I’m supporting the StirringWaters Removing the Barriers Initiative for a very personal reason: my mother taught me how powerful a simple smile can be.

My mother was diagnosed with late-stage Alzheimer’s.  Growing up I remember her as someone who always had a smile for everyone. It didn’t matter whether you were family, a close friend, or a complete stranger—she had a smile for you.

One of the hardest parts of watching Alzheimer’s take her from us was seeing that smile slowly disappear.

But there was something that could still bring it back.

The water.

Getting my mother into the water was one of the few things that could bring her genuine joy. For those moments, we could see that familiar smile again. The water gave her something that the disease had taken away in so many other areas of her life—a sense of happiness, freedom, and connection.

That experience changed the way I think about the power of water.

That’s why I’m proud to paddle for StirringWaters.

StirringWaters is working to build a 100% universally accessible aquatic adventure park in Central Florida, creating a place where people with physical and cognitive disabilities can experience the water without the barriers found in traditional water parks.

For me, this isn't just about building a water park. It’s about creating opportunities for families to see that smile.

It’s about a child with a disability being able to play alongside their siblings. It’s about parents and grandparents being able to share an experience with their families. It’s about giving people who are too often left on the sidelines a place where they can feel included, free, and joyful.

On October 31, 2026, I’ll be joining the annual StirringWaters Fundraising Paddle on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes as we work together toward a goal of $125,000.

Every paddle stroke represents another step toward removing barriers. And every dollar brings StirringWaters closer to opening its doors to families who deserve the chance to experience the joy of water together.

My mother found joy in the water. I want more families to have the opportunity to find theirs.

I hope you’ll join me by supporting my paddle, sharing this fundraiser, or making a tax-deductible gift.

Let’s help create more smiles, more memories, and a place where everyone gets to be part of the fun.