Mijaila Roos

Cancer Swim Fundraiser

Swimming has always been a part of who I am.

I come from a swimming family, it’s in our blood. Anyone who knows us knows that we’ve grown up in the water. It’s where I feel most at peace, most connected, and most myself.

That’s why taking part in this cancer swim fundraiser feels so natural. Swimming has always been a source of love and healing for me, and now I want to use that love to help others. Cancer touches not just individuals, but entire families and communities. Through this swim, I hope that every stroke I take can help bring hope, strength, and resources to those who need it most.

This journey is also deeply personal. My grandmother, the girl back home in Aruba has been my biggest inspiration. She swam her whole life, but at a young age had to leave high school to care for her 14 siblings, putting her own dreams on hold. But at 60 years old, she returned to the water with fierce determination, competing in open water swims across Brazil, Santo Domingo, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica. Today, at 84, she’s still swimming. Still resilient. Still full of love. 

And now, I get to follow in her footsteps while I still can. I’m proud to show her that I’m right behind her- stroke for stroke -carrying on what she started, and using it to make a difference.

Thank you for supporting me, and more importantly, for supporting the fight against cancer.