Jonny’s Big Swim
To donate, please click on either the Alberta or Manitoba flag which will take you to the respective Cancer Foundations for each province. You can also donate to the Health Sciences Center Foundation by clicking on their logo below.
The Goal
To swim from Grand Beach to Gimli, Manitoba. The distance is about 26km but may be a bit further depending on the skill level of my trusted navigator, Rene Bourbonnais shown below with our two boys, Walt and Jake. Right photo is our daughter Maddy and I on the beach close to the launch point.
The Why?
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of my stem cell transplant for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and raise money for The Alberta Cancer Foundation and the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
I was first diagnosed with NHL in 1999 and treated with Chemotherapy in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Health Sciences Centre. Things went well and I was cancer free for 20 years and then I had a re-occurrence in 2019. On January 10th, 2020 I underwent a stem cell transplant at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, Alberta and here we are 5 years later! This is a photo of my wife Laura and I ringing the gong in the courtyard of the new Arthur E.J. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary.
This was my first visit to this fabulous new facility which was for my 5-year checkup.
Walking into the centre made me feel very happy that Calgary had such a wonderful place for cancer patient’s treatment and support. I also realized that the building and equipment are still not enough and funds are continuously needed for the vital research and the next breakthrough. I hope to raise money with this swim to help continue the good work of research against all forms of cancer.
The Progress
The swim attempt is planned for late July or early August 2025. Training is progressing but still a lot of laps left to get in. I was fortunate to have a coaching session with the Yuri “the missile” Kisil who is a three-time Olympian at the MNP pool in Calgary.
The reason for difference in height between us is that Yuri was standing on the podium where he’s most comfortable!
Thank you for visiting my page and your support!
Leave a word of encouragement
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You’ve got this!
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Thanks!!
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Go, Jonny go!
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Thanks Mikale!!
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Dear Jonny,
What a fantastic journey you are on! We are convinced that you will reach “The Goal”.
We are very privileged and thankful to be able to call you a friend.Love, ❤️
Linda, Emanuela, and ThomyPS: Are you sure there was a podium?
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Thanks Thomy. You have a keen eye indeed. No podium. Yuri is a giant at 6’8″. You can use your keen pilot’s eye to figure out my height!
Thanks for the support and hi to Linda and Emanuela.
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You’ve been talking about this for a while… you’re some machine Funkle J !!! Best of luck
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Thanks Neph. Maybe you can meet me on the beach at the end of the swim?
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You got this!
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Thanks Son! See you in the boat!
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Jonny, I write to you today on behalf of your friend Bruce Bracken, and his sister Brenda Bracken-Warwick. Through the James A. and Jean Bracken Fund, held at The Winnipeg Foundation, Cancercare Manitoba will receive a donation in your honour. You are an inspiring, resilient and fun loving individual who make us proud to know you.
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Thank you Cathy! I will give a nod to James & Jean from the water this summer!
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I’m very proud of you! God Bless Jonny Fenton!
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Thanks Terry!!
Looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks in the sun!
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Good effort Jonny. Kick some ass and achieve your goal. Just Keep Livin.
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Good Luck Jonny.
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Hi Jonathan, sending encouragement from the hood! Amazing to hear of your story of survival and great to hear of your accomplishments. ❤️
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Thanks Karen! It’s been a long time!
Hope you are well and maybe see you at the finish!
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Hi Jonathon!
Way to go! You can do it!
Such a great cause!
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Hi Jonathon!
Way to go! May the lake gods be calm on the day of your swim!
Such a great cause!
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Thanks Glenda!! Lots of laps left to get in but stroke by stroke!
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Best of luck Jonathon!
May the lake gods be kind and calm on the day of your swim! -
Hi Jonathan,
I don’t know you but I just saw this on the Meanwhile in Gimli Facebook page, all I can say is WOW!!!
We lost our dad in 2023 from lymphoma. We have a place in Loni beach. You can bet my family and I will be there to cheer you in & I am definitely donating! Incredible!!!-
Hi Trisha,
Thank you for your kind words and sorry about your Dad. I’m swimming for lots of people and you and your family are on my list now as well. See you on the beach!
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Jonathon,
Best of luck to you in the pursuit of your goal. You’ve got this.
Jacques from Winnipeg-
Thanks Jacques. I appreciate the support!
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Fantastic! Best of luck!!! Reach out if you want to chat about marathon swimming. I’m happy to share my experience to help you along the way!
From Kitchissippi50
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Hi
How many km swim do you think I need under my belt in one go prior to the 26km effort?
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Good luck on the swim! The fish are confused and the Crown Royal factory is preparing to welcome a hero!
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Thanks Maclean.
Eyes on the prize for a nice Crown on the beach!
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I had the pleasure of fundraising with you on the Ride to Conquer Cancer for a few year, unfortunately the very real threat of me drowning makes this a no-go for me! Great Job Jon!
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Come join me Clark, the water is lovely!
Thanks for your support and Go Jets Go!
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You got this Jonny!
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Hi Jonathon,
We spoke briefly at McGill’s athletic centre, and I just wanted to wish you the best of luck on your swim. If our paths cross again, I’d love to hear more about it. It was a pleasure meeting you, keep doing good in the world!
Let’s go Jets/Oilers
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Hey Joey,
Thanks for your support and good luck in New York!
Jonny
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Wow that’s an amazing challenge
Congrats on the five years!!! -
You’re a true inspiration sir!!! Incredible stuff, cant wait to hear how it goes! And remember when it gets uncomfortable, it’s only pain!!
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Thanks Harry!
You’ve shown me the way!
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Jonathon,
Wishing you luck in your endeavour. Swimming is moving meditation.Sandie and Doug Matheson
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Thanks! Hopefully see you both on the beach next month!
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You got this Jonny so proud of you buddy you’re amazing and such an inspiration to live life to the fullest with a smile on your face!
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Jonathan,
This is a terrific challenge, especially wearing a bear skin suit. I’ll double my donation if you get a full body wax . # sharkskinJonny
You inspire with how you meet life’s challenges with your trademark joy de vive. You’ve got this.
Casey McCawley-
Thanks Case!
I just had an interview on CBC Winnipeg
heading out in 2 weeks for the launch!
Hope you’re enjoying your golden years!
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Just heard the very “Jonathon-esque” interview (link above). Your ever positive outlook, radiating personality and witty humor should land you a job at the CBC 🙂 The count down continues, wishing you the best from Japan!
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Thank you Conan!
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Now, now Casey… after 34 years I’m still lovin me the Magnum PI chest… he “Seleck” ed to keep his insulation… and less chaffing in the wet suit apparently….
hugs
Laura
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Go uncle Jonathon!!! Gonna crush it
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Thanks Faye! I hope the weather cooperates and wish you were in the boat to cheer me on!
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Giddy Up Jon! What an incredible goal.
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Thanks Rick. Going to give it my best shot just like you used to do from the 3 point line!
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You are a true inspiration! Congrats on what I’m sure will be a successful challenge:)
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Thanks Michelle and thank you so much for your donation and support! Hi to George!
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Congratulations and good luck Fenny, what an incredibly thoughtful and inspiring way to celebrate your cancer care milestones. Our family are pleased to donate $1000 to support your swim to the HSC Foundation, the fundraising arm of the HSC, our provincial hospital and lead site in Manitoba for cancer surgeries. Did you know over 9000 surgeries every year at HSC are to remove cancers? I’d encourage all other friends of Fenny to donate a gift as well to any of these worthy charities so he can hit his $75,000 fundraising goal.
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Whoa Jon & Bonnie! Thank you thank you thank you! HSC took great care of me in 1999! A great organization with great people!
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Best of luck Jonny, we will be cheering you on!
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Thanks Kerry and thanks for your donation!
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Good luck with your swim. I am five years cancer free as well.
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Way to go Maria! Thanks for your support!
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We wish you the best! I cannot be at the neither start nor finish but will mentally swim each stroke with you. I am the youngest (15 yrs 3 months) and swam the lake in 1963.
We donate $100.00 to HSC CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION-
Thank you Audrey! Wow, huge respect for you crossing the lake! Thanks for the donation and watch for next years attempt!
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I would be pleased to accompany you during your crossing. I have done so with other swimmers. The lake can be treacherous. Any assistance I can provide.
I will be more that pleased to donate to Cancer Manitoba
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How about next year Dean?
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Prayers to you on achieving such a great feat. Good luck on your quest.
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Thanks Barry. Came up short so will try next year!
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All the best. I know exactly how disciplined you need to be for this swim. I watched my daughter swim across Lake Erie. So….I’ll be rooting for you! You’ve got this. Hope the waters are calm and no cross current. Keep your mind focused on anything. You’ve conquered huge battles. You can conquer this too.
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Thanks Tricia! Well done by your daughter!
I’m trying again next year!
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Give them hell John!
Best of luck from another survivor-
Thanks Don!
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You can do it Jonny! I was a donor 12 years ago for a brother with NHL, he is doing fabulous. Love to hear “good news” cancer stories. Donation on the way, wishing you a cool calm day for your challenge!
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Hi Catherine,
Thanks for sharing your story and great news about your bro! Thanks for your support!
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Look at YOU ! Brilliant!
We will be routing for you from Lake Okanagan tomorrow and if anyone is taping this incredible act of commitment to the cure for cancer it sure would be great to be dialed in!What’s that song?
Go Johnny, GO, GO, GO, GO? Johnny be good
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Thanks Kerri. The lake won yesterday but that was just the first round!
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Good luck, buddy! Total beast mode—couldn’t be prouder of you. Here’s to calm waters, clear skies, and the heart of a warrior. Godspeed my friend!
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The lake was a bigger beast yesterday! I’m going to try again next year.
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A haiku in honour of the big swim:
Waves can’t keep you down
Even the fish call you sir
The lake knows your name-
Need another Haiku about shoulders giving out.
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You are an inspiration; the world needs more of you!
Another movie you might enjoy is Young Woman and the Sea.
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Saw that movie and loved it!
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Fenny – good luck today and hope the weather cooperates and You swim like Summer Mcintosh!!
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I swam more like “Winter McFenny” oh well have it my best shot!
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Hod Speed Tomorrow !
Super Proud of you !
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Thanks for your support and encouragement. I’m trying again next year now that I have learned some lessons!
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Gods Speed Tomorrow !
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Feeling rough today!
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Best of luck with the swim. You came up with a wonderful idea. Surviving cancer twice is God’s gift to you. You are using it well.
I lost several good friends, one just last week, my brother (10 years ago), and my father at the age of 88, as well as nieces and nephews.
Take care and God bless you.-
Hi
Sorry to hear about your friends and family. Hopefully one day this terrible disease will be a thing of the past.
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I’m rooting for you……what a great cause!
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Thank you Margo!
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Great swim Jonny and an inspiration to so many. All the best to you and your family.
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Thanks George! Things didn’t turn out as planned but gave it my best! 16km and about 8.5 hours in the water! Both shoulders completely gave out. Hi to Michelle!
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Hello Jonny!
Congratulations! 16km is no small accomplishment! We know that lake well!
We have donated $1600, a hundred dollars for each km. Next year we will do the same!
Keep up the good work. There are a lot of people cheering you on.
Judy & Gary-
Thanks Judy and Gary!!
Wow, such a generous donation! I wish I could have made it the whole way but wasn’t meant to be. My shoulders completely gave out but I’ll be back next year to complete the task. Cheers!
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John, haven’t seen any further press on the swim.
Nothing happened here on shore at Gimli except the large sturgeon that was caught.
How did you do and how far did you get?-
Hi
I swam 16km and was 8.5 hours in the waters but both shoulders gave out. Raised $37k so all good!
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Way to go Fenny! You are amazing!
Cheers,
Fitty-
Thanks Fitty!
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You are an inspiration!!!! And you made me laugh my head off when I saw you in Calgary about 11 years ago! Congratulations on everything! I will stay tuned!!!! Lots of Love to you and Laura!
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Great to hear from you Marianne! Made it 16km after 8.5 hours in the water but alas my shoulders gave out. Let us know ow when you are back in Cowtown.
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Wow, such a story. Great to hear you are doing well.
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Ho Polly and Tony,
Thanks for checking out my site. Looking forward to doing some more chill swimming in the lake next week!
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Way to go! Hope to see you next year! Have a great wintee!
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Thank you! Looking forward to making it all the way next summer!
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