CuttingWater

Friday, August 25, 2023

1 year BelgiumWaffleChannelSwimversary

Always so grateful for the team I swim with. My 1 year BelgiumWaffleChannelSwimversary is today. Without the Pilots, crew, Observers, our swims would Never be possible and safe. Thank you again to my wife Janet, for putting up with me and this 'passion', Mike Oram, Mike Ball, Dan Earthquake, Amanda Maunders and Dave Bennie. WE Did IT... Still Swimming for HOPE in the World, seems to be getting tougher to see. Congratulations to all the swimmers, this year and years past, the English Channel remains the place to 'GO' and Challenge your skills, at least once, just as Captain Matthew Webb, did 149 years ago... August, 24, 1875.

Saturday, July 8, 2023

Swim for the Warriors and Angels

🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️ My Mission I'm excited to join the 2023 Swim Across the Sound! When: Saturday, July 29, 2023 Where: Long Island Sound: Port Jefferson LI to the mouth of Black Rock Harbor, Bridgeport CT Check out the work that the swim helps at www.swimacrossthesound.org I've enjoyed planning and participating in SAS relays , but it's been 10 years since my last solo and I'm planning my 3rd solo crossing of the Sound (2002, 2013, and fingers-crossed 2023), This mission is very important to me and I'm proud to help make a difference. Please join me in supporting cancer patients by making a donation today. Large or small, all contributions are greatly appreciated. THANK YOU, Thank you, thank you. This is the link to my page. -- https://charity.pledgeit.org/f/apqE5Phj1u 🤩🤩FYI: if you see another swimmer or team, you know, (or like the their team name), donate to their page, ALL DONATIONS ARE GOING TO A GREAT FOUNDATION AND MISSION... 🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️ If you'd rather send a check, I will be collecting donations and personally delivering all donations to the foundation. make check out to " St. Vincent's Medical Center " Send to my office: Marcella MacDonald DPM 483 Middle Tpke West, Suite 223 Manchester CT 06040 Thank you for your time, consideration and donation. We all know someone, honor the warriors and angels. Peace and blessings, -- Marcy

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Safety is Paramount with water

Please read, think and be SAFE. Mother Nature is beautiful but can be un-forgiving. We have so many ways to be safe in and around water. My heart and head hurts everytime there is news of a tragedy. Please be careful, enjoy the wonders and beauty of the water, but be safe. Don't be a show-off, don't be hero. Respect the power of water. Love and Peace to all. Dream, Prepare,Succeed. Marcy

Saturday, May 7, 2022

2022 AIC Commencement/Honorary degree

https://youtu.be/Xw_lUtvAPzI To President Benitez, the Board of Trustees, Board Chair Mr. Colaccino, Deans of Faculty, to all the Professors and staff of AIC, and to all the graduating students and their families, including Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno joining us today, celebrating his daughter’s graduation. Thank you for this honor and degree, I accept the honorary DEGREE with gratitude, and I never imagined that anyone was watching my life. This honor was and remains unexpected. I would like to mention the late Lani Krestchmar, Class of 1977, as we all may still be in shock of her death, her spirit fills this arena. Lani was the 1st to notify me of this honor over 2 years ago, and we all know covid-19 got in the way of most celebrations, so thank you Lani. I would like to also thank past-president Vince Maniaci who always made me feel welcome on campus visits and Candice Lace who has helped direct me for today’s affairs, Thank you so much for all your assistance. My dear AIC family, Congratulations today for your graduation and to your future. I was in your place 37 years ago and I hope YOU will be a future commencement speaker to spread your ‘word.’ 1st I must tell you I am NOT a professional speaker and I’m more nervous today than I’ve ever been for any of my Open Water swims. I must admit, I don’t remember who and what our speaker said to us in 1985, but I hope to make a few suggestions today that you may remember and maybe, just maybe, something I say may help you in your future. This is a special year for you, graduation opens so many doors. You may or may not know, 2022 is also Celebrating 50 years of Title 9. Most of you were not born at this time, your parents may not have been born in 1972 either, but this Amendment opened more doors to women to be educated and play sports. Ladies, please research this period for women and I hope you will be thankful for all the previous generations of women and men, who helped us along the way to succeed. I am grateful for all the women who came before me, who did not have my opportunities to walk into a classroom or play organized sports. Know that the field house and sports that you have experienced here in the past 4 years have not always around. The glass ceiling is still there but it is shattering more everyday. Did you know? In 1892 AIC opened their doors to women for study, 130 years as a COED college, the 1st in the Springfield region. I have a question for you? Have you ever really thought about our college’s name? The other day, while I was swimming, it hit me, American INTERNATIONAL College … International, the college has opened its doors to DIVERSITY for over a century. This is a quote from past- President Vince, that’s what I called him… “A hallmark of American International College is the value we place on diversity. It is one of our greatest strengths, “While a college education includes academic and intellectual growth, it must also foster the development of personal and emotional intelligence. Being culturally diverse leads to deeper discussions and increased awareness. The College is proud of our LGBTQ students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners and commend them for making AIC an integral part of the ever-evolving educational fabric of higher education.” I am proud AIC, when I look back in the early 1980’s, the world, even here at AIC was in the “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL” mode… Life is more OPEN to everyone, now. You here, are the future of the world, keep opening the eyes of the world, accept and don’t condemn difference, work for inclusion. OK… Today, I won’t talk about academics; you have just proved yourself with your graduation. You’ve prepared and succeeded. But there are a few life lessons I have learned and most important they have helped me live a happy life. I’m not talking about selfish happiness, because my life is not just about ME Our lives are about US. How are we to help each other to be content because Life truly is way too short. I look at life as a tapestry… this is my tapestry… each of us have a tapestry that is unique, My family colors, MHS red and black and lots of blue for water except here… We all share the AIC yellow and black years. I have so many wonderful memories of my years on campus, the dorm life, my softball life, coaches Judy Groff and Bill Bedard, my teammates, my sorority life, campus life, and my academic life, thank you to my professors who truly prepared me for my post-graduate training at NYCPM … But I must mention and thank my family: my parents, 3 brothers, and 3 sisters who supported me financially and emotionally. My twin sister Beth was always there and is also part of our AIC family. My 2 brothers, Steve and Ken while serving in the Navy, sent me money, through the post office … Imagine a day without cell phones or electronic transfers, either a paper check or cash $$$. They probably have forgotten all about this, but I haven’t. My sisters listened and were always there to send a card or a phone call (to the pay phone in the hallway). Such a simpler time. After graduation, the lessons my parents taught me in little Manchester CT, helped me survive and live in the big Apple, I can still hear my father telling me, “Walk with a purpose and don’t be distracted.”. There are Too many stories to tell about New York City. Just know… Life is hard, we all have our up days and down days, and your family is there to help. I am not ashamed to say I have had setbacks. I’m fortunate to have learned from those “failures”. They’re not really failures unless you DON’T work to correct them. The path may change but you may arrive at the destination you dreamt of. While I was down in NY, I had to re-take 2 national board exams over, better preparation, less distraction equaled Success. While in the water, It took me 3 tries/3 attempts before I completed my 1st Double English Channel crossing in 2001 to become the 1st American woman to do so. Different preparation equaled Success. The success I have had in and out the water, has always been a team effort. My swimming crew started with my family: my dad and mom in a canoe in New Hampshire. Gradually friends took the place of my family. Some of my crews are professional pilots, navigating me across some dangerous waters, All have the same GOAL… to keep me alive and safe, and I THANK them every day for that. Without my wife, Janet beside me, my family, especially my youngest sister Teresa, and the crews believing in me, success and a place in the International Swimming Hall of Fame probably would not have been possible. The setbacks and the successes have made me stronger and independent, And isn’t that what we’re all striving for, Success, independence, and happiness. Remember, each of us have a different definition of happiness and it probably will change multiple times throughout your life. These are a few pearls that have helped me through my 58 years. They are Simple words we all learned when we were young. 1. SHARE, share your SUCCESS with your loved ones… we cannot do it alone. 2. CHERISH, cherish all your opportunities and the people who come into your life. 3. LISTEN, (and this can be a the TOUGHEST), listen to your parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles… they have SO MUCH wisdom. Listen to the older generations, and you will learn that they have gone through some AMAZING experiences, and they WILL LOVE to join in YOUR experiences. I love coming home after a swim and getting back to office, my patients, mostly of my parents age (80 plus) have so many questions and are always SO happy I made it back safely. If you are going to work with the public, especially our elders, this is one of the biggest gifts you can give to them, to listen. So many of my patients are unhappy with the changes in healthcare, primarily because no one wants to listen and staff and doctors are looking at their computer screen. Think of the person you are working with as a family member and everyone, including yourself will be happier. 4. THANK … As you get ALL your well-deserved congratulations, don’t forget to thank the special people in your life, today and in the future. 5. RESPECT … If you want RESPECT, you MUST give RESPECT, especially if you are a leader, supervisor, Professor, Doctor, or CEO, … be humble, gracious and respect others. 6. KINDNESS … Kindness goes a long way, we learn this word when we are young, and the message continues throughout our lives. All these words … Share, Cherish, Listen, Thank, Respect and Kindness, SIMPLIFY your life. You can still have a career, get rid of this (show phone) occasionally AND SEE the treasures the world has in store for you. Lastly, SMILE, a simple gesture to break down tension. This poem is from my oldest sister, Joanne when she was a 3rd grader: A SMILE, it happens in a flash but the memory of it lasts forever, it cannot be begged, borrowed, or stolen but it is of no earthly good until it is given away. So, if in your hurry you meet someone who is to weary to smile, leave one of yours for no one needs a smile more than he who has none to give… Pretty profound for a 3rd grader… simple, and literally from the mouths of babes… I smile a lot, they say, it takes less muscles to smile than frown, so I guess I’m a bit lazy. I’ve just found if I try to bring a smile to another person, especially one of my older patients or acquaintances, my day goes along better. Give your smile away. Congratulations to all of you. And may your lives be filled with successand smile

Sunday, January 9, 2022

Week 1 2022... workouts

Ok...32350 yards... lots workouts this year... Supporting the Ladies this year..

Saturday, August 29, 2020

Sunrise to Sunset Swim for FOODSHARE



CARING for our neighbors, especially during these ‘strange’ 
Covid-19/Pandemic times, is one of our Y values I try to teach our young swimmers.

On Sunday, August 30th, I (and maybe a few young friends of mine) will be doing a Sunrise (6:12am) TO Sunset (7:26pm) swim.
I’m going to try to air this event on Facebook Live, my page, Marcy MacDonald … so you can join in virtually, ‘we’re getting pretty good at this by now’.

Many THANKS to Paul and Adele Hipsky for hosting this event.

We, my young swimmers and I, are blessed with the ability to swim and give back to our neighbors struggling with hunger.

I hope and think my young friends helping me to distract me for the 13+ hours are destined for the Open Water.

(If you live outside CT, consider a donation to your local Food Pantry)

Please help us support Foodshare and their long-term efforts to increase access to a healthy diet and stop anyone from being hungry.

It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make your donation online by simply clicking on the link.     


If you prefer, you can also send your gift check made out to  FoodShare to me at the address listed below. 

Marcella A. MacDonald DPM
483 Middle Tpke W, Suite 223,
Manchester CT 06040

Any amount, great or small, helps in the fight against hunger.  We greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on our progress.

Thank you so very much,

 Marcy




2015 ... Swimming for Homes for the Brave

After spending the past 20 years paddling from Dover to France, it is time to venture into new waters, while helping some special people.
Soon, I will be traveling with my A-team to Scotland to swim the length of the famous Loch Ness.
As always, I try to help a Foundation raise funds and awareness and I thank you for interest and support.
I am deeply troubled with the thought of homeless individuals, especially in our US Veteran population.

That is why I am teaming up with our Connecticut-based “Homes for the Brave”. Can you imagine not having a place to call home?

Here is more information about Homes for the Brave! -Facebook pages – https://www.facebook.com/pages/ABRIHomes-for-the-Brave/199613606735630?ref=hl

- Annual Appeal with more information about our financials and programs- http://www.homesforthebrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/HFTB-2014-Annual-Report-FINAL.pdf

-Check donations can be mailed to the following address:
Homes for the Brave
655 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604

- Donations can be made online as well: https://homesforthebrave.isecuresites.com/products/index.php?type=1110

Please write “Loch Ness Swim/Marcy” to track your donation.


I will always be dedicating my swimming to all those battling cancer and in the memory of 4 special people in my life. Cancer first hit my family when I was young. My grand-aunt Eleanor Kersavage, passed away with uterine cancer and my Auntie Bea Halchak battled with brain cancer.

On January 1, 2002, our LEHY family lost Nikki Giampolo to bone cancer, just turning 16 years old. Her spirit still lives on in our East Hartford swim team.

In July of 2009, my brother-in-law, Gregory Allen Urban, who passed away, after a valient battle with lung cancer. I can see him now, talking about cars and projects around the house, music and his family.

I know Aunties, Eleanor and Bea, Nikki, Greg and all the angels will help me CUT through all this water this summer.

The St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation, based in Bridgeport, CT provides financial support for the needs that Health insurance companies don't cover, in addition to providing affordable cancer screening, wigs, medication and other things to make life easier for those suffering with cancer and their families.

Please make a donation, and thank you.

Online donations can be made at: http://give.stvincents.org

or you can send a check through the post to:

Swim Across the Sound
St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation
2800 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06606
(203)576-5451

Thank you so very much, peace and good health to all.