Community Corner

Scotts Valley Girl, 12, Dives into Action for Multiple Sclerosis

She anticipates that she will reach her goal of swimming 500 laps and raising $1,500 on Thursday.






Contributed by Sarah Masino, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America

Twelve-year-old Rachel Clift is taking her love of swimming to show her love and support for her dear aunt with multiple sclerosis (MS). 

Since July 26, Rachel has campaigned to raise awareness and funds to benefit the MS community as part of Swim for MS, the signature fundraiser of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA).

Rachel heard about Swim for MS from her much-loved Aunt Bridget who was diagnosed with MS nearly 40 years ago. Rachel has been swimming since she was just 4. She thought that using her love of swimming was the perfect way to show support and raise awareness about this debilitating disease.

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Since beginning her Swim for MS campaign on July 26, Rachel has swum a total of 445 laps and has received more than $1,300. She anticipates that she will reach her goal of 500 laps to raise $1,500 on Thursday. To show appreciation for Rachel’s hard work and dedication, MSAA and the web’s most popular swim shop, Swim Outlet.com, will be on hand as Rachel swims her final 25 laps. Swim Outlet has agreed to generously donate $250 to help Rachel meet her fundraising goal. Because of Rachel’s extraordinary efforts, she has already received a signed photograph of her idol, US Gold Medalist and Swim for MS ambassador, Missy Franklin.

When Rachel began her Swim for MS campaign, she never thought it would garner so much national attention. However, she is excited about the opportunity and is grateful for the support from her friends, family, MSAA, and Swim Outlet.

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View Rachel's YouTube video blog here.

As this young Scotts Valley resident enters the seventh grade, she will take with her the lessons learned from her inspiring Aunt Bridget and from the determination she has demonstrated all summer long taking part in this important cause.

To learn more about Rachel Clift, visit her Swim for MS webpage

Swim for MS is unique in that participants are allowed to create their own swim challenge to raise awareness and recruit donations through online pledges. Funds raised go directly to support MSAA’s programs and services to improve the lives today of the entire MS community.  

Swim Outlet.com is the largest online specialty shop for swimming, water polo, fashion, beach, and surf products in the US. This national retailer takes pride in living up to its motto to help people live healthier lives through sports and fitness. 

 


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