Westwood Resident to Join 'Swim Across America'

While a number of residents from Westwood are getting ready to hit the road for the , another group is ready to hit the waves. 

Jessica Harrington, 45, a life-long Westwood resident, is currently preparing to take part in the 19th Annual "Swim Across America" event next Friday, July 13 to help support pediatric cancer survivorship programs at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

"I've never been involved in this before," Harrington said. "I've donated to lots of similar things. It's a day of celebrating and it's just a really upbeat thing to do."

Harrington worked at Dana Farber for two years while in college, an experience she said allowed her to take a first-hand look at the work done there, and inspire to join the event. 

The 22-mile relay swim kicks off on July 13, while the 15th annual one-mile and half-mile swim at the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Nantasket Beach in Hull is set for Saturday, July 14.

Of the two swims, the longer event begins from behind the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf on July 13. All swimmers pledge a minimum of $1,500 to take part in the event. Those taking part in the one and half-mile competitive ocean swims at Nantasket Beach in Hull need to raise a minimum of $250. 

Harrington is part of Team Crossfit Craic, of , which has already raised $5,000 for the event. 

"We set $3,000 [for a goal], because it was teh first year we were doign this," Harrington said. "There's still money coming in. A lot of people are posting it on Facebook. It's really great."

Harrington was made Team Captain after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She will be joining fellow Westwood residents Sheryl Birdern and Jack Daly in the event. 

For more information on Team Crossfit Craic, or to donate to the team's cause, visit the group's website.