In 2021, my daughter Heidi Sutherland decided to join my nephew (Taylor Hollett) who had completed the BIG Swim  in 2019 joined him to conquer the waters of Bras d’Or Lake. What started as an individual challenge quickly became something more powerful: a shared family mission.

Now, in 2026, that mission is making waves in an even bigger way.

BIGSWIM Brigadoon is no longer just an event—it’s a full family movement:

• Taylor and Heidi are taking on the grueling 10K swim

• and my sister and I are bravely stepping up to the 1K

We’ll be honest—none of us feel perfectly prepared. I have been known now a days to "frolic" in the water but not actually swim any great lengths :) But what drives us forward isn’t perfection—it’s purpose, passion, and the strength we find in doing this together.

And this year, our “why” runs even deeper.

We’re leaning on our village—our friends, family, and community—to help support Brigadoon Village because we truly believe every child deserves the chance to go to camp, to feel included, and to experience the joy and connection that comes with it.

This is more than a swim. It’s a story of family, resilience, and coming together to make something meaningful happen for others.

We’re diving in soon, and we need your support. Your encouragement, your prayers, and your generosity will help carry us through every stroke—and help send kids to camp where