Lexington Youth Against Cancer Swim-a-Thon

Lexington Youth Against Cancer is having it's second Swim-A-Thon on March 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the pool. LYAC was founded last year by now LHS Seniors Lily Hochman and Lauren Jackson.

Sadly, both of their families have been touched by cancer, Lily's grandmother died from colon cancer and Lauren's mother is a leukemia survivor. They started LYAC as a way to help their families and all families who face this disease together. As Jackson has said, "When one member of the family has cancer, the entire family has cancer.

The goal this year is to raise $30,000, with all proceeds going to cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber. They are hoping to attack 200 swimmers.

On their LexYac.org website you can see who's swimming and who they are swimming in honor of. One can also register to swim or volunteer.

The Red Sox are sending their mascot, Wally, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. to cheer on the swimmers and sign autographs and take pictures. In addition, LHS a cappella students will sing and there's a silent auction. At  1 p.m., Lily and Lauren will give the "Big Check" to a representative from Dana-Farber.

Here's a more complete schedule of the day's events:

9 a.m. -- Opening Ceremonies, Color Guard, Lauren Jackson sings the National Anthem and state Sen. Ken Donnelly opens the swim.
9:05 a.m. --Swimming begins
10:30 to 11:15 a.m. --Wally, the Red Sox mascot signs autographs and takes pictures
11:30 to 11:40 a.m. -- Featured kickboard race between the and the
12ish -- Five LHS a cappella groups will come sing.
12:45 to 1 p.m. -- Closing Ceremonies - Opportunity Drawings/Raffle winners/Silent Auction item winner announced. Teams recognized, Lily and Lauren announce amount raised.

Everyone is invited to come a support this great cause.