THE PROJECT

SEVEN YOUNG SWIMMERS

FROM NORTH COAST AQUATICS

CROSSING THE CATALINA CHANNEL IN 2015

FOR FRESH START A SURGICAL GIFT

THE PROJECT

We are a group of 7 young competitive swimmers ages 13 to 15 from North Coast Aquatics swim club in San Diego who will cross the Catalina Channel as a relay swim on September 12, 2015 for the charity "Fresh Start Surgical Gifts".

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts transforms the lives of disadvantaged infants, children, and teens with physical deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse or disease through the gift of reconstructive surgery and related healthcare services. Fresh Start is one of the most devoted non-profit organizations that help children, hosting six Surgery weekends annually where volunteer medical professionals transform the lives of children with deformities through reconstructive surgery. Fresh Start’s one of a kind comprehensive approach to medical treatments also includes Dental Clinics, Laser Clinics and Speech Therapy Clinics. Patients come from across the United States and around the world, but all surgeries and medical treatments are provided in San Diego, CA. Fresh Start patients often require extensive follow up and years of surgeries and medical services, and they remain in Fresh Start’s care until the best medical outcome has been reached. Fresh Start allocate 100% of contributions to go directly to Fresh Start's medical programs.

Some basic facts on this charity:

Since incorporation in 1991, Fresh Start has provided over $29 million worth of free medical services.
In total, over 6,800 children have received fresh starts.
On average, 60 patients receive Fresh Start's medical treatments at each Surgery Weekend.
Over 500 volunteers help Fresh Start run its medical programs each year.
Once you are a Fresh Start patient, you are always a Fresh Start patient. Fresh Start provides treatments for as long as it is needed.

Through "your support" of our challenge, we hope to fundraise for this great charity and give back to kids in our Community.

The Ocean's Seven team

Mia Thomas (14)

Heloise Leblanc (15)

Mia Ryan (15)

Tegan Preston (13)

Erin Taggart (13)

Lindsay Turner (13)

Anna Brooker (13)

A FEW FACTS

32.3 KM

The crossing from Catalina Island to Palos Verdes near Long Beach

7 hours 4 minutes

Overall relay record for the Catalina to mainland crossing for a female team established in 1995.

128

Number of relay teams who have successfully completed the crossing since its debut in 1926.

This mythic crossing is 32.3 km long and starts from Catalina Channel to Palos Verdes. Starting in the middle of the night, swimmers swim 1-hour relay legs in complete darkness and sub-60 degrees water with no wet suits or any direct external assistance. Swimmers are nonetheless followed by an experienced crew, a boat and kayaks to ensure their safety. The crossing will be sanctioned by the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation and subject to all their rules and regulations.

Our team is composed of 7 girls, ages 13 to 15, who are successful student athletes in the San Diego region. Each of us rank amongst the best swimmers in our respective age groups and specialties in San Diego County. We all swim for North Coast Aquatics, the largest and top-ranked competitive swim team in San Diego. Working with our swim team and parents, we have established a training plan and a strong support team composed of accomplished open water swimmers, national level coaches and doctors to help us succeed in our challenge.