Four months of prep work have now passed. Strength tests say I'm nearly back to 100% of my pre-surgery self. The deposit has been made and the cause has emerged. It's go time. As I am unable to sit still (even whilst in the middle of a Master's program, I've decided to challenge my physical self by taking on the English Channel on July 4th of this year.
That's right, I'm in the middle of training for a solo swim across the 22-mile English Channel. I am studying in London thanks in large part to my Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Rotary Foundation. My host club has been supporting a young boy named Harvey Parry in his quest to walk again. At just 15 months old, he lost both of his legs to meningitis. Now four, his family works tirelessly to ensure that he have whatever it takes to grow up with every opportunity. Unfortunately, the only place that can provide comprehensive treatment is in the United States, which means the family is a) funding the entire operation by themselves and b) needing to visit New York several times per year to enlarge his prosthetic legs.
His story and his family have touched me and while I know that there are so many young people in this world who are in need, Harvey is right here in front of me and there is something I can do to help. I will be swimming the Channel - overcoming my own physical limitations and recent shoulder surgery - to help raise funds for his next set of legs. It's 22 miles from England to France and mine will be a solo swim - one of only very few made by an American.
I know times are tough, so I wouldn't be asking unless it were incredibly important to me. My goal is to raise $10,000, with all proceeds going directly to Harvey's next set of legs. I've set up a website where you can learn more about Harvey, the swim and Rotary as well as make a secure online donation. Any amount you can give will be most appreciated - $11, $25, $100 - the equivalent of a few Starbuck's coffee's or movie tickets - will go a very long to help this young boy. Every donor will be recognized on the flag that will fly over my boat when I cross the Channel, and there are many co-sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations, should you want to be part of our media campaign as well. You can donate directly by clicking here.
You can find out more about Harvey, see some pictures and donate online by clicking this one.
I'll hopefully be following the purpilish route on this map that I found online, though I'm planning for it to take roughly 7 hours and 20 minutes (not 14!).
I'll definitely be posting updates here on progress, as well as additional thoughts on politics and so on. A very diverse portfolio, I guess!
More soon.
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Kyle Taylor
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