Jim Whitcomb, founder of Swim2Help, is preparing for his 13.1 mile swim on September 9 to raise money for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This will be Whitcomb’s second year of fundraising for Tunnel to Towers, a foundation close to his heart that supports injured military personnel, first responders, and their families. Though he does not identify as an “expert” swimmer, Whitcomb shared that this is not about him, but about giving back to those who sacrifice so much. Motivated by his admiration for the brave men and women who proudly serve our country and their communities, Whitcomb hopes Swim2Help will become a national effort to benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
According to The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Whitcomb raised $21,000 last year during his 10 mile swim, and has set a goal of raising $30,000 this year with his half-marathon swim. He believes it will take him about 8 hours to swim the 462 laps at the Mountain View Aquatic Center in Marietta, Georgia. With the support of family and friends, Whitcomb has great encouragement to reach his goal.
The idea for Swim2Help came about as the Whitcomb family were discussing their blessings at the dinner table and how to give back to those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. After much discussion, the Whitcomb’s decided on starting Swim2Help to benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. According to Swim2Help’s genesis, Whitcomb shares that “we recognize that freedom is not free. There is a price to be paid and many terrific men and women selflessly stand up for all of us.” The Whitcomb’s write that they are thankful for “the United States of America’s flag and all those yesterday, today, and tomorrow who proudly serve under it…military, police, firefighters, first-responders, and their families,” adding that they “are in awe of and in debt for their service.”
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was founded in honor of Brooklyn firefighter Stephen Siller who sacrificed his life on September 11, 2001. The foundation supports the national heroes who sacrifice their lives to protect our country and communities. With programs that help families of fallen first responders pay mortgages and build smart homes for the wounded, the Tunnel to Towers foundation blesses our national heroes and their families with love and appreciation.
For Whitcomb, giving to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is so important to him that he wants to build a wave of support across the country to fundraise at higher levels. As he takes on the swim challenge himself now, he hopes that more people will join in the future to help make a greater difference and reach more first responders and their families in need of help. Whitcomb’s dedication to setting his goals high is inspiring and encouraging to anyone who wants to help others with a special cause in their heart.