Historic Greenwood Lake swim underway to honor Warwick toddler
An endurance swimmer from England is attempting what organizers believe is the first-ever complete circumnavigation of Greenwood Lake, raising money for heart research and families at the hospital that saved Wyatt Lopez’s life.
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An endurance swimmer from England is now making his way around Greenwood Lake in what organizers believe is the first-ever complete circumnavigation of the lake.
Aleks Mileusnic pushed off from The Cove Wednesday morning, beginning the 11½-mile swim inspired by Warwick toddler Wyatt Lopez, whose fight for a life-saving heart transplant captured hearts across the Hudson Valley.
After hearing Wyatt’s story, Mileusnic traveled from England to Orange County to take on the challenge as a fundraiser benefiting Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, where Wyatt received the heart transplant that saved his life.
News 12 first introduced viewers to Wyatt during his months-long fight while he waited for a donor heart and we later followed his emotional return home after receiving the transplant that saved his life.
As temperatures climbed Wednesday morning, Mileusnic said he plans to take the challenge one stroke at a time.
“I think I’m going to play it by ear. That’s the best idea. Just swim and keep swimming,” he told News 12. “Towards the end, I think I might be a bit hot because it is warmer. The wind currently might work for me and against me at times. Just play it by ear and take it on as it comes along.”
The fundraiser has raised roughly $4,500 so far.
Wyatt’s grandmother, Andrea Muster, says their goal is $10,000 and that every donation will help families facing the same challenges hers once did.
“I’m so super excited,” Muster said. “Every bit counts. It’s so appreciated, and thank you to everyone who has participated.”
She says the money will support heart research, cardiology programs and families who spend weeks or even months at the hospital with a sick child.
“Some of it is going to heart research, cardiology. It’s going to families that need help while they’re in the hospital,” Muster said. “This is there so they can give and help families that need help and are there for a long time.”
The swim is expected to take up to eight hours to complete. News 12 is on the water following Mileusnic’s progress throughout the day.
Click here for more information about the swim and fundraiser.
