When Emily Gangle of Medina was deciding how to celebrate her 12th birthday recently, the answer came in the form of a Swim for Diabetes brochure her mother had seen. Emily’s lifelong friend and fellow cheerleader, Jordan Cavanaugh, had passed away just weeks before from complications resulting from type 1 diabetes. Emily wanted to honor Jordan in some way. She decided to mark her birthday by forming a team in Jordan’s name and participating in Swim for Diabetes.
Emily assembled seven friends on April 4 at the Medina Community Recreation Center to swim and raise money to help those with diabetes. “I have fun memories of hanging out with Jordan and singing at football games together,” said Emily. “I thought being a part of Swim for Diabetes would be a fun way to celebrate while remembering her.” Team Jordan swam an average of 25 laps and raised money from friends and family supporting their efforts.
Jordan’s mother, Dawn, visited the pool that day to thank the girls and give each of them a special pink bracelet embossed with Jordan’s name on it as well as the line “Always in our Hearts.” Jordan was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just past her first birthday. According to Yvonne Gangle, Emily’s mother, Jordan was “simply an angel with a quiet smile that made people feel good.”
The girls continued the celebration at Emily’s house afterwards with a sleepover. Ironically, one of Emily’s other celebrants also has type 1 diabetes. This friend enjoyed her first-ever sleepover and taught the others a little about what life is like with diabetes.
Emily, a seventh-grader at Claggett Middle School in Medina, intends to continue swimming each year in memory of Jordan Cavanaugh. It is her way of giving back to others while keeping her friend “nearby.”
Many of the hundreds of people who participate in Swim for Diabetes are swimming in memory of someone dear or they’re honoring a special friend or relative. If you know of special Swim story, we’d love to hear it. Contact Stacey at 216-591-0800 or send it to information@diabetespartnership.org.
Team Jordan: Top row (l to r): Dawn Cavanaugh, Lauren Gangle, Middle Row (l to r): Meghan Haney, Emily Gangle, Christina Davis, Bottom row (l to r); Jill Tucker, Alexis Shienkaruk, Kathleen Wagner
Team Jordan at Medina Community Recreation Center
Emily Gangle and Meghan Haney
Special Jordan Cavanaugh bracelets
Jordan Cavanaugh