Cancer Survivor Jon Fenton to Swim Lake Winnipeg for Research

Jon Fenton, a cancer survivor, is set to undertake a remarkable challenge by attempting to swim across Lake Winnipeg, a distance of 26 kilometres, to raise funds for cancer research. This event is scheduled for August 2024 and aims to inspire hope among cancer patients while generating significant donations for three major foundations.

From Childhood Dreams to Reality

Reflecting on his childhood visits to Victoria Beach, Fenton once considered swimming across Lake Winnipeg an impossible feat. Now, at the age of 61, he aims to prove himself wrong by tackling the waves and raising $75,000 for cancer research.

Fenton’s journey is deeply personal. Having battled cancer twice, he intends to donate $25,000 each to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, and the Alberta Cancer Foundation. His goal is not only to raise funds but to instill hope in others facing similar challenges. “If they see an old geezer getting into the water to attempt to cross a lake, maybe they’ll think, ‘If he can go through it twice, maybe I’ll be all right,’” he shared.

Overcoming Health Challenges

In 1999, while living in Japan with his family, Fenton was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer affecting white blood cells. He returned to Manitoba for treatment at the Health Sciences Centre and enjoyed a cancer-free life for two decades. Unfortunately, the disease returned in 2020 while he was residing in Diamond Valley, located 40 kilometres south of Calgary.

Facing a daunting prognosis, Fenton qualified for a stem-cell transplant in Calgary, which ultimately eradicated the cancer. Celebrating his fifth anniversary of being cancer-free last year, he felt compelled to give back to the community that supported him throughout his journey. “We’re far from done. Let’s keep it going. Let’s get the next big breakthrough,” he said.

A Challenge Inspired by Courage

The idea for the swim emerged after Fenton and his wife watched the film Nyad, which chronicles Diana Nyad’s attempts to swim from Cuba to Florida. Inspired, he began training in January 2024, accumulating 176 kilometres in preparation for the swim. While he has previously competed in triathlons, this challenge is significantly greater and demands rigorous training.

Fenton draws parallels between his upcoming swim and his cancer treatment journey. He emphasizes the importance of tackling challenges in manageable portions, stating, “It’s easy to say, hard to do, but it helps. Just bite off little chunks.” This mindset, he believes, is crucial both in facing cancer and in preparing for the swim.

Timing and Conditions

Fenton plans to make his attempt between August 2 and 12, 2024, contingent on environmental conditions, including wildfire smoke, weather, and blue-green algae blooms that have plagued the lake. If the conditions are not favorable, he is prepared to postpone his attempt until next year.

Historically, others have successfully crossed Lake Winnipeg. In August 2011, friends Jacques Marcoux and Patrick Peacock completed a 31-kilometre swim from Victoria Beach to Gimli in approximately 14 hours. Additionally, in 1955, Kathie McIntosh became the first person to swim across Lake Winnipeg, accomplishing the journey from Grand Marais to Winnipeg Beach in just over 16.5 hours.

Fenton’s upcoming swim not only represents a personal triumph but also serves as a beacon of hope for those affected by cancer. Through his efforts, he seeks to contribute to the ongoing fight against this disease, inspiring others to persevere in their own battles.