Women Swimmin' for Hospicare
Women Swimmin' for Hospicare is a community swim (not a race!) for women ages 18 and over. Fast, experienced swimmers make the crossing in 35 minutes while others take more than an hour, stopping to tread water and share stories of loved ones with their fellow swimmers and support boaters. Speed is not important: what matters is sharing a unique experience on Cayuga Lake, and raising money for Hospicare in the process.
Go the Distance for Hospicare
Since 2020, we have invited our entire community (all ages and genders) to join us in Going the Distance for Hospicare. Each participant chooses a meaningful activity to complete (such as running a mile every day, paddling a certain distance in the lake, or doing a particular workout, whatever inspires you!) and then works to achieve this goal while raising money for Hospicare from May 9 through August 12, when we gather to celebrate our participants on their success. Those who have Gone the Distance include past swimmers, boaters, volunteers and supporters– there’s no limit on the number of people who can be involved in this community event!
How it works:
Registration for participants opens on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (Please note registration for Lake Swimmers closes when we reach our maximum of 325 Lake Swimmers!) There is a registration fee to participate; however, this fee is applied to your minimum fundraising goal. And you'll be given your own participant page, which you can share with your friends, families, colleagues and loved ones to ask for their support in helping you reach your goal. Many participants customize their pages to show why they have chosen to fundraise for Hospicare.
All money raised benefits the work of Hospicare & Palliative Care Services. Join us for this spectacular summer tradition! Swim the lake, be a boater, volunteer, fundraise, or set your goal for how you want to GO THE DISTANCE for Hospicare in 2023!
History of Women Swimmin' for Hospicare
In 2004, an Ithaca woman was looking for a unique activity to mark her 60th birthday. Her primary care physician suggested a swim across Cayuga Lake, and offered to join in the fun. That inaugural 1.2 mile journey launched Women Swimmin’ for Hospicare!
In its first year, Women Swimmin' for Hospicare raised over $54,000. Now, 18 years later, the annual event raises more than $400,000 -- a demonstration of the incredible generosity of people in our community and the recognition of Hospicare’s impact on patients and families throughout Cortland and Tompkins counties.
Women Swimmin' Laps for Hospicare
In 2015, we launched Women Swimmin' Laps for Hospicare to allow participants the option to raise money for Hospicare while swimming any distance in any pool with a certified lifeguard. Laps swimmers have participated in pools as far away as Hawaii and Singapore! Now, anyone (of any gender identity) can swim laps to fundraise, through Going the Distance for Hospicare, the companion fundraiser to Women Swimmin' for Hospicare.