5th-grader plans plunge into Lanier to raise money on behalf of cancer victims

On Sept. 20, fifth grader Griffin Egolf will dive into Lake Lanier with names of cancer survivors and those lost to the disease engulfing his body from shoulders to toes. Along with those names came hundreds of stories and donations in Egolf's name to benefit the LIVESTRONG Foundation and help spread its message of hope and inspiration in the face of cancer.<br /> <br /> Egolf joined Swim for Your Life prior to last year's event in memory of a 12-year-old schoolmate who passed away from a rare form of cancer. In addition to honoring his friend, Griffin wanted to use his talents in swimming to help other people with cancer live their lives on their own terms, so he signed up for the local race, which is annually hosted by Olympic gold medalist Eric Shanteau.<br /> <br /> "When my mom writes all of the names on my body and I see it covered in marker, it makes me realize how the LIVESTRONG Foundation can help so many people affected by this horrible disease," he said. "I want to thank everyone who has contributed so far and look forward to adding more names for this year!"<br /> <br /> Last year, Egolf raised just under $3,000 for the Foundation, and he has already surpassed his $3,000 goal for this year. During this second swim, he joins thousands of black-and-yellow clad Team LIVESTRONG runners, riders, swimmers, walkers and mountain climbers who travel the country to raise funds to improve the lives of people affected by cancer through athletic endeavors. The team includes cancer survivors, advocates, families, friends and children of those affected and collectively they have raised more than $80 million over the last 10 years.<br /> <br /> This year, Team LIVESTRONG has a roster of 28 diverse events nationwide and registration has already begun for events planned next year. Swim for Your Life has seen 1,900 participants raise $215,000 in four years. This year another 800 swimmers are expected to take part with options to swim the 500 yards, 1k or 5k.<br /> <br /> To donate to Egolf or learn more about Swim for Your Life, visit Griffin's page here.