Trevor Dowdney: Long Swim for a Good Cause

First posted on 09-26-2008

On October 1, Trevor Dowdney of Osage Beach plans to take a swim. But it will not be your average dip into Lake of the Ozarks. Dowdney intends to freestyle his way from the Grand Glaize Bridge to Bagnell Dam, a distance of 20 miles. And he wants to accomplish the feat in under 20 hours.

Why take such a journey? Because Dowdney is using his skills as a competitive swimmer and triathlete to raise money for Shriners Hospital.

Dowdney’s son, Aidin, was diagnosed with a congenital hip disorder when he was just 18 months old. The disorder could have meant Aidin would face a life where walking would be extremely difficult for him.

Aidin was confined to bed for many weeks as he was treated for the condition at Shriners Hospital in St. Louis. Those were tough times for the Dowdney family, but a strong connection to the staff at Shriners was built. Dowdney says he will never forget how they cared for his son at that time.

Today, Aidin is 5 years old and fully recovered. He still goes to Shriners about twice a year, but it is only for routine check-ups now.

Since Shriners Hospital provides care free of charge, Dowdney felt his long swim would help raise awareness and money for the facility. He has already garnered over $2500 in donations in just two weeks and certainly hopes for more.

Dowdney, a fire fighter and police officer, will make his swim accompanied by a couple of kayaks to keep an eye on his progress and a boat with an EMT aboard just in case something unplanned happens.

Having chosen Aidin’s birthday as the date of his swim, Dowdney plans to begin his trek at 4:30 am and wants to reach the dam before dark. He will take 15 second rest stops every 15 to 20 minutes to help him maintain his endurance.

To make a donation to Trevor Dowdney’s cause, send him an email at: .

Photo by Susan Duff, courtesy of http://www.hawkislandestates.com