Swimming for a Cause at La Jolla Cove

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, I will be teaming up with fellow swimmers at La Jolla Shores for the 24th La Jolla Cove 10 Mile Relay, a signature open-water event built around the idea of "Celebrate. Swim. Give." Teams of up to five swimmers share ten miles of ocean swimming, all in support of two organizations doing important work: the American Diabetes Association and the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego.

As many of you know, ocean swimming and water safety have become a big part of my life over the past few years. I have spent countless early mornings at La Jolla and other local beaches training for long-distance swims, learning how to respect the ocean and my limits. This relay is a chance to put that passion to work for causes that matter — supporting diabetes research and helping more kids and families get access to swim lessons and drowning-prevention programs.

Why This Event Matters

The La Jolla Cove 10 Mile Relay is not just a race; it is designed as a community fundraiser. Event proceeds and donations help the American Diabetes Association continue its work in research, advocacy, and support for people living with diabetes. At the same time, the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego uses funds to provide swim lessons and water-safety education to local children and families who might not otherwise have access.

Every lap we swim at the cove is a reminder that swimming is both a joy and a privilege — and that basic water competence can literally save lives. As someone who spends hours in the ocean each week, I feel a responsibility to support organizations that are making water safer and more accessible for others.

How You Can Be Part of My Remote Team

You do not have to be in San Diego — or even be a swimmer — to participate. I would love to invite you to join as part of my remote support team in one of the following ways:

- Make a contribution between $10 and $100 in honor of our team to support the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) and the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego (www.preventdrowningfoundation.org).

- Share this post with your own community, workplace, or social networks to help spread the word.

- On relay day, take on your own personal challenge — a walk, run, yoga session, or pool workout — and dedicate it to the same causes.

Contribution Tiers and Watercolor Thank-You

To keep things simple, I am setting up three informal contribution tiers:

- Supporter: $10 - $24

- Mile Builder: $25 - $99

- High Contributor: $100

For anyone who chooses to contribute at the $100 level, I will personally send one of my original abstract watercolor paintings as a thank-you gift. These are small works created in the same spirit as my swims — focused, mindful, and inspired by the colors and movement of the Southern California coast. If you have been looking for a piece of ocean-inspired art for your wall or workspace, this is my way of sharing a piece of the journey with you.

If you would like to be considered for the watercolor gift, please send me your mailing address via email at info@dzudo.org after making your contribution, and I will arrange to ship it to you.

What You Can Expect from Me

In the weeks leading up to the relay, I will share a short update about training and our fundraising progress. After the event, I will post a recap with photos, swim data (distance, time, splits), and the total amount our extended team helped raise for diabetes research and drowning prevention.

My goal is simple: use one day of focused swimming, plus the power of my friends' networks, to make a tangible contribution to two organizations doing good work in health and water safety.

If this resonates with you, I would be honored to have you on the team — whether you contribute, share, move your body in solidarity on relay day, or all of the above. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.