THERE may be 13 years between them but Sam Smoothie (18) and Mimi Anderson (5) have a lot in common.
They were both diagnosed with cancer under the age of five, endured chemotherapy and in Sam’s case, beaten cancer.
Mimi was diagnosed with leukaemia two years ago and in July finished her final round of chemotherapy.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“Once a month she has a check up for two-and-a-half years and when she hits the five-year mark she’ll be in the clear,” Mimi’s dad James Anderson, of Mt Claremont, said.
Mimi’s journey inspired James and his swimming partner Ceinwen Roberts to establish the North Cottesloe Cold Water Classic raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation.
On Sunday October 23 300 people are expected to hit the water for the third annual swim competing for the Mimi Anderson Cup.
Sam will be one of them.
The Curtin University Commerce student was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma in his right leg when he was four-and-a-half years old.
“One day I just told me parents my leg started to hurt and started to complain constantly so mum took me to hospital and straight away the doctor picked it up,” Sam said.
“From there the journey began in hospital.
“I was admitted to PMH, I had chemo for two-and-a-half years.
“I remember some of the pain and spending a lot of time in hospital and I missed a lot of kindy, pre primary and Year 1.”
Sam got the all clear 10 years ago.
Despite only starting open water swimming less than three years ago, Sam has completed two solo Rottnest Channel Swims, the Port to Pub 25km event and this will be his third time swimming for the Mimi Anderson Cup.
Sam said Mimi’s attitude inspired him.
“She’s so positive, bright and chirpy even after all she’s been through,” he said.
James said Mimi was back at St Thomas’ Primary School with her friends and had started ballet and swimming lessons.
St Thomas’ will host a crazy hair day on Monday to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.
All entry frees from the North Cottesloe Cold Water Classic, which includes a 1.8km swim from the North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club to the Cottesloe pylon and back, as well as a 400m swim for nippers, will go to the Leukaemia Foundation.
Enter at https://www.mycause.com.au/events/northcottesloecoldwaterclassic.