Valparaiso's Paul Sommer is a remarkable individual who has dedicated his life to helping others. His efforts to raise funds and awareness for various causes, including ALS research and support for soldiers and families in Ukraine, are truly inspiring. But what makes Sommer's story particularly fascinating is his unique approach to fundraising. This year, he is swimming the Chicago River while pulling his friend, Jeff Birkel, who has had ALS for three years, behind him in a raft. This idea is an effort to truly bring to the Chicago River Swim the real reason we are fighting this disease and the very people who suffer from ALS. It's a powerful and emotional way to raise awareness and funds for a cause close to his heart. What many people don't realize is that Sommer's dedication to endurance sports and his love for the Chicago River have a deeper connection to the city's history. The Chicago River has a rich history of open water swims, dating back to the early 1900s, when the Sanitary District engineered to reverse the flow of the river to draw water from Lake Michigan and discharge it through a system of canals leading to the Des Plaines and Mississippi Rivers. This improvement allowed the river to clean itself and support a growing urban population. The Illinois Athletic Association hosted open water swims in the river starting in 1908, attracting high-profile swimmers from around the globe, including Olympic star-turned-Hollywood actor John Weissmuller, who won the event twice before more than 100,000 spectators who lined the river. However, by the late 1920s, the competitive swims were halted due to industrial discharge and street runoff polluting the river water. It wasn't until the 1970s that the Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Agency began to enforce discharge violations. Today, through awareness and efforts, the Chicago River is at its cleanest level on record, according to city officials, who boast the river is home to more than 80 species of fish. Sommer's participation in the Chicago River Swim is a testament to his commitment to making a difference in the world. His efforts to raise funds and awareness for various causes are not only inspiring but also educational, as they highlight the importance of environmental conservation and the impact of individual actions. In my opinion, Paul Sommer is a true hero and an example of what one person can achieve when they dedicate their life to helping others. His story is a reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on the world.
