The Inspiration for SwimBowen
“I’ve been dreaming of creating this event since my own medical adventures with breast cancer treatment in 2013.
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, with a marathon of treatments that left me wondering if I could survive the treatment let alone the cancer. I was beyond fortunate to have access to all the services that helped get me through: massage, acupuncture, nutritional coaching, physiotherapy, pedicures, food delivery, meditation, restorative yoga etc.
When I arrived at the finish line I knew I wanted to give back and create a Bowen fundraising athletic event so others could receive the services that might lessen the blow of treatment.”
– Mary Letson, Founder of SwimBowen
A UNIQUE EVENT
SwimBowen is the only open water swim specific event in the Gulf Islands!
Our cause is unique in the world of cancer as the majority of funds raised and awareness generated are towards finding a cure. This event complements that work by offering support and assistance to those in the midst of treatment.
SwimBowen's Mission
Provide Bowen Islanders with financial support for their self-care during active cancer treatment. Cancer Care Fund recipients may choose to use their gift for services that may include but are not limited to massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy, medications not covered by MSP, nutritional counseling, pedicures, food delivery etc.
Team
Mary Letson: Founder & Chair
When Mary isn’t running her Bowen Island training studio (Positively Fit), she’s busy creating and nurturing community athletic events for good causes. For 25+ years, Mary has organized events that encourage people to nail their goals and have fun, all while contributing to a worthwhile fundraising effort that makes a difference right here at home. A breast cancer diagnosis in 2012 forced a different kind of endurance sport upon her and from this experience comes SwimBowen, an event to help give back and support Bowen Islanders enduring cancer treatment. Mary coordinated Bowen Island’s Run for the Ferry 1999 – 2001, created and led Bowen Island’s Triathlon for Community House Arts Centre 2007 – 2009, the Reindeer Run 2007 – 2011 for the Island Christmas Hamper Fund, and spearheaded Aaron’s Run & Scholarship Fund to honour a 19 year old boy’s life tragically lost.
Mary Lynn Machado: Vice-Chair & Graphics Guru
Although a Bowen Island enthusiast since the 90’s, Mary Lynn’s film industry career kept her in Los Angeles until 2014. After almost 30 years in visual effects, Mary Lynn made a big career change and now works full time as a Realtor on Bowen! Excited to join the inspirational team at SwimBowen, she grew up in a family where volunteerism was a way of life. Currently, Mary Lynn’s community involvement includes the Bowen Island Arts Council’s Visual Arts Committee, the municipality’s Public Art Advisory Committee, and every year she contributes a painting to the annual ‘Mini Gala’ fundraiser. The enthusiasm of the SwimBowen participants and the subsequent fundraising success is so inspiring – Mary Lynn is thrilled to be aboard to contribute her leadership and expertise!
Shayle Duffield: Director & Treasurer
Shayle has lived on Bowen Island since 1999 and has volunteered with many charities and not-for-profit organizations on Bowen. She has worked in financial administration and mangement for private corporations as well as in the local government and education sectors. Shayle is more of a ‘float and dog paddle’ kind of swimmer but rarely a day goes by that she doesn’t spend some time connecting with the ocean and feeling grateful for the beauty that surrounds us. Shayle is constantly inspired by Bowen’s amazing community and what we achieve when we work together. Shayle is honoured to be SwimBowen’s Treasurer.
Katherine Wolters: Director & Co-Leader for the Cancer Care Fund
Katherine moved with her family to Bowen 14 years ago so they could live closer to the ocean. SwimBowen has motivated her to take that a step further where she now spends a good portion of her time in the ocean too! Katherine has enjoyed a diverse career as a BC Registered Professional Forester, but finds her organizational skills now put to good use within the educational system. Personal experience with the care and generosity of Bowen Islanders has inspired her to get involved with SwimBowen and give back to her community.
Krista Hennebury: Social Media
Krista moved to Bowen in 2021 with a goal to start open water swimming. She quickly found her way into an encouraging group of west side swimmers and SwimBowen. When not swimming or hiking the trails with her mini dachshund Olive, Krista makes quilts and teaches workshops across Canada & abroad. Krista looks forward to sharing the uplifting news and events of SwimBowen on social media.
Sandy Mulholland: Director & Co-Leader for the Cancer Care Fund
Sandy has lived on Bowen Island since 1994 where she and her husband have raised their family. In the past Sandy has volunteered on many committees and she is honoured to now serve her community in this small way through SwimBowen.
Retired now from an early career in environmental planning and latterly as an administrator in continuing education for the legal profession, Sandy spends her days working in her garden, hiking on this beautiful island, and disappearing into the latest mystery novel.
Beth Turner: Community & Corporate Sponsorship
Beth is a retired teacher whose career was inspired by lifeguarding, competitive swimming, and raising four sons. Her love of teaching was founded in teamwork, providing support where it was needed, and recognizing the value of participation in building healthy communities. Beth is thrilled to join the SwimBowen team, following Mary's lead to lend a hand and inspire others. As the team's Sponsorship lead, Beth will be inviting and encouraging local businesses and donors to support swimmers in their annual plunge to help out families as they navigate cancer treatment.
Debbie Collingwood: Director & Course Consultant
Deb grew up in the Caulfeild neighbourhood of West Vancouver and aside from 2 departures to Quebec City and Whistler, has lived on the North Shore her entire life. Deb was always attracted to any body of water - including some found inside her house growing up. While she was a synchronized swimmer for almost 10 years Deb’s passion for open water swimming began at an early age (she still has her YMCA summer camp tags and badges to prove it) but her time as an open water swimmer really took off 15 years ago when she got back in the water after some time away from it. About 10 years ago her friends drew up a plan on a napkin for her to swim the English Channel and it has been a work in progress ever since - 2020 was supposed to be the year, but got rescheduled so she swam around Bowen instead! Her English Channel swim is now scheduled for July 2022. A Middle School teacher in her spare time, Deb also loves helping people think big dreams and goals and achieve them. She is excited to be part of SwimBowen and looks forward to helping spread the word beyond the Island.
David Bellringer (L) & Michael Henrichsen (R): Event Directors
Michael has lived on and off Bowen Island since 2001 with stints in South America and Africa in the mineral exploration business. Bowen has always represented a sanctuary in his life with the ocean becoming a daily focus and meditation in recent years through paddle boarding, outrigger canoeing and of course swimming. A cancer diagnosis in his family in 2022 brought a special focus to year round swimming with each swim dedicated to his sister's health and well being. In 2022 he asked Mary if he could raise funds for Swim Bowen by swimming around Bowen Island (in 5 legs) and that subsequently turned into a 2023 lap around Bowen Island with his friend Dave Bellringer. To Michael, Swim Bowen is all about putting the best of vibes out there to all who need it - blessings and protection from the ocean.
David Bio Coming Soon
Jo Forbes: DIrector & Secretary
Joanne (Jo) and her family have made Bowen Island their home since 1990. Jo is an avid swimmer and swam in the inaugural Swim Bowen event. She continues to be inspired by the unique work of Swim Bowen, the natural beauty and excitement of the event, the commitment of the participants, and the dedication of the many volunteers brought together on race day and is delighted to join the SwimBowen Board. Now semi-retired from a career that transitioned from mineral exploration geologist to project manager and administrator in the educational sector, Jo has liaised with numerous foundations and government agencies with both corporate and Not for Profit boards, and has enthusiastically participated in the Bowen Island community as a volunteer, fundraiser and grant writer for several NFP.