Swim raises awareness of bacterial meningitis

Swimmers participate in the second annual Shana Ocean Mile Swim in Monmouth Beach on Aug. 3.

MONMOUTH BEACH — Over 100 swimmers showed up on Aug. 3 for an 8 a.m. swim-off of the second annual Shana Ocean Mile Swim hosted by the Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavillion and sponsored by the Shana Foundation.

The Shana Foundation is a nonprofit charity whose mission is to "keep kids free of bacterial meningitis." Madeline Wasserman, founder and director of the charity, lost her daughter from complications from bacterial meningitis.

Wasserman chose to honor Shana's memory by campaigning for education among medical personnel, parents, and students to recognize the symptoms and to become aware of medical protocols for emergency treatment.

In addition, the foundation supports medical research to produce a conjugate vaccine against bacterial meningitis strains.

The foundation distributed character T-shirts to introduce participants to the Shana Rainbow animated video to be used in public schools throughout New Jersey in their meningitis awareness programs.

"The event was a huge success," Wasserman said.

Monmouth Beach Mayor Sue Howard added, "Shana certainly brought us a beautiful day."

The foundation's next event will be held Sept. 21 at the Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavillion. The event will include a 5K race and a pro-am surfing tournament with tents, vendors and live music. Sponsorship opportunities, details, registration, photos and the results of the annual Shana swim are available at www.TheShanaFoundation.org.