On Sunday, September 21, 2025, history was made in Chicago.

The Chicago River has had a notorious reputation for being polluted. In 1900, engineers even reversed its flow to send industrial waste and raw sewage away from Lake Michigan toward the Mississippi River. Over the decades, it's said that about 100 cars are still sunk at the bottom.

But for the first time in a century, swimmers were allowed to race in the Chicago River. Nearly 300 people swam a one- or two-mile course through the city’s iconic downtown.

The event, which benefited ALS research, wasn’t just about endurance.

It was a celebration of the river’s recovery. After a long cleanup effort, it now supports over 70 species of fish. Recent testing confirmed it finally meets federal swimming standards.

And in the middle of this historic event? My sister.

She was the oldest swimmer in the race at age 71. Family and grandchildren cheered her on. We all thought she was brave just for jumping in! I warned her to watch out for cars!

Instead, she loved the view as she swam. The water was calm and comfortable. She wasn’t in it to win it, like her grandson hoped.

She knew that if she wanted to age well, she needed to keep active and live with purpose. When foot pain kept her from hiking, she didn't give up. She turned to swimming. She’s even swum the open waters in Mallorca.

My sister is living proof of what Caroline Paul, in her book, Tough Broad, describes. It heralds women who boldly defy society’s expectations of aging.

I, too, believe we can feel younger than the candles on our birthday cake.

My sister's story is a reminder: challenge the "normal" aging ways.

Rejuvenate yourself like the Chicago River -- begin with my 3-Day Reboot
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