Here is some sample language that you can use in correspondence to your friends, family, and colleagues.  
FOR SWIMMERS:

I'm thrilled to be joining a group of strong and determined swimmin' women who will be getting back in the water on Saturday, August 9th!  All money raised directly supports patients and families in our communities who are facing serious illness, end-of-life, or profound grief. INSERT PERSONAL SENTENCE. Will you join me as a participant, or make a donation to support my efforts? More info at: womenswimmin.org HYPERLINK TO YOUR PERSONAL URL

Sample language for your personal sentence:

• This year, I'm training for a 1.2 mile swim in Cayuga Lake on August 9th in celebration of life!
• I’m swimming for Hospicare in memory of my best friend. Her journey inspired me to live authentically and to keep humor as a part of daily life, in good times… and especially in bad.
• One way I give back to my community is by participating in Women Swimmin' for Hospicare.
• I swim in memory of my beloved mother, who raised me to love the lake and its refreshing waters.
• This year I lost my Uncle Bill, and I'll be jumping into the lake in his memory on August 9th, knowing he'd be standing on shore screaming words of support.

FOR GOING THE DISTANCE:

Between now and August 9th, we’re setting personal goals for how we’re GOING THE DISTANCE for Hospicare, and all money raised directly supports patients and families in our communities who are facing serious illness, end-of-life, or profound grief. INSERT PERSONAL SENTENCE. Will you join me as a participant, or make a donation to support my efforts? More info at: womenswimmin.org HYPERLINK TO YOUR PERSONAL URL

EXAMPLES of ways people are going the distance and how to create a personal sentence.

Some of our participants:

• have a physical goal
• have an emotional goal
• want to memorialize/honor someone
• live far away but have a connection to Ithaca/Hospicare
• recently lost someone
• are caregiving

And how those examples could fit in a personal sentence to insert.

• This year, I’m going the distance for Hospicare by biking 10 miles a week, now until August 9th.
• With the world feeling so upside down, I’m going the distance for Hospicare by performing one random act of kindness every day.
• I’m going the distance for one of my favorite non-profits, Hospicare & Palliative Care Services, which supports patients and families throughout Cortland and Tompkins counties in upstate NY.
• With the death of my beloved grandfather, I’m choosing to go the distance for Hospicare, and help support other families who need their help now more than ever.
• I’m going the distance for Hospicare by caring for my aunt at home, where she feels comforted by familiar settings and my world-renowned chocolate cake

SAMPLE LETTER 

Dear Friends:

I am participating in the annual Women Swimmin' for Hospicare to help raise money for Hospicare, a unique and valuable resource for our community.   It is a privilege to raise funds to support Hospicare for the extraordinary work they do.  My appreciation for this organization has deepened each year, as I have learned how many lives have been touched by Hospicare, and how many individuals and families have benefited from their services.  No one is ever turned away from receiving services at Hospicare, regardless of their ability to pay.  This is made possible by the generosity of supporters, especially those that support Women Swimmin'.

By making a pledge on my behalf, you are supporting Hospicare's mission to bring medical expertise and compassionate, respectful care to people and their loved ones at any stage of a life-threatening illness, and to provide information and education about advanced illness, dying and bereavement to the entire community. Funds raised through Women Swimmin' help provide patients with comfort measures that are not fully covered by insurance, as well as provide services to patients' families. 

Even small donations to Women Swimmin' are appreciated.  And they are tax deductible.  To make a pledge, follow this link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Hospicare and Palliative Care of Cortland & Tompkins Counties.

On behalf of Hospicare and Women Swimmin' 2025, thank you for considering this request!