Swim-A-Thon Information
Breaking the Waves, a charitable foundation dedicated to raising awareness of the epidemic of adolescent depression, will host its 5th annual swim-a-thon on Sunday, January 16. The St. Joe's Prep swim team will be joined by the swim team from Mount Saint Joseph Academy for a night of prayer, community, swimming and fun. More than 50 athletes will convene for mass at 9:30pm, before taking turns swimming in the Prep pool from 11:00pm until 6:00am. Filled with music, sport and games, the overnight event tries to capture the many aspects of the young peoples’ lives. Teachers, parents, coaches, classmates, teammates, friends and siblings are present on this cold, dark winter night. This is a symbolic yet bold statement that this same support group will work to see teens through dark battles with depression.
This year's theme "Tomorrow Starts Today” reminds that each day holds the promise of being a better day and challenges us to be a better person. For those people suffering from depression, each new sunrise offers hope that a brighter day will come. For those who have been bullied and made to feel isolated, the theme encourages them to leave the hurt behind and focus on a new day. For those who have victimized others, the theme pleads with them to start anew, to learn and start to be kind and loving. And, finally, for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, the theme reflects their need to fight through the pain and to continue living. Three young Prep Alumni will deliver this year’s keynote address and discuss how suicide has impacted their lives and their relationships with others and God. They will share with us how they found the strength to start their tomorrows.
As in past years, Prep students will be asked to take the BTW Pledge. We ask that all of us: Be aware that depression affects our community. Be open to a friend in need. Be brave in asking for help from one or more of the many caring adults at the Prep.
Breaking the Waves raises money through individual sponsorship and at-large donations for organizations that treat at-risk youth. Donations may be made online here. For more information about Breaking the Waves, please contact Paul Morrissey at pmorrissey@sjprep.org.