Cancer Survivor Jon Fenton Plans Charity Swim Across Lake Winnipeg

In a remarkable testament to resilience and hope, Jon Fenton, a two-time cancer survivor, is gearing up to undertake a challenging 26-kilometer swim across Lake Winnipeg from Victoria Beach to Gimli. Scheduled for August 2025, this ambitious endeavor aims to raise $75,000 for cancer research and support organizations, including the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Health Sciences Centre Foundation, and the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Fenton, who is 61 years old, recalls his childhood visits to Victoria Beach, where the idea of swimming across the lake seemed impossible. However, after overcoming significant health challenges, including two battles with cancer, he is determined to inspire others facing similar struggles. "If they see an old geezer getting into the water to attempt to cross a lake, maybe they'll think, 'If he can go through it twice, maybe I'll be all right,'" Fenton stated in an interview with the Winnipeg Free Press on July 28, 2025.

Fenton's cancer journey began in 1999 when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma while living in Japan. After returning to Manitoba for treatment, he enjoyed a cancer-free period for 20 years until the disease reemerged in 2020. Following a successful stem-cell transplant in Calgary, he marked the occasion by committing to this fundraising swim to support ongoing cancer research.

The inspiration for the swim came after watching the 2023 film "Nyad," which chronicles Diana Nyad's epic swim from Cuba to Florida. Fenton, an experienced swimmer with a history of participating in triathlons, began training for his swim in January 2024, logging 176 kilometers in preparation. He acknowledged the mental and physical challenges associated with both cancer treatment and the upcoming swim, stating that breaking the journey into manageable segments has been a crucial strategy for maintaining a positive outlook.

Fenton aims to complete the swim between August 2 and 12, contingent upon weather conditions, including potential wildfire smoke and the presence of blue-green algae blooms in the lake, which can pose health risks. He humorously remarked, "I don’t want to be a new verse in an Alanis Morissette song: ‘isn’t it ironic/don’t you think?/a two-time cancer survivor/expires in the drink.'"

Historically, the swim across Lake Winnipeg has seen successful attempts, with notable individuals like Kathie McIntosh, who in 1955 became the first person to swim from Grand Marais to Winnipeg Beach, completing the journey in just over 16 hours. Most recently, friends Jacques Marcoux and Patrick Peacock accomplished a 31-kilometer swim from Victoria Beach to Gimli in about 14 hours in 2011.

Fenton's swim is not just a personal challenge but a beacon of hope for many. With his fundraising goal, he aims to contribute to advancements in cancer treatment, ensuring that future generations have access to improved therapies and support. As he prepares for the swim, Fenton embodies the spirit of perseverance, demonstrating that every stroke taken in the water symbolizes strength and determination in the face of adversity.