Deb Paps

Why I'm Taking on a 1km Ocean Swim for Cancer Research

On the 27th of April, I’ll be taking on something that, quite honestly, really challenges me—a 1km ocean swim. Just two weeks ago, I couldn’t swim a single lap of freestyle. Now I’m training three times a week, pushing myself in ways I never thought possible. Learning how to swim properly as an adult has been a humbling experience.

Cancer has devastated my family. My brother, just 40 with two young boys, and my dad were both diagnosed with stage four cancer and passed away within the same year—first Dad, then my brother, just eight weeks apart. More recently, I lost my beautiful friend Jen at 38 to ovarian cancer, and my lovely uncle Arthur only four months ago.

Unless you’ve watched someone you love battle cancer, it’s hard to understand how brutal it really is. You feel helpless as they fade, and there’s nothing you can do.

If there’s one thing I hope you take from this, it’s this:

Get checked. Trust your instincts. Push for answers. Take control of your health.

My brother was misdiagnosed for two years. We can’t always rely on a single opinion or assume a small discomfort will just go away. Often, it’s your body sending you a sign.

This swim is also about me taking better care of my own health. Building good habits. Challenging myself to feel uncomfortable. 

So on April 27th, I’ll dive in, nervous, probably slow, but thinking of my dad, my brother, my friend Jen, and everyone still fighting cancer. 

If you can donate, I’d be grateful. And if nothing else, please get behind preventative health. Get the checks. Ask the questions, and be mindful of what chemicals you put in and on your body. 

Big positive hugs,
Debs