In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, liver transplant survivor Jillian Best is set to embark on a challenging 30km solo swim across Lake Muskoka on July 27, 2024, to support children facing organ-related health issues.
Best, the executive director of the Move for Life Foundation, is no stranger to ambitious swimming challenges. In 2021, she completed a grueling 52-kilometer swim across Lake Ontario, raising funds and awareness for organ donation. This latest endeavor continues her mission to support transplant recipients and promote organ donation awareness.
The upcoming swim will benefit Camp Kivita, a specialized summer camp for children with organ transplants and chronic kidney disease. “Every stroke I take brings these courageous kids closer to experiencing the joy and fun of a ‘normal’ week at camp, surrounded by peers who understand their journey,” Best stated. Camp Kivita provides a safe and supportive environment where children can enjoy typical camp activities without worrying about their health, thanks to dedicated and specialized staff.
Adding to the event’s significance, a relay team of 5-6 swimmers will also tackle the same 30km distance, symbolizing the support network crucial for transplant survivors. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of community in overcoming health challenges and marks the 9th year of the Organ Donor Swim event.
The swim is organized by the Move for Life Foundation, which Best founded to promote organ donation awareness and support transplant recipients. The foundation’s work extends beyond this single event, with ongoing initiatives to educate the public about the importance of organ donation and support those affected by transplantation.
As Best prepares for this feat, she invites the public to follow her training journey on the Move for Life Foundation’s social media platforms. Supporters can track her progress, challenges, and successes on Instagram and Facebook as she builds up to the big day. These platforms offer an intimate look at the dedication and effort required for such an ambitious undertaking, while also providing inspiration and motivation to others facing their own challenges.
The event, scheduled for July 27, 2024, promises to be an inspiring demonstration of human perseverance and the power of community support in the face of medical adversity. It serves as a testament to Best’s ongoing commitment to making a difference in the lives of organ transplant recipients and those awaiting transplants.
By following the Move for Life Foundation’s social media accounts, supporters can stay updated on Best’s training progress, learn more about organ donation and transplantation, and discover other ways to get involved in this vital cause. The foundation’s online presence serves as a hub for information, inspiration, and community building around the important issues of organ donation and support for transplant recipients.
