There is a wonderful article on Swininfo about Marin Morrison. She is a 14 year old swimmer that I have had the priviledge to coach on the Collins Hill High School team. She is truly an inspiration to all that meet her.
She was diagnosed last year with a brain tumor. She had the tumor removed and was SWIMMING AGAIN IN 3 WEEKS! Nothing gets this girl down. She has one of the most positive can-do attitudes I've ever seen!
Unfortunately her tumor has grown back. She has had to endure another surgery and is recovering in the hospital now. She is suffering with right side paralysis and numbness which we all hope and pray is temporary.
Now for my selfish plea.....
Please go to swiminfo.com and read her story. Follow the link and post a message for Marin on her caringbridge website (a wonderful website devoted to keeping friends and family posted on the patient's progress). Her guestbook is impressive with posts from swimmers of all levels from all over the world. I would love for Masters swimmers to bombard her site with well wishes and prayers.
Please spread the word and keep Marin and her family in your prayers. Pass this story on to others too. She needs us to show her that swimming is one big family that will support her every step of the way in her recovery.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart!,
Beth McGee :D
MARIN DID IT!!!!!! :cheerleader: :cry: (Tears of joy)
SHE MADE THE US PARALYMPIC TEAM!!! I'm so proud and happy for her. It was tough on her due to competing with the dizziness and nausea, but she fought her way through and made it. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes!
Here is the announcement on her website:
Sunday, April 6, 2008 3:58 PM CDT
Beijing it is!
What a day it's been. We are awed to be able to tell everyone that Marin will represent the USA as a member of the 2008 Paralympic Swim Team in China this September. We gathered with other swimmers and supporters this morning at the Aquatics Center in Minneapolis where the team announcement was made. When Marin's name was announced, we were all amazed and overjoyed while Marin was absolutely thrilled. She walked up to the front of the room to take her place among her USA teammates and was beaming with a smile that will never fade. Along with coach Andy, and coach Kiko who is also US Team coach, we all had tears in our eyes as we witnessed Marin realize her dream of making it to the 2008 games. She stated that as her goal, even after she was diagnosed with brain cancer, and even when she was stricken with paralysis after surgery. And against some pretty incredible odds, Marin has done it. We're obviously so very proud and happy for her, and today, frankly, we're a bit blown away.
Since that moment it's been a whirlwind. After the announcement where each team member was introduced and given a USA hockey jersey with their name and 08 on the back, we began the process of getting ready for the long journey by filling out piles of paperwork. We are submitting two sets as Nancy has been named as a special assistant to the team and will travel along with Marin every step of the way. We were excited to learn that the team's pre-Olympic camp prior to the games will be held in beatuiful Okinawa, Japan (here we come, Oki Swim Mom) and not Korea as was previously stated.
The announcement was followed by a nice photo opportunity for the media and families and the happy, smiling faces of everyone in the room was just wonderful. Then, after a brief pause to check out of the hotel, the team was loaded on a bus and taken to the Minneapolis Metrodome where the US Paralympic Swim Team was honored before the game between the Twins and the Royals. Everyone on the team (including Nancy) surrounded the pitchers mound while a video ran on the stadium big screen TV's. Then one member, Justin Zook, threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the baseball game and the crowd gave the US team a standing ovation as they left the field, with a few of the Royals giving them pats on the back. It was a really cool scene and we were so proud that Marin was a part of it.
From the ballpark, it was quickly off to the airport where our friend Brett Cohn was a hero getting Marin & Nancy to their flight on time. Without much time to begin spreading the good news, calls and text messages of congratulations started coming in. We are so appreciative of the love and support and as we continue on this amazing journey with Marin. It's been a whirlwind weekend and we're all still spinning a little bit.
Thanks for being with us,
Marin & Nancy, Matt, Camlyn & Michael
MARIN DID IT!!!!!! :cheerleader: :cry: (Tears of joy)
SHE MADE THE US PARALYMPIC TEAM!!! I'm so proud and happy for her. It was tough on her due to competing with the dizziness and nausea, but she fought her way through and made it. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes!
Here is the announcement on her website:
Sunday, April 6, 2008 3:58 PM CDT
Beijing it is!
What a day it's been. We are awed to be able to tell everyone that Marin will represent the USA as a member of the 2008 Paralympic Swim Team in China this September. We gathered with other swimmers and supporters this morning at the Aquatics Center in Minneapolis where the team announcement was made. When Marin's name was announced, we were all amazed and overjoyed while Marin was absolutely thrilled. She walked up to the front of the room to take her place among her USA teammates and was beaming with a smile that will never fade. Along with coach Andy, and coach Kiko who is also US Team coach, we all had tears in our eyes as we witnessed Marin realize her dream of making it to the 2008 games. She stated that as her goal, even after she was diagnosed with brain cancer, and even when she was stricken with paralysis after surgery. And against some pretty incredible odds, Marin has done it. We're obviously so very proud and happy for her, and today, frankly, we're a bit blown away.
Since that moment it's been a whirlwind. After the announcement where each team member was introduced and given a USA hockey jersey with their name and 08 on the back, we began the process of getting ready for the long journey by filling out piles of paperwork. We are submitting two sets as Nancy has been named as a special assistant to the team and will travel along with Marin every step of the way. We were excited to learn that the team's pre-Olympic camp prior to the games will be held in beatuiful Okinawa, Japan (here we come, Oki Swim Mom) and not Korea as was previously stated.
The announcement was followed by a nice photo opportunity for the media and families and the happy, smiling faces of everyone in the room was just wonderful. Then, after a brief pause to check out of the hotel, the team was loaded on a bus and taken to the Minneapolis Metrodome where the US Paralympic Swim Team was honored before the game between the Twins and the Royals. Everyone on the team (including Nancy) surrounded the pitchers mound while a video ran on the stadium big screen TV's. Then one member, Justin Zook, threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the baseball game and the crowd gave the US team a standing ovation as they left the field, with a few of the Royals giving them pats on the back. It was a really cool scene and we were so proud that Marin was a part of it.
From the ballpark, it was quickly off to the airport where our friend Brett Cohn was a hero getting Marin & Nancy to their flight on time. Without much time to begin spreading the good news, calls and text messages of congratulations started coming in. We are so appreciative of the love and support and as we continue on this amazing journey with Marin. It's been a whirlwind weekend and we're all still spinning a little bit.
Thanks for being with us,
Marin & Nancy, Matt, Camlyn & Michael
