Once again, Jeffrey Maimone of Bayville will be keeping up a family tradition - swimming in the annual Red Cross Swim-a-Cross on Friday, Aug. 11. For the past 15 years, Jeff swam with his mother, Renata Maimone, who died two years ago at the age of 87. Last year Jeffrey swam solo, but with the memory of his mother with him. Renata was the delight of the Red Cross as she inspired many people to join in the swim.

This year, it wasn't an easy decision for Jeff because he had a total knee replacement on May 24, but with time and lots of physical therapy, he is ready to get into the swim.

He said, "I plan now to participate in the 'Swim-a-Cross' on Aug. 11, which is a mile swim to raise money for the Red Cross. Two months after surgery I was able to swim a mile for the first time. And, I have to thank all my therapists for that."

Mr. Maimone had encouragement for anyone who needs knee surgery. He said, "If you work hard with your physical therapists, you will be back before you know it."

He added, "It seems that all my hard work has paid off. It's been a long process to get to this stage. It took a great many wonderful people to make it happen. Add to that the people at the 'very gentle' Active Motion (a plug) for helping me so much."

Mr. Maimone explained the process. He said, "I was operated on May 24 for a left knee total replacement at North Shore University Hospital at Glen Cove, by Dr. Eugene Krauss, who heads their orthopedic department. With an epidural block and a concoction of pills I had to take, I was left in a semivegetative state for the three days I stayed at the hospital. My knee was put in a CPM machine for two hours a day to mechanically bend the knee until it reached 110 degrees of movement. That took about five days. I don't remember much else which is a blessing.

"From there I was transferred to the Glengariff Health Care Center on Dosoris Lane in Glen Cove. I spent 11 days there in a room for two, with two physical therapy sessions a day done by wonderfully trained and caring therapists. They were firm with me but listened to what was going on with me during the therapy. And of course the knee still needed to be in the CPM machine for its customary two hours a day. The nursing staff was excellent, and now when I think back on it - everyone who worked there was pleasant.

"I was released on June 7 to go home and start out-patient therapy as soon as possible. On Saturday, June 10, I went to Active Motion Physical Therapy in Oyster Bay where they did an evaluation of my knee, and set up a plan of action. I was set up to go three times a week until I reached 24 visits and would see where I was at that time.

"My therapists were Connie Monahan and Kevin Taylor and it didn't take me long to feel at ease with them. They greeted everyone who came in for PT with a friendly hello and 'how do you feel today' - and they genuinely meant it.

"I made steady progress with them, and on the off-days I swam in the Sound and took walks of one to two hours. What was refreshing about Connie and Kevin was that they were reasonable, if one of the exercises hurt you in some way. If you communicated with them about what part of your body was hurting they would adjust the exercises to fit you, and get the same results.

"They paid attention to details as you went through the therapy session so you got the most out of it. Both of them firmly pushed you along toward your goal because of the many years of experience they have. At the same time they would listen to all your fears and pains and with honest caring let you know what was happening to you. It gave me a feeling of trust, but more importantly in these times, a feeling of people who really care. Active Motion is lucky to have Connie and Kevin as their employees, but more importantly I'm the lucky one to benefit."

The American Red Cross in Nassau County (ARC/Nassau) encourages swimmers 12 years of age and older to join in its 17th Annual Swim-A-Cross on Friday, Aug. 11, at Centre Island Beach in Bayville. All proceeds will benefit local ARC/Nassau services, including disaster relief and lifesaving programs in health and safety.

Check-in is at noon and the swim begins at 1 p.m. at Centre Island Beach. ARC/Nassau encourages spectators to come and cheer on the swimmers. There is no time limit to finish the swim, just swimming for a good cause. Participants must have a strong swimming background and must be able to swim a mile in a pool. All spectators and swimmers are provided with refreshments.

This year, the American Red Cross in Nassau County honors the All-American Hero. Participants are encouraged to swim in honor of an individual whom they consider to be heroic. All-American Heroes may be fighters, role models, soldiers, guardians, community activists, an unsung champion, or any individual who turned compassion into action.

The preregistration fee is $25 and day of registration is $35 at the beach. Raise $50 in sponsorships and receive a Swim-A-Cross T-shirt. Other prizes are available for sponsorships of more than $50. For registration information, call ARC/Nassau at 747-3500, ext. 215 or download a registration form from www.NassauRedCross.org. The Red Cross receives no government support and relies solely on the community for support. The ARC/Nassau is located at 195 Willis Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501.