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October 2005 • Vol. 1, No. 4
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Advancing Orthotic and Prosthetic
Care Through Knowledge
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Fitzpatrick documents his Channel swim and his support for PQL on the wall of the White Horse Pub in Dover, England.
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The July issue of The Academy TODAY featured donor Jim Fitzpatrick and his unique way of "channeling his energy" for PQL. Although his 22-mile swim was grounded last year due to bad weather, this year he was able to embark on his journey from Dover, England, to Wissant, France on Wednesday, July 13, at 2:55 AM.
Despite rigorous training, the swim presented one challenge after another for Fitzpatrick. For nearly five hours (hours three through eight of the swim), he battled leg cramps, extreme nausea, and dehydration. At just past the eight-hour mark along the
course, Fitzpatrick wanted to quit, but continued on with the relentless encouragement of his sole support person, Cate Speer, a former teammate from the Orange County Triathlon Club. Although he was literally swimming on "empty," he kept his course and continued on for another six hours. He completed his swim in 14 hours and 22 minutes.
Donations for PQL are still being accepted for Jim's great challenge. Are you willing to give a little of yourself? (reference Channel Swim in the Honorary gift section).
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