Jon Gdovin's Inspiring Fundraiser for the American Cancer Society

On April 9, 2025, Jon Gdovin initiated a Facebook fundraiser for the American Cancer Society while participating in the ACS “Swim 5 Miles in May Challenge,” but with a unique approach. His plan involved training throughout April and May, culminating in a single swim session where he would conquer the entire 5 miles on the last Friday of May. Despite facing challenges, including interruptions in training due to Covid, Jon kept his followers engaged with nearly daily updates on Facebook, sharing insights about his training and alarming cancer facts in each post. As a childhood cancer survivor of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)—a type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow through the rapid production of immature white blood cells known as lymphocytes—he offers a deeply personal perspective on his mission. This aggressive cancer can advance quickly if untreated, impacting both adults and children, though it is more common among younger individuals. Remarkably, Jon has been cancer-free for 35 years.

Having been a YMCA member for over a decade and a former Broome County YMCA Team Member in the Wellness Department, Jon selected the Broome County YMCA not just for its pool but also to promote a message focused on healthy living and cancer awareness. Jon stated, “The Y has been instrumental in providing support and amplifying the efforts of the American Cancer Society through the Livestrong initiative. It offers a fantastic support system and is an excellent place for personal growth and achieving one's goals.” On his Facebook fundraiser page, he expressed, “Most of you know that in the past I have done multiple endurance races and have been out of that arena for 8 years or so. Between Covid, being in a job that was crushing me, and neglecting my fitness, I found myself in a dark place. I wasn't the best partner, dad, or friend. Luckily, over the last few years, I have been working on bettering those aspects and feel like I had made good progress, but something was still missing. This event has given me a goal, and it has been refreshing to find myself again. I have realized that there are so many things to be thankful for in life, the biggest being the support from my friends and family who have been by my side through it all. I have also recognized that there are far bigger issues in the world, and I have been blessed to be cancer-free for 35 years, which is something that should not be taken for granted.”

Jon successfully completed his 5-mile swim on May 30 in 3 hours and 16 minutes, at the West Family Y in Johnson City. He was able to raise $1,198, surpassing his $1,000 goal and donate the proceeds to the American Cancer Society and the Livestrong at the YMCA program. Way to go, Jon!