Chatham Fire Department plans for annual April Fool’s Day “Plunge” for family in need

Bathers brave the icy weather during the 2016 April Fool’s Plunge in Chatham

CHATHAM – Since   2008, members of the Chatham Fire Department have taken part in an April Fools’ Day “plunge” at one of their local beaches.

In the first year, there was only ten participants and $200 raised, which was donated to Prostate Cancer Research. The participants vowed to get together every year and to spread the word, hoping more people would join in the fun.

It was decided that each year, we would raise money for a different local individual or family in need, usually to assist with the financial burden of an illness or injury. Each year, the swim has grown immensely, both in the number of participants and in the funds raised.

In 8 years, over $100,000 has been raised for local families. Aside from the financial assistance, the huge crowd generates an enormous emotional boost for the recipient and his/her family.

This year marks the 10th year that the April Fools from Chatham Fire have led the community into the frigid waters.

On Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 2 pm, the Fools will be swimming for Ryan Watson. Ryan is a 27 year old Harwich resident. He was born and raised in Harwich, graduating from Harwich High School in 2007.

He and his wife, Lizzie, continue to live in Harwich. Ryan was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor referred to as a medullablastoma. After receiving his diagnosis, Ryan and Lizzie decided to get married, and to fight this illness together as husband and wife.

Ryan is being treated aggressively at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital. Due to the aggressive nature of the treatments, Ryan will not be able to work his regular job with the Cape Cod Mosquito Control.

Ryan, his wife Lizzie, and Ryan’s parents Bill and Jackie, will all miss a significant amount of work during Ryan’s treatments. 100% of all donations go directly to Ryan and Lizzie to assist them in any way they see fit. We hope to make this our biggest and best swim yet. There is no better way to slam the door on the lovely winter season than to take your first refreshing dip of the year!

This year’s swim takes place on Saturday, April 1st at 2:00 pm at Hardings Beach in Chatham. Donations of all amounts are graciously accepted. A free post-swim BBQ will take place at the Chatham VFW, immediately following the swim.

If you would like to donate but are not able to attend, cash and checks can be sent to:

April Fools

Chatham Fire Department

135 Depot Rd.

Chatham, MA 02633

(508) 945-2324



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