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OUR HISTORY
In 1975 registered nurse, Doris
Hollingsworth, was enjoying her indoor
heated pool. She soon realized how much
swimming was helping her arthritic
condition. She also knew that many
others with muscular difficulties could
benefit from the water and its therapy.
She began by inviting five people with
MS and ten volunteers to use her pool
each Wednesday. This loving, caring
invitation was the seed planted that has
blossomed into SWIM. After five years,
the group had expanded to 75 persons.
The need for more space and funds became
obvious. Hence, S.W.I.M., Inc.
came into being. Various pools agreed
to accommodate the ever increasing
numbers of swimmers
and
volunteers. Many friends:
individuals, organizations, and
corporations came forward to provide
encouragement and funding. Doris's
spirit of compassion,
generosity, and kindness has
infused the movement from its inception.
Doris actively served as a guiding
influence for many years. She only
retired from the Board three years ago
due to failing health. Before she died,
she asked that we would pass on her best
wishes, “Let everyone know that I am
thinking of them and send them my love.
Doris died a little after 4:30 am on
December 15th 2008 with her son,
John, and granddaughter, Chrissie, at
her bedside. She was born on November
7, 1917. She was 91 years of age.
This grand lady leaves a rich legacy
that may benefit generations to
come. Just last week son John
shared with her that a new Chapter
has begun just days earlier in the
Sussex County YMCA and that another
new chapter is under consideration.
Bob Hopkins, the new coordinator of
the Sussex chapter expressed his
regrets for not having had the
opportunity to meet her and then
added this postscript, “Doris’ good
work continues.” And Eleanor Kover,
coordinator of the Flemington
chapter sobbed, “All I can say
through my tears right now, is a
Great Lady, indeed has just joined
her Maker. She and Russ had never
forgotten their errand here on
earth.” And then Eleanor went on to
quote from Woodrow Wilson:
"You are not here merely to make a
living. You are here to enable the
world to live more amply, with
greater vision, and with a finer
spirit of hope and achievement. You
are here to enrich the world. You
impoverish yourself if you forget
this errand.”
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