Swim for Rich 2007 was held at the Kennedy Club Multiplex on Saturday December 15th. The "swim-a-thon" was a resounding success as more than 100 swimmers came to show support for our friend, Richard O'Neil. The morning air was chilly but the water was warm, as participants arrived, received commemorative T-shirts, and swam for Rich. It was particularly special to watch our county's best young swimmers on the PUMA and Seahawks teams swim with smiles on their faces.

Rich arrived just before noon, the clouds parted, and sunlight warmed the crowd that assembled outside the pool deck. If you missed seeing Rich, I can assure you that he was feeling well and quite moved by the support of his family and friends. He spent a few hours greeting people, sharing stories of masters swimming, surfing around the globe, and growing up in Carlsbad. He reminisced about his undergraduate, medical and postgraduate medical education. Most importantly, he spoke of his faith in God, his loving family and their strength, including his sister Beth, who now bears the nickname 10/10.

Our small group worked hard to plan the event. We would like to thank the sponsors and in particular Kennedy Club Fitness. When Brett Weaver was first approached about the event his response was "...we will make it happen."

We would also like to extend our thanks to Joshua Jacobson at J. Carroll for his time, effort, and creativity in designing the T-shirts. Some of you that registered, paid and participated did not receive T-shirts toward the end of the day as we ran out of certain sizes. I assure you that you will be contacted via email and receive your shirt within the week!

Last, but certainly not least, a very special thank you to Ruth ("Mom Mom") O'Neil, for her assistance and enthusiasm. Rich's mom is undeniably one of the most remarkable people you might meet in your lifetime. One hour spent in conversation with Ruth yields ten hours of fascination. Her stories are not spun, they are real life experiences. Ruth embodies those qualities which make a person loved, which explains why so many of us admire her son Rich. Please excuse the cliché; the apple did not fall far from the tree

For those of you who have good intentions, yet are delinquent in sending your donation, we understand, and do not wish to chastise you. Please try to send your contribution in the form of personal check made out to The Rich O'Neil Family Fund and mail it to First Bank of San Luis Obispo. Please write Swim-a-thon on the memo of the check.