LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Despite the occasional muscle cramp on the nine-mile swim in South Lake Tahoe, Dave Shapiro’s focus was grounded in the rhythm, form and technique of his stroke with the image of his dad, Marvin, pushing him forward.

On Wednesday, July 29, Shapiro swam from the Cave Rock boat ramp to Camp Richardson in the second annual Swim for Him, a charity swim honoring his father and raising money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. The organization aims to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease, which Shapiro says his father lived stoically with until his passing around 40 years ago.

Taking advantage of the calmer waters, Shapiro entered Lake Tahoe under a full moon at 2 a.m., describing the lake as an abyss at the dark hour. He arrived at a sunny beach full of supporters, drinks and a well-earned meal around seven hours later.

The swim originally started as a way to honor his dad. Plans quickly turned into a charity event after Shapiro reunited with a friend, Justin Vedder, and got connected with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, raising $25,000 from the swim in the first year.

Shapiro also teamed up with his lifelong friend, Tadd Perkins, who provided aid from a support boat during this year and last year’s swim.

The two became fast friends in ninth grade after they were both new to town. They’ve been friends since and even worked together as ski patrollers in Tahoe for a time during their over 50 years of friendship.

“The stories we could tell,” Shapiro said. “We had a lot of fun stories and still do.”

The cause has a special place in both their hearts after Perkins’ father also bravely endured Parkinson’s.

The shared experience is something the two have been able to relate to and support each other through. Perkins witnessed Shapiro care for his father very early in their friendship. “It made me admire Dave,” Perkins said, “because he was just a high schooler at that time.”

Shapiro recalled attending football games with his father. “A lot of times we’d be sitting in the stands,” Shapiro recalled, “and he’d be shaking violently, and it would be hard to watch, and I would grab his hand and just still it for him.”

Perkins’ father was diagnosed with the disease later in life. A prominent jazz musician, Bill lost his ability to play due to the disease. “There’s a lot of devastating diseases,” Perkins said, “but it’s particularly cruel because it can take away some of your motor functions.”

Shapiro expressed gratitude to all those involved with the swim, including Restoring the Lakes Depths Foundation’s founder, Lindsay Kopf, and director of programs, Ryan Incerpi, for providing the boat. He also thanked those who donated online, those who provided support on the boat, and those who cheered him on at the finish line.

A core memory from this year’s swim is the moon setting over Mount Tallac ahead of Shapiro, and the simultaneous sunrise beside him. “It still gives me chills,” he said, “seeing both of those instances at the same time, it’s pretty powerful.”

Shapiro has raised around $38,000 so far, with a goal of $50,000.

To donate, visit: give.michaeljfox.org/fundraiser/7354598

For the next Swim for Him, in pursuit of raising more funds, Shapiro hopes to inspire corporate sponsors, as well as local and community business support.

He also hopes to swim farther and faster, welcoming others to join.