houston close to his house in Texas.

“Over the past few years, I’ve transitioned from being a swimmer at this event to becoming a volunteer and now the event director. Although I won’t be in the water, we’re aiming to raise $100,000 that will fund cancer research at MD Anderson, the hospital where Jordana received her treatment during her nearly six-year battle with cancer,” he mentioned.

Those involved in studying extra about Swim Across America — Houston, taking part or donating, can go to www.swimacrossamerica.org/houston.

Donations by verify for any of the occasions talked about might be mailed to Swim Across America, Inc., 8508 Park Road #389, Charlotte, NC 28210. Include a word mentioning the swimmer, workforce or charity swim you’d like your donation to help to allow them to guarantee they obtain the suitable fundraising credit score.