To most people, swimming is a recreational activity or a way to get exercise. To Stella Sato of Massapequa, however, swimming is a way to honor the memory of the victims of the World Trade Center attack, while raising much-needed funds.

The American Red Cross in Nassau County (ARC/Nassau) recently presented a plaque to Sato for her tireless efforts in becoming the swimmer who raised the most sponsorship money for the ARC/Nassau's 13th Annual Swim-a-Cross in Oyster Bay Harbor. Sato raised $2,430, mostly from her co-workers at ABC-TV in Manhattan. The money raised will support ARC/Nassau's disaster relief and lifesaving programs.

Sato has been a participant in the Swim-a-Cross since 1996, however this year she said her swim had a more personal meaning. She swam in memory of Donald DiFranco, a colleague who worked for WABC-TV's transmission facility at the top of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. On September 11, he perished in the arracks. She also swam in memory of 24 fallen firefighters killed in the attacks who were stationed at the firehouse located closest to ABC-TV headquarters.

"This year's Swim-a-Cross, which occurred less than three weeks before the first anniversary of the attacks, had a more profound tone," Sato explained. "There was a greater sense of meaning and community. Where the event is usually full of laughter and jokes, participants were more somber and contemplative." Calling the Swim-a-Cross a very worthy event, Sato said, "It is important to remember September 11 and aid ARC/Nassau in any way possible."

The 13th Annual Swim-a-Cross turned out to be a record-breaking event. Last year, 149 swimmers raised $22,000. This year, 163 people swam and the event raised more than $25,000. The Swim-a-Cross is a one-mile swim across Oyster Bay Harbor.