Woman Swims Across Lake Nokomis To Raise Money For Cancer Research

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – She was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Now three years later, she's making big strides.

Mary Gooze, 64, swam across Lake Nokomis Tuesday in an effort to find a cure for her condition, metastatic breast cancer, which has spread to her bones. Doctors say there is no cure, but Gooze is determined to help find one.

She has been swimming across lakes all over the country to raise money for research.

"I started in Washington, the state of Washington," Gooze said. "I did Kansas, Arizona, Michigan and quite a few lakes in Wisconsin because I'm from Wisconsin, and now Minnesota."

She is with a team of swimmers, boaters and other supporters on Tuesday to spread awareness and money.

Metastasis occurs when cancerous cells travel to a vital organ, and that is what threatens the lives of many.

"So I decided I wanted to raise awareness. What do I love to do? I love to swim," Gooze said. "So I'm going to go out and swim."

Tuesday, the 64-year-old swam all the way across Lake Nokomis and back again, all in less than hour. Gooze has a website where you can donate to Metastatic Breast Cancer Research.

It's called "One Woman, Many Lakes." To help the Gooze family raise funds, click here.