Lynbrook Volunteer Nominated for Swim Across America Award

Kelly Stapleton, who organizes the annual which raises funds to fight cancer, has been nominated for an award for her efforts.

Swim Across America is an organization which is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming- related events.

Stapleton has been nominated for the Chlorinator Award, which is for a "seriously talented pool program event director."

"2011 marked the second annual and it doubled in size from 2010," the website says. "Kelly was an integral part of making the swim a staple of the community...she helped the swim raise over $28,000 in two years."

Stapleton lives in Lynbrook with her husband John and her three children. She said her kids are all swimmers, which attracted her to an SAA event three years ago.

"We were so moved by the event that we decided Lynbrook needed one," Stapleton said.

So, two years ago, Stapleton said she and friend Julie Bergin teamed up with the village and Swim Across America to have the pool swim at Greis Park pool.

"One of our favorite parts of the event was the endless relay, where a team of 5-7 year old's took turns swimming laps and combined, ended up swimming an entire mile," Stapleton said.

Last July, Stapleton lost her father to a long, well-fought battle with cancer.

"I want my kids to know that we may have not been able to change what happened to their grandfather, but we can work towards making a change for the future and others," she said.

Help Stapleton win the Chlorinator award by voting online at the Swim Across America website.