Son-In-Law Makes Rare 12-Mile Boston Harbor Swim To Honor Parkinson's Victim
BOSTON (CBS) – After watching his father-in-law suffer a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease, Kim Garbarino wanted to do something in his honor. So he took to the water for a memorable feat.
On Thursday Garbarino swam 12 miles from the North Washington Street bridge to Boston Light in 4 hours and 31 minutes.
Garbarino told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens that it was the first time since 1938 the swim has been accomplished.
While he was in the water, Garbarino's wife followed closely behind in a kayak to help him avoid boats and ferries that were maneuvering through the channel.
"Just trying to avoid getting run over was the main obstacle," said Garbarino, who has also swum across the English Channel.
Garbarino's father-in-law died several weeks ago after a fight with Parkinson's disease, which propelled him to honor a man he called a "great family man."
"I watched his slow, painful death I'm sorry to say," Garbarino said. "I never realized what a devastating illness (Parkinson's disease) is. I wanted to do something in memory of him."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
Man Makes Rare 12-mile Swim
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