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The Lake Ontario crossing by Samantha (Sam) Whiteside, a 17 year-old from New Hamburg, Ontario, has been interrupted.  Sam was pulled from the water in the early hours this morning.  She had departed Niagara-on-the-Lake Monday, July 30, 2007 at 8:13 p.m.  Sam is in good health, however no further information is available at this time.

Sam was scheduled to swim overnight and arrive at Marilyn Bell Park in Toronto at approximately 9:30 a.m. on July 31. This was to be Sam’s second crossing of the lake for The Arthritis Society in just over a year.

On August 8 to 9 2006 , at the age of 16, Sam raised over $26,000 for The Arthritis Society by completing her first crossing of the lake, in 15 hours, 11 minutes and 11 seconds, a mere 71 seconds shy of the women’s record. This year she was attempting to beat both the male and female world records, while aiming to raise another $52,000 for arthritis research and programs - that’s $1,000 per kilometre.

Sam, who is now 17, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis (JA) at the age of two, so raising funds for arthritis research is of particular importance to her. As part of her treatment as a child, Sam and her mom Pamela participated in water therapy activities twice a week with Sam’s physiotherapist. This exercise program focused on improving joint flexibility and balance, and inspired Sam to develop a passion for swimming. Sam may not be able to run, but in the water she has proven that her arthritis won’t hold her back. She says, “On land, I can’t run, but being diagnosed with juvenile arthritis has never stopped me in the water.” 

Training every day, sometimes even twice a day for hours at a time, Sam worked hard to prepare for her last Lake Ontario swim. Her efforts paid off. She is the second-fastest female to do the crossing, just under the current record set by Cindy Nicholas in 1974.

Sam’s efforts have helped people to understand that arthritis can affect anyone at any age. Her courage and determination have been a wonderful example of how people with arthritis can live and succeed. She knows, however, that much more work needs to be done in the fight against arthritis to help the nearly 4.5 million Canadians who struggle with the severe pain and disability of the disease.

Support Sam in her goal to raise funds for vital arthritis research and programs to help ensure that people with arthritis have the most advanced treatments and live fulfilling, independent lives. Click here to make a pledge.

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