Another Year Another Extraordinary 12 Hour Relay Swim for Leukemia

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By Chelsea Ravizza

Approaching its 4th year of running in the Burdekin, Deni Caspanello’s 12 Hour Relay Swim for Leukemia continues to inspire, educate, and bring the community together, raising much needed funds for the Leukemia Foundation. The 2023 12 Hour Relay Swim for Leukemia, like previous years, was another amazing event raising over $7,600 to fund cancer research, treatments, and clinical trial access.

The event was established in 2021, following Deni Caspanello’s diagnosis with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2020. Deni’s diagnosis was treated under the provisions of a recent clinical trial, running on a 4 – 21-day cycle, as opposed to an 8 – 21-day cycle, and unlike traditional methods, her treatment did not conclude with radiation. Producing an overwhelmingly positive outcome for Deni and her loved ones, she worked to create a fundraising event to provide other cancer patients with the same opportunities.

“The money people are donating is working and helping cancer patients like me hear the words complete metabolic response so much quicker and eliminate all other symptoms that arise from radiation and prolonged chemo,” Deni explained.

With another swim event coming to the Burdekin in March of 2025, Deni expressed she continues to be blown away with the community’s support and she’s beyond grateful.

“The interest and support of the community has been phenomenal,” expressed Deni.

“Phenomenal is a word my Doctor, Dr Morris used my entire treatment as everything went to plan for me, and I was extremely lucky.”

Deni and her family would like to express immense gratitude to all the event’s sponsors; McCathies Furniture Plus, WA&KT Farming, Wilmar, Burdekin Car Wash, Home Hill News agency, Tamara Michellin Hair Dressing, Liessmann & Sons, Guardian Pharmacy, Burdekin Snap Fitness, Brett Butler PT, The Shed NQ, Complete Health Pharmacy, Burdekin Torpedoes, Burdekin Tiles & Bathroom, Home Hill Swimming Pool, Home Hill Bakery, Blinds 2U, KMF Crafts, Nutrien, Home Hill & Lions Committee, Queens Hotel, Homewares & Styles, FirstIn Physio Pty,  Don West Toyota, Ellen Marie, Bare + Bird Distillery, Northen Energy Electrical Solutions, Laser Electrical, The Prawn Shop Home Hill, The Crown Hotel, and Blissful Baking.

“All local businesses, musicians, schools, and locals have been amazing and have donated so much to help me raise as much as I can for blood cancer research.”

Preparations are underway for the 2025 12 Hour Relay Swim for Leukemia. With a date yet to be announced, the community can expect another amazing, record-breaking fundraising event in the month of March 2025.

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With many competitions throughout the 12-hour event, Deni would like to congratulate the following winners.

Social: Bob Gould’s Tropical Popsicles with a total lap count of 629.

Competitive: Two time champions, GO H2O with a total lap count of 753.

Spirit: Home Hill High Crushers.

Dash for Cash U18: Chloe Hook and Cruz Torkinton.

Dash for Cash 18+: Stephanie Prizeman and Logan Flannagan.

Dash for Cash 35+: Michelle Scott, and Laurie Crooks.

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The winning team GO H2O: Kristy, Briella, Glenn and Emilee Wassmuth, Michelle Scott, Laurie Crooks, Owen and Logan Flanagan and Dylan Carew. Photo supplied

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