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Lyndal Overcomes Ocean Fears To Show She Can Too
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Lyndal Keith
When swim program Champion Lyndal Keith joined Can Too Foundation to train for an ocean swim in 2015 she was terrified of the ocean, however, she became addicted to Can Too from day one.
“The warmth, the acceptance, the team work – I was hooked,” said Lyndal.
She went on to become a Can Too swimming mentor, completed a 10km+ ocean race from Bondi to Watsons Bay and her fundraising has helped keep someone close to her from not just surviving but thriving.
Being originally from Tamworth she was only comfortable following the black line of a pool but she was driven to complete a Can Too “Learn to Ocean Swim” program to ‘kick cancer’s butt’ – inspired by her Aunty Ree.
“Renal cancer took my Aunty Ree very gently while she was surrounded by us all, my newborn Heidi tucked gently into her arms where we knew she would have spent so much more time if it weren’t for cancer robbing them both of that joy,” said Lyndal.
“Aunty Ree told me it’s important not to be angry about her cancer but to be brave. I promised her that I would make a difference, I knew I had to join Can Too.
Just before starting the swim program someone else close to her was having knee problems, she was a runner and could not run. The diagnosis was grave. It was osteosarcoma – cancer of the bone.
“I swam that first session having to stop at the end
of each lap and empty my goggles of tears. But I got out with a smile on my face, a feeling of hope, a sense of purpose and the tears had stopped. I was doing something about this. Every lap of that pool was another kick in the head for cancer. Every stroke was more money for research into kicking cancer to the kerb.
“Soon I was covering big distances and loving the water even more. But something even more amazing was happening. I was feeling good, not fit good, but good. My energy was at all time high which was amazing considering I had two small children, a hectic shift-working roster, a relative that was unwell and a home and family to run. Getting up at 5am every morning was something I was looking forward to each day. I was feeling confident in every way, I was happy and bright, life was good.”
Lyndal’s relative took part in a cancer treatment trial with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.
Before undertaking her medical trial, Lyndal’s relative’s prognosis was that she will lose her limbs and not live more than five years. “One day she was preparing to go to hospital and come out without her legs,” says Lyndal.
Since taking part in the medical trial three years ago she’s in good health, able bodied and even completed an ocean swim herself.
Lyndal says that swimming with Can Too is her ‘vitamin sea’ which keeps herself and her family afloat. “It’s my escape and the people around it gives me a boost.”
Training starts Tuesday 12 February
BECOME AN OPEN WATER SWIMMER & HELP BEAT CANCER. Join Can Too’s 8 Week Balmoral 1km Swim program
To springboard from the pool to the open water:
You’ll be supported by qualified and experienced swimming coaches, certified water safety crew, and caring mentors and team captains
Balmoral’s sheltered location is the perfect setting – just like an ocean swim without the crashing waves and rips. Jump in to help fund lifesaving cancer research.
