News

World Record Swimmer Makes A Splash With GMHS

August 11, 2006 – The White River was the backdrop for 14-time swimming record holder Jim Dreyer, as he spoke to Board and Committee members, as well as medical staff of Gerber Memorial Health Services and their families. Close to 50 people assembled for the annual ‘advance’ at the Harmon campground along the White River.

Doug Harmon, chairman of the GMHS Board of Trustees, hosted this year’s ‘advance’ as an opportunity to look at strategies, digest healthcare trends, develop relationships and strengthen bonds among those directing and carrying out the mission and vision of GMHS.

A very late ‘fish to the water,’ Dreyer spoke of his near drowning at a very early age and subsequent fear of the water. Close to 10 years ago, he decided to learn to swim and has since used his fear and new-found athletic talent to raise funds and awareness for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. Dreyer spoke to the group about facing fear, overcoming challenges, and recognizing that sometimes you have to leave the team behind to accomplish your goals.

Labor Day weekend will find him swimming 31 laps (125 miles) in the Straits of Mackinac, which will set a world distance record for a continuous swim in open sea. Dreyer has set records by swimming all five Great Lakes, including the length of Lake Michigan in a stage journey; a 56-mile swim across Lake Ontario as part of a triathlon; and a 36-mile leg of a duathlon in Lake Superior. Gerber Baby Food was his source of energy when he began swimming the Great Lakes.

‘Harmon’s Crew’ of family and friends made sure that no one left the ‘advance’ hungry or didn’t have a chance to test their camping, kayaking or tubing skills.