August 31, 2007
Man Swims Around Manhattan Three Times
Skip Storch isn't crazy, although you might think he is considering the feat he accomplished Thursday. Storch, a 50 year-old marathon swimmer, swam around Manhattan three times, finishing the journey in a record 32 hours, 52 minutes, 30 seconds. Why would anyone want to jump into the waters around Manhattan? For Storch, he record-breaking swim was to bring awareness to sarcoidosis. The N.I.H. describes sarcoidosis as "an inflammation that produces tiny lumps of cells in various organs in your body," with the lumps that develop affecting organ function, typically the lungs and lymph nodes.
Storch, who developed sarcoidosis after 9/11, like many New Yorkers, was swimming to raise money for Mount Sinai Hospital's sarcoidosis program. Swimming 85.5 miles over a day and a half isn't all fun and games. Storch swam unassisted (he couldn't be touched by anyone else) and has since checked into a hospital where he's being treated for muscle tears, abrasions, and hypothermia. We suppose it could have been worse?
By taking advantage of favorable currents, Storch beat the old record by 37 minutes, 30 seconds. He also set a record time for two trips around Manhattan, completing that in 20 hours, 56 minutes and 17 seconds.
|
Ummm, wow.
Swimming to raise money for Mt. Sinai.
Then he checks himself into a hospital in Nyack?
One would think he'd be able to make more money for Mt. Sinai by checking himself in there (assuming he has insurance that pays decent rates).
Apparently his sponsor is a kayaking Steven Spielberg.
I took a cab.
Was this no rest?
Hey Link Man - maybe he wanted to check into a hospital close to where he lives so his family could see him. Three times around Manhattan and this is your brilliant commentary?
My dad drove the boat that led Skip around Manhatten 3 times!!! Ninth Wonder woo hoo!!!!
Are any of you aware of what Sarcoidosis can do to a human body?? I just buried my son who had it. He was bedridden and the pain he suffered was undescribable. God bless Skip for calling attention to this horrible condition.
Shirley Niemi, Oregon
Shirley Niemi, I am so sorry for your loss. I have suffered. Toumors in my body, lungs and heart. But for the grace of God he allows me to live and swim. I dare not stop.
Skip Storch