One Woman Many Lakes: Past Swims

In my battle against metastatic breast cancer and my efforts to raise awareness and funding, I’ve swum across bodies of water all over the world (see the map)! I’m still adding to the list. Check back often to see where I was swimming. To date I have swum 52 lakes, rivers, bays, and oceans for a total distance of 58.70 miles.

Deep Canyon Tennis Club Pool

October 26, 2024 – 0.10 miles – water temp. 82 degrees

Mary’s last swim. Nothing more needs to be said. She was a rock star.

Woman swimming laps in a pool

Fifth Lake, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

September 5, 2020 – 0.50 miles – water temp. 68 degrees

 Thanks to our fantastic hosts, John& Anne Dellemann I was able to pull off the historic 50th swim! The weather was cold and windy so they took me out on their pontoon boat across the lake so I could swim back with the wind and the waves. Their neighbors were in other boats cheering me on and my friends Mary & Bob Weber stayed on the dock for my return reference point. I was exhausted when finished but unbelievably happy that I have now done 50 swims around the world. Channel 12 in Rhinelander even covered the event.

An older woman in a wetsuit sitting on a dock near water, wearing swimming goggles and a yellow swim cap, giving two thumbs up and smiling after swimming. Fifth Lake, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Swimming safety gear floating on a lake with a forested shoreline and boats in the background. Fifth Lake, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
A person filming an interview or conversation with a seated woman outdoors in a park with trees in the background.

Rice Lake, Rice Lake, Wisconsin

August 9 2020 – 0.60 miles – water temp. 76 degrees

Another Covid break we went up North and joined Margaret & Brian at a great family resort. I felt much better on this swim. I felt very safe with two paddle boats following me. You can see how calm the lake was for my swim. 

Woman swimming in a lake with a small dog, near a wooden house with multiple deck levels and outdoor furniture. Rice Lake, Rice Lake, Wisconsin
A man and woman paddling a pedal boat on a lake, with colorful kayaks on the shore behind them. Rice Lake, Rice Lake, Wisconsin
A body of water with trees on the right, a cloudy sky, and buoys floating on the water in the foreground. Rice Lake, Rice Lake, Wisconsin
An elderly woman with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, black tank top, and shorts standing in a wooded area, holding a sign promoting awareness and fundraising for metastatic breast cancer. A small dog sits on the ground in front of her, looking up at her.

Eagle Lake, Eagle River, Wisconsin

June 28, 2020 – 0.30 miles – water temp. 74 degrees

At last minute we headed up north and Rob and our dog, Rosie, in our inflatable kayak watched me do my first swim in nearly a year.
It was so good to be in the water again. 

A person swimming in a lake wearing a yellow swim cap, sunglasses, and a black swimsuit, giving thumbs up gestures with both hands, with a backdrop of trees and a blue sky with white clouds. Eagle Lake, Eagle River, Wisconsin
Person swimming in a lake with a tree-lined shoreline under a partly cloudy sky. Eagle Lake, Eagle River, Wisconsin

Hasbrook Lake, Lake Tomahawk, WI 

July 29, 2019, – 1.0 miles – water temp. 77 degrees

After 7 months of health issues I was finally able to jump into a lake. Nothing like a swim with a good friend paddle boarding nearby on a clear northwoods lake to invigorate one’s sole.

A person swimming in a body of water with a yellow swim cap, orange life vest, and blue swim trunks, near a tree-lined shoreline under a partly cloudy sky. Hasbrook Lake, Lake Tomahawk, WI 
A person standing in a lake holding a sign with a fish logo, with a cloudy sky and tree-lined shore in the background. Hasbrook Lake, Lake Tomahawk, WI 
Person paddleboarding on a lake with trees in the background. Hasbrook Lake, Lake Tomahawk, WI 

Silver Lake, Oconomowoc, WI

September 16, 2018 – 0.70 miles – water temp. 77 degrees

I was joined by my new metster friend, Bernadette Priestley, at her mom’s house on Silver Lake. We were overwhelmed by the support of 8 more swimmers, 3 kayakers and lots of people on shore cheering for us. Calm winds and 80 degrees temperature for mid-September added to this special day.

Two women in yellow swim caps giving thumbs up in the water, with a red kayak and other paddlers in the background. Silver Lake, Oconomowoc, WI
Group of people standing in water near a boat, wearing swim caps and goggles, with a scenic lake and trees in the background. Silver Lake, Oconomowoc, WI
Group of people in swim gear and yellow helmets on a paddleboard in a lake, practicing safety or rescue techniques. Silver Lake, Oconomowoc, WI

South Haven Beach, MI

August 4, 2018 – 0.60 miles – water temp. 75 degrees

Had a family reunion in South Haven, Michigan. On a beautiful hot sunny afternoon I was joined by my youngest, David, his girlfriend, Alex, and nephews Nick and Isaac along with Nick’s son, Wilson. Wilson was a fish in the water and out swam me.

A family of four standing in the water water at the beach, smiling and posing for the photo, with many other people in the background enjoying the beach and water on a sunny day. South Haven Beach, MI
Group of six people in swimwear posing and smiling in the water at the beach, with beachgoers, umbrellas, and a sandy shoreline in the background. South Haven Beach, MI
Person swimming and snorkeling in the ocean with a crowd in the background. South Haven Beach, MI

Devil’s Lake, Baraboo, WI

July 24, 2018 – 1.20 miles – water temp. 72 degrees

Met my great friend, Linda Cook, a fellow metster, at Devil’s Lake for a “real” swim. Tom Vos and Dan Millman joined me in the water, while one of my oncology nurses Jo kayaked by me. Linda and husband Jay were on shore with other friends cheering. It felt great to be in such a beautiful state park.

A woman and a man kayaking on a lake. The woman is smiling and holding a paddle, and the man is in the water near the kayak. Devil’s Lake, Baraboo, WI
Three people, two men and one woman, standing outdoors near a lake holding a sign for breast cancer awareness, with a building, trees, and a mountain in the background. Devil’s Lake, Baraboo, WI
Three people swimming and giving thumbs up in a lake with a forested shoreline in the background. Devil’s Lake, Baraboo, WI

Myvatn Nature Baths, Iceland

July 5, 2018 – 0.10 miles – water temp. 102 degrees

Met my great friend, Linda Cook, a fellow metster, at Devil’s Lake for a “real” swim. Tom Vos and Dan Millman joined me in the water, while one of my oncology nurses Jo kayaked by me. Linda and husband Jay were on shore with other friends cheering. It felt great to be in such a beautiful state park.

A woman smiling and giving two thumbs up while in a pool with rocky formations and cloudy sky in the background. Myvatn Nature Baths, Iceland
Overcast view of a lake surrounded by rocks and hills in the distance, with fog or mist over the water. Myvatn Nature Baths, Iceland
A person swimming in a body of water near rocky formations, raising their hand, with another person partially visible in the background. Myvatn Nature Baths, Iceland

Fireman’s Park, Verona, WI

June 23, 2018 – 0.25 miles – water temp. 78 degrees


A great day at the Verona Triathlon. The Two breast Friends and the Tumornator took First Place in the sprint relay division! I swam, my fellow metster, Erin Jacobson biked, and our oncologist, Dr. Yamil Arbaje ran.

Fireman’s Park, Verona, WI

Three women standing outdoors after a race, holding a bright yellow sign that reads '2 Breast Friends and Their Tumor-Nator'. Two of the women are wearing medals and athletic clothing, and they are all smiling. Fireman’s Park, Verona, WI

Fence Lake, Minocqua, WI

June 20, 2018 – 0.75 miles – water temp. 70 degrees

Visited good friends in Northern Wisconsin and was able to swim a clean lake. Unlike those in Madison now, I could see the bottom. The highlight was coming around the final bend to be treated by a bald eagle perched on a branch (you can barely see him as I didn’t want to swim too close).

Person kayaking on a lake under a cloudy sky. Fence Lake, Minocqua, WI
A person swimming in a lake, smiling and giving a thumbs-up in front of a bald eagle, with green trees and a fallen tree in the background. Fence Lake, Minocqua, WI
Woman in a yellow swim cap and wetsuit holding a sign that reads "One Woman Many Lakes" by a lake with docks and trees in the background. Fence Lake, Minocqua, WI

Champion Islet, Floreana Island, Galapagos


March 28, 2018 – 0.75 miles – water temp. 78 degrees

The second swim in the Galpagos in a sheltered bay swimming with sea lions! Our friends Bob & Dot were on the trip with us and along with Blue-footed Boobies were part of my cheering section.

Sea Lion swimming underwater near a scuba diver. Champion Islet, Floreana Island, Galapagos
Four people in wetsuits and a woman in a yellow swim cap holding a sign stand in shallow water, with a boat and mountains in the background. Champion Islet, Floreana Island, Galapagos

Red Beach, Floreana Island, Galapagos


March 28, 2018 – 0.75 miles – water temp. 78 degrees

The second swim in the Galpagos in a sheltered bay swimming with sea lions! Our friends Bob & Dot were on the trip with us and along with Blue-footed Boobies were part of my cheering section.

Person standing in water at a rocky shoreline, smiling and giving two thumbs up. Red Beach, Floreana Island, Galapagos
Two people in wetsuits holding a sign on a beach with water and boats in the background. Red Beach, Floreana Island, Galapagos

Fernandez Bay, Cat Island, Bahamas

November 9, 2017 – 1.00 miles – water temp. 80 degrees

An unbelievable place to swim. Picture a mile long beach in a sheltered bay of crystal blue water. The water in the bay was only 3-10 feet and I could see the bottom everywhere. There were no critters (sharks, jellyfish, barracuda) to worry about. No power boats or Rob to run me over so I could swim for hours if I wanted to.

Person standing in the shallow turquoise water at a tropical beach, with palm trees, a thatched roof hut, lounge chairs, and a blue umbrella on the sandy shore. Fernandez Bay, Cat Island, Bahamas
A swimmer in a turquoise body of water near a sandy beach with umbrellas, lounge chairs, and lush green trees, along with a large house in the background. Fernandez Bay, Cat Island, Bahamas
A beach with white sand, turquoise water, thatched umbrellas, and a rainbow in a cloudy sky. Fernandez Bay, Cat Island, Bahamas

Lough Corrib, Galway, Ireland

September 15, 2017 – 0.70 miles – water temp. 59 degrees

What can I say about how exciting it is to swim in a foreign country. Our driver (Don) was so thrilled to take part and help set up a place on a lake by a castle from the 1200’s and a wet suit rental. I had brought my hood and gloves which were needed in the cold water. Just two swans and me in the lake as Rob tried to run along shore in the woods to make sure I was okay.

A large historic castle with towers and battlements, situated near a body of water with a boat floating on it. Lough Corrib, Galway, Ireland
Person in a wetsuit holding a sign near a river, with a castle in the background. Lough Corrib, Galway, Ireland

Lake Monona, Madison, WI

August 24, 2017 – 1.00 miles – water temp. 72 degrees

As long as a friend’s fundraiser was near the lake, 3 of us decided we may as well go for a swim and show the guests what One Woman Many Lakes is all about. Rob’s only concern while kayaking was making sure the Betty Lou tour boat didn’t run us over.

Three people swimming in a lake, wearing yellow swim caps and goggles, giving thumbs up. Lake Monona, Madison, WI
Swimmer in open water with orange safety buoy, wearing a black wetsuit and goggles, swimming near a boat on a cloudy day. Lake Monona, Madison, WI
A person swimming in open water, wearing a black wetsuit and a red swim cap. Lake Monona, Madison, WI

Long Lake, New Auburn, WI

August 19, 2017 – 1.20 miles – water temp. 68 degrees

A great number of supporters joined me in a beautiful northwoods lake. It was a great calm day with lots of pontoons and two reporters following me along.

Four people in yellow swim caps giving thumbs up while swimming in a lake with lush green trees in the background. One person has an orange flotation device, and a paddleboard is partly visible in the foreground. Long Lake, New Auburn, WI
Group of people holding a sign outdoors in front of a large tree, some wearing life jackets and swimwear, smiling at the camera.
Person being interviewed on a boat by a woman holding a microphone near a lakeside with trees and flowers in the background.

Brown’s Lake, Jackson, MI

August 5, 2017 – 1.20 miles – water temp. 75 degrees

Had a family reunion so of course my nephew and I jumped in for a easy swim around the lake.

A person diving in a body of water, wearing a swim cap and we, adjusting the helmet at waist level during daytime. There are trees and a partly cloudy sky in the background. Brown's Lake, Jackson MI
Person in a yellow kayak, wearing a blue shirt and hat, swimming towards an orange buoy in a lake with trees and houses in the background. Brown’s Lake, Jackson, MI

Canandaigua Lake, New York

August 3, 2017 – 1.4 miles – water temp. 73 degrees

Travelled to Rob’s home town area and had a great swim in his old summer cottage lake with his step sister and step brother in the water, his brother and sister-in-law in kayaks and his other brother cheering on shore.

Group of people in a lake, two in a kayak holding a sign with a wave logo, others swimming nearby, sunny day. Canandaigua Lake, New York

Echo Lake, Acadia National Park, Maine

July 16, 2017 – 0.35 miles – water temp. 60 degrees

Travelled to Acadia National Park for a week with three girlfriends. No one had a wetsuit with them so we did a quick swim in a beautiful little lake in the park.

Lake Mendota, Madison, WI


June 29, 2017 – 1.00 miles – water temp. 69 degrees

My first swim that had to be rescheduled. June 28 was stormy and windy so we had to pospone to the next day so many of my friends could not get that day off of work. But I was joined by another metster and her mom which made this swim very special.

Group of seven women and men in swimwear standing on a pier by the water, some wearing goggles and swim caps, with boats in the background. Lake Mendota, Madison, WI

Salt Pond Beach, Kauai, Hawaii


April 14, 2017 – 0.30 miles – water temp. 78 degrees

Had the entire family with me in Kauaii so my daugther-in-law, Gillian, and our son’s girlfriend, Alex, joined me for a short swim in a nearby cove. The waves weren’t too bad but it’s a lot easier swimming with the current than against it. David then snorkled into the picture.

Pine Lake, Sammamish, WA


August 7, 2016 – 0.80 miles – water temp. 74 degrees

Returned to the Seattle area and swam with a open water swim group (the LaLa’s) my son, Aaron and others. The 20 of us swimming this beautiful lake in the mountain foothills was a record.

Lower Long Lake, Sarona, WI

August 2, 2016 – 0.75 miles – water temp. 78 degrees

Traveled to Northern Wisconsin to a beautiful lake as part of a 4 day artist retreat called Right Brain. These ladies were WAY more talented than me in the art studio but I showed them how to swim a lake.

Lake Monona, Madison, WI

June 28, 2016 One Woman Many Lakes Day – 2.0 miles – water temp. 74 degrees

This was the Madison swim as part of the OWML day triathlon. A great turnout of swimmers, kayakers, boats and on shore supporters made this a special day for all. We even had a ceremony as the Mayor and State Senate issued proclamations declaring June 28 One Woman Many Lakes Day.

Lake Waubesa, McFarland, WI

June 2016 – 1.50 miles – water temp. 74 degrees

It was a beautiful day to swim in honor of Heather McManamy. With each stroke I remembered her bright smile, passion for making ever day matter, and what an amazing mother she was. Last year, she was on the shore waiting to congratulate me after my swim. This year, it was her daughter, Bri, waiting. She’s who I’m swimming for now.

Horseshoe Bay, Antarctica

December 2015 – 0.1 miles – water temp. “really cold”

As part of our tour of Antarctica we were able to do a polar plunge. As you can see there were quite a number of other crazies joining me (and even Rob) in the frigid waters. This was definately one of my most unusual swims!

Group of people in swimsuits standing on a beach with snow-covered mountains in the background, holding a sign and smiling. Horseshoe Bay, Antarctica

Neusse River, Bridgeton to New Bern, North Carolina

October 2015 – 1.70 miles – water temp. 63 degrees

Was welcomed to this beautiful town in the North Carolina central coast by my fellow metster, Beth Fairchild. Spoke at a breast cancer rally the night before to over 600 townspeople then this swim from one shore to the main park in downtown.

10/13 Metastatic Breast Cancer Day Events

We had a Die In in Madison on the State Street steps of the Capitol.

People participating in a large outdoor demonstration, lying down on the ground in front of a the Wisconsin state capitol

10/13 Metastatic Breast Cancer Day Events

I was featured in Times Square and our son, David, participated in the Die In in Washington, DC.

Digital billboard in Times Square supporting breast cancer awareness with a photo of a smiling woman in a blue headscarf and the message 'Living with MBC takes strength. #MBCstrength' and pink ribbon logo.
Group of people lying face down on the ground outdoors during a protest or demonstration, with others standing nearby under trees.

Nicolet Bay at Penisula State Park, Fish Creek, Wisconsin

September 2015 – 1.0 miles -water temp. 65 degrees

Was hoping to swim to the island and back but 3 foot swells made it impossible so Robin and I did a big triangle around the bay. It was a good tune up for my 50 mile bike ride the next day and glad that Rob didn’t swamp his kayak.

Devil’s Lake, Baraboo, Wisconsin

September 2015 – 2.0 miles -water temp. 68 degrees

My new ironman friend, Rick, and I met at Devil’s Lake for a short swim from one shore to the other but the conditions were so good that we decided to swim across the lake and back. It was extra special that my youngest, son, David was in town and got to kayak with us.

Browns Lake, Jackson, Michigan

August 2015 – 1.8 miles -water temp. 70 degrees

What a turnout at my nephew’s and niece’s lake. 20 swimmers, 8 support boats and over 90 people on shore cheering us off and in. A great celebration that included most of my family, sorority sisters and others from the lake. We raised over $4,000 that weekend.

Lake Washington, Seattle, Washington

August 2015 – 2.5 miles -water temp. 72 degrees

A year later I’m back in Lake Washington but this year the water was calm and flat so it was one of my best swims. Swam with my son Aaron and our friend Erin Johnson Gore. My daughter-in-law’s family also came in so we had 6 swimmers and 3 kayakers in our flotilla.

Lake Sammamish, Issaquah, Washington

August 2015 – 1.2 miles – water temp. 74 degree

Got to go for a beautiful lake swim with my son and daughter-in-law. Even watched a sea plane land nearby.

Duck Lake, Watersmeet, Michigan

July 2015 – 1.4 miles – water temp. 67 degrees

Next day drove up just across the border to the Upper Peninsula to swim at our friends’ the Hornung’s lake. The cannon shot to celebrate was something of a surprise.

Lake Waubesa, McFarland, Wisconsin

2.85 miles – water temp. 71 degrees

One of the toughest swims as it was wavy with a current in the lake. The distance turned out further than we anticipated so everyone was happy to get to shore. It was great to see Heather McManamy at the finish.

People swimming and wading in a water body during daytime, some wearing life jackets. Others are sitting on the edge or on boats nearby. Trees and a walkway are visible in the background. Lake Waubesa, McFarland, Wisconsin

Hasbrook Lake, Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin

July 2015 – 1.6 miles – water temp. 73 degrees

It was so nice to swim in a clean, clear lake. Hosted by great friends, the Weber’s, and swam with some of their neighbors. Perfect weather once again.

Two Sisters Lake, Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin

July 2015 -1.2 miles – water temp. 73 degrees

Next day went just down the road to our friends’ the Zuhlke’s who also hosted a post swim picnic. Some of our Madison supporters even came up to swim (with their noodles and flippers). Can’t thank the First Weber Foundation enough for their financial support.

Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis, Minnesota

July 2015 – 1.2 miles -water temp. 71 degrees

A beautiful little lake in the middle of the city with a greenway all around it. Was overwhelmed by all 4 TV stations that came out to tape and interview me.

Lake Superior, Marquette, Michigan

July 2015 – .25 miles – water temp. 56 degrees

Had a weekend with girlfriends and as the lake was calm, we said why not swim another lake? Not far but COLD as I didn’t bring my wetsuit.

Crooked Lake, Delton, Michigan

July 2015 -.50 miles – water temp. 74 degrees

Was visiting my aunt and so my cousins set up a swim at their lake with their family. It was so fun to share this with others in my family.

Lake Kegonsa, Stoughton, Wisconsin

June 2015 – 2.0 miles -water temp. 72 degrees

A wonderful turnout of swimmers and supporters with our 1st pontoon boat. Calm day, which made this an easy swim. The Larson’s, friends on the lake, hosted a picnic for everyone.

People kayaking and standing in the water on a lake under a blue sky. Lake Kegonsa, Stoughton, Wisconsin

Lake Monona, Madison, Wisconsin

June 2015 – 1.80 miles – water temp. 72 degrees

Nothing like swimming past the Capitol. Maggie Younggren even got to wave to us from Monona Terrace where she was in a meeting. Driving around this lake, one realizes how far 1.8 miles of swimming is.

People engaging in various water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming on a lake during daytime. Lake Monona, Madison, Wisconsin

Lake Mendota, Madison, Wisconsin

June 2015 – 4.50 (2.50 miles swum) – water temp. 71 degrees

What can you say about tackling the BIG lake. Fifteen swimmers including my Oncologist, 8 kayakers, 3 boats and even the Count Sherriff boat came out to help guide me across this lake. I have to admit I did take a break in the middle on one of the pontoon boats. Landing at the Union Terrace to cheers from over 50 supporters is something I will never forget.

Group of people preparing to kayak on a beach with colorful kayaks and a calm body of water. Lake Mendota, Madison, Wisconsin
People kayaking and swimming in a city waterway with buildings in the background. Lake Mendota, Madison, Wisconsin

Lake Michigan, South Haven, Michigan

May 2015 – 1.0 miles – water temp. 59 degrees

Brought my wetsuit to our family reunion and as the bay was so smooth decided to jump in along with my crazy son, Aaron. Rob enjoyed paddle boarding alongside.

Beach scene with many people swimming and relaxing along the shoreline under a partly cloudy sky. Lake Michigan, South Haven, Michigan
A person is riding a paddleboard on the water, while two others are swimming nearby, with one giving a thumbs-up. Lake Michigan, South Haven, Michigan

Hillsesdale State Park, Paola, Kansas

May 2015 – 2.2 miles – water temp. 65 degrees

Wasn’t too happy with my husband’s support as he had me swim INTO the 4 ft. waves due to high winds.

Patagonia State Park, Nogales, Arizona

March 2015 – 2.1 miles – water temp. 58 degrees

I’m the only one in the water since it’s so cold but Rob and Yogi (our Golden) enjoyed the 82 degrees outside while rowing alongside me.

Person swimming in a lake with a shoreline and hill in the background. Patagonia State Park, Nogales, Arizona
A woman holding a board with a message about awareness and research for metastatic breast cancer standing next to a sign that reads 'Patagonia Lake State Park, fee required.' A hot air balloon is floating in the sky behind her.

Placentia Cove, Placentia, Belize

Nov. 2014 – 1.0 miles – water temp. 82 degrees

Okay, it is not a lake but it was 1.0 miles from the resort to town and I swam it. Fortunately no jellyfish in sight.

A person swimming in a body of water with trees and buildings in the background. Placentia Cove, Placentia, Belize
A person swimming in a body of water with a large building on the shore in the background. Placentia Cove, Placentia, Belize

Lake Washington, Seattle, Washington

August 2014 – 2.25 miles – water temp. 72 degrees

My first one just 2 weeks after radiation. A swim with my son and daughter-in-law and her family. Waves were really choppy.

Person swimming in open water, wearing a swim cap and wetsuit, with overcast sky. Lake Washington, Seattle, Washington