I'm Swimming 5 Miles in August to help the American Cancer Society fight for a world without cancer.

I'm not a trained or competitive swimmer. I've never competed in a swim race or on a swim team. But my Dad taught my sister and I how to swim at a young age. He was a swim teacher/lifeguard during high school at a local swim school. He made sure my sister and I could safely body surf the waves at Stinson and La Jolla and confidently water ski Lake Tahoe.

Before my Dad passed away, he and I would meet before work, between 5:30 and 6am, to either walk our neighborhood or swim in my parents' pool. I cherish this special time with my Dad, talking and exercising in the early morning hours.

In 2007 my Dad died of pancreatic cancer. When I saw this opportunity, I was inspired to swim for him.

I will be swimming my 5 miles in my parents' pool in honor of my Dad. I hope you will consider supporting this cause.