Swimming with Purpose: Kathleen’s 12-Mile Journey for Afghan Allies
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Kathleen is living proof of what it looks like when faith, experience, and compassion converge.
This July, Kathleen—an accomplished swimmer and longtime member of World Relief’s extended team— took on a bold challenge: swimming 12 miles across the cold, open waters of Lake Tahoe.
But this isn’t just about endurance. It’s about justice. It’s about using what’s in her hands—her strength, her story, and her strokes—to stand in the gap for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders: the interpreters, allies, and professionals who served alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and who are now navigating the long, uncertain road to resettlement.
Kathleen’s goal is to raise $1,000—enough to cover a full month’s rent for one newly arrived SIV family rebuilding their lives in the Baltimore area.
A Lifelong Swimmer, A Deeply Personal Cause
Kathleen began swimming in summer league as a young child. By age 11, she had joined a year-round team, eventually competing at the collegiate level. Her specialty was the breaststroke, but she swam it all—driven by an intense competitive spirit.
After college, swimming took a back seat to career and family. But in her mid-40s, she returned to the pool. Over time, what began as exercise became passion once again—this time with greater joy, balance, and perspective. Now in her late 50s, Kathleen has steadily trained for longer and more demanding swims, leaning on the muscle memory and mental toughness that decades in the water have built.
“I’m probably enjoying it more now than I ever did,” she says. “It’s not about the clock or the competition anymore—it’s about pushing myself toward something meaningful.”
From Kabul to Fort McCoy: A Story That Stays with Her
In August 2021, Kathleen volunteered with World Relief at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin to help process Afghan families who had been evacuated during the fall of Kabul. Among them were SIV holders—individuals who had risked everything to support U.S. military operations, now fleeing with little more than hope.
She remembers receiving letters from U.S. commanders vouching for their service. She remembers their fear. And she remembers how many others—those left behind—still live in danger, waiting for a way out.
Though her role at World Relief is primarily behind the scenes as general legal counsel, Kathleen has never forgotten what she saw. And through this swim, she’s turning compassion into action.
Closing the Gap—One Stroke at a Time
SIV holders and their families have completed the vetting process. They have been granted visas. But federal funding that once covered their travel and initial resettlement has been withdrawn. Now, they must find their own way to the U.S.—and when they arrive, they are often left to navigate a new life without support.
That’s why Kathleen is swimming. To raise awareness. To raise support. And to make sure that when one of these brave families reaches Baltimore, World Relief is ready to meet them with a warm welcome and a roof over their heads.
Training for this swim has involved cold-water swims, feeding schedules, and long-distance practice in both ocean and bay. But the physical challenge pales in comparison to the burden carried by the families she’s swimming for.
Love That Moves
Kathleen’s story is a powerful reminder that advocacy takes many forms. For her, it looks like early morning swims, quiet discipline, and a heart fully engaged in God’s call to love the stranger.
Because love goes the distance.
Because we are called to do the same.
Want to Make an Impact Too? Let’s put Hope In Motion!
Inspired by Kathleen’s swim? You can take your own step of faith and fundraise for your own athletic challenge—whether you run, walk, swim, bike or cheer from the sidelines.
“…but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
We’re inviting you to create your own fundraiser through World Relief’s Classy platform (GoFundMePro) and rally your friends, family, small group, or community to support newly arriving refugee and immigrant families.
No matter your pace or distance, you can move with purpose.
This season, our office is expanding its efforts to mobilize the Church through programs like Good Neighbor Teams, offering practical, life-changing support to those rebuilding their lives. And here’s the exciting part: every dollar you raise will be matched — up to $20,000 — thanks to a generous matching gift opportunity through the end of the year!
No matter your pace or your passion, you can exercise welcome — and help us go further than ever before.
Start your fundraiser today. Help us meet — and exceed — our $20,000 match. Let’s show up, together.
Here’s how:
- Join a team or create your own fundraising page!
- Not a an athlete? No worries! You can still start a fundraiser and encourage your family, friends, and community to give towards this vital work without being part of an athletic event! We need champions who will mobilize their networks and communities to raise support and awareness for our work.
- Choose Your Own Challenge! – Take a swim, go on a run, bike, or do a hike! Get your friends to support you and raise funds!
- Register for an event – Here are some local events happening in Maryland: Maryland Running Race Calendar | 2025 – 2026
- Create your fundraising page on our World Relief Classy platform.
- Set a goal— choose an amount you want to raise.
- Share your story with your network and invite others to give, pray, and walk alongside you.
- Start training! – Here is a great half-marathon training guide.
Every step you take helps a newly arrived family take theirs.
💙 Double Your Impact – Invite your friends and family to join you in your Fundraising Challenge! Create your personal fundraising page and set a goal or an amount that feels meaningful to you.
By mobilizing your community, you multiply the resources available to serve and support refugee and immigrant families.
