July 2005 • Vol. 1, No. 2
	Advancing Orthotic and Prosthetic Care Through Knowledge

PQL Profile: Channeling Energy for PQL

Jim Fitzpatrick, CP, is always looking to channel his energy in creative ways to make a difference for others. He has participated in several events to help raise money for programs he holds close to his heart.

He first looked into swimming the English Channel in 1990 when he was returning from his year of work in Armenia with Project Hope. Last year, he had prepared for the 22-mile swim in September, but bad weather prevented him from even attempting it. This year, he plans to go in mid-July when the weather is better and wants to raise funds to help support Project Quantum Leap. “Project Quantum Leap is all about the future of the O&P profession. I want to do what I can to help advance the profession,” explains Fitzpatrick. “I believe it is important for our industry to get the word out to young adults about the opportunities for them as prospective O&P professionals.”

He uses his long-distance swimming and cycling adventures to help raise money for organizations he knows use the funds wisely and efficiently. Since 1997, he has completed five Peak-to-Peak bike rides (approximately 350 miles over five days) from Big Bear Mountain to Mammoth Mountain in California. In each of those rides he was able to raise more than $1,000 for the US Adaptive Recreation Center (USARC), a division of Disabled Sports USA.

In preparation to swim the English Channel in July, Fitzpatrick participated in a five-mile open-water training swim in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.

In October 2001, he was unable to do the ride, but did manage to raise $3,500 for USARC when he swam the Catalina Channel. He completed the 21.7-mile swim in 9 hours, 47 minutes to become the 98th person to successfully swim the channel since it was first done in 1927.

In the summer of 2002, he was part of a six-man relay that was the first to successfully swim from San Clemente Island to the city of San Clemente, a distance of 60 miles. The relay team was able to raise more than $60,000 for City of Hope Pediatric Cancer Center in California, which included a $5,000 donation from his employer, Townsend Design. All of the swimmers had family or friends who suffered from cancer, so meeting the challenge physically and financially was extremely important.

Jim’s family and friends have been very kind in supporting him throughout the years. He also uses some creative approaches with his customers. “I provide some products at discounted prices and ask for a donation on top of that. So, I donate the value of the product, but I allow them to take the entire write-off. It’s a win-win...for the donor and the charitable organization.”

Jim is extremely thankful for the generous support of everyone in the past, and now seeks continued support for his next challenge of crossing the English Channel this summer. Please go to "Support PQL" (reference Channel Swim in the Honorary Gift section) to help support Jim and the important activities of Project Quantum Leap.