Garrett Rymer
Swim Across America – Denver
Age: 16
Close to a year ago, Garrett Rymer was in a minor bicycle accident that shockingly led to a diagnosis of a rare form of spinal cord cancer.
Despite such a life-changing event, Garrett will join hundreds of swimmers on Sunday, August 20, when he dives in to make waves to fight cancer in the 6th annual Swim Across America – Denver open water swim, in support of Children’s Hospital Colorado.
As an official Children’s Hospital Colorado Swim Across America patient ambassador, this will be Garrett’s first time participating in the open water swim.
“On December 23rd, 2022, I was diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cord cancer,” said Garrett.
“Leading up to the diagnosis, I had a minor bike accident in which I broke my right arm. Though the bone healed quickly, the atrophy from not using my arm progressed for months, despite ongoing physical therapy. Confused by the unchanging weakness, my doctors sent me through a series of medical tests, culminating in the MRI at the Children’s Hospital Colorado that led to my diagnosis.”
Garrett, now 16 years old, has not let his diagnosis hinder his spirit. After undergoing surgery to remove 50 percent of the tumor on his spinal cord and spending three weeks recovering in the Children’s Hospital rehabilitation center, Garrett was back on his feet and even went climbing the same day he was discharged.
Just a few weeks ago, he participated in one of SAA-Denver’s pool swims with the MESA Swim Team in Broomfield, CO.
Garrett has now been off chemo for six months and is grateful that his tumor has remained unchanged since. Though he is not yet cancer-free and has a long road ahead to restore lost function in his arm, his positive prognosis motivates him towards his bright future.
“Fighting cancer hasn’t been easy for me, nor my family or friends, and yet so many blessings have come out of it,” said Garrett.
“My family and I have been surrounded by an incredible number of friends and doctors supporting us, and my treatment has led me to new relationships that will last a lifetime. I’m thankful to have become a part of several organizations who bring light into the lives of pediatric cancer patients, such as Swim Across America.”
If you are moved to support Garrett and Team Rymer & Friends, you can donate here.
Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.
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