Swim For Richard Raises Funds and Awareness of Bipolar Disorder

Three Y’s Guys with One Common Cause

On April 23^rd, 2011, for the second consecutive year, the Three Y’s Guys of the Somerset Hills YMCA will embark on a challenging 24 mile marathon swim in the waters of Tampa Bay, FL to raise funds and awareness about bipolar disorder. Martino Caretto of Basking Ridge, Paul Kiell of Far Hills and Doug Munch of Morristown, their ages averaging 68 years, will swim the 24-mile distance as a relay. Funds raised will benefit Saturdays in Motion. Held at the Somerset Hills YMCA for the past nineteen years, it is a recreational program benefiting children with autism and their families.

Caretto’s son tragically lost his life in April 2009 after waging a valiant and painful battle with bipolar disorder. A 2005 graduate of Lawrenceville, and a Bloustein scholar that recognizes academic excellence, Richard Caretto was a volunteer at Saturdays in Motion and will always be remembered for his generosity, sharp sense of humor and his sensitivity to social problems. “Richard also tutored special needs children and volunteered over 200 hours of community service assisting patients with dementia,” said Richard’s father, Martino.

The Three Y’s Guys are hopeful that Swim For Richard will generate interest and dialogue about bipolar disorder. “Richard had his whole life ahead of him,” said Caretto. “If our efforts bring relief to another individual or spare other families the devastating pain that has been inflicted on mine, then the Three Y’s Guys will feel a great sense of achievement. No matter how much we raise, the friendship and support of those around us has been of great comfort to me and my family. A lack of understanding about this disorder often leads to it being swept under the carpet. The stigma generally attached to mental disorders needs to be dispelled so that progress in research can be made and more support can be offered to individuals and families in need,” added Caretto.

Contributions of $50 or more will receive an autographed copy of Dr. Paul Kiell’s new book Exercise and the Mind and all contributors will receive an honorary blue ribbon. Please make (tax deductible) checks payable to the Somerset Hills YMCA. Mail to Somerset Hills YMCA, Development Department – Swim For Richard, 140 Mount Airy Rd, Basking Ridge NJ 07920.  

For more information, please visit www.somersethillsymca.org or contact Kelly Castro at 908.766.7898 or kcastro@somersethillsymca.org.

The Somerset Hills YMCA is a charitable community service organization, rooted in Christian values and dedicated to helping all people grow in spirit, mind and body.  We are guided by our core principles of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

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