Bangor - By mid-October, most of us have said, "See you next summer" to our bathing suits. But for a group of swimmers at the Bangor YMCA on Sunday, the time of year is actually what made them suit up.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the YMCA hosted an event called 'Splashfest' to benefit Caring Connections. It's a joint program of the Bangor YMCA and Eastern Maine Medical Center.

"We provide outreach and education about breast health and cervical health for women and we help facilitate women being able to get free mammograms and pap tests. And then we provide support services for women with breast cancer," said Suzanne Brunner, Director of Caring Connections.

Swimmers at all levels and ages made a splash at the fundraiser. They had to pay to register and also collected donations.

They swam for women who may someday get breast cancer, as well as survivors like Shannon Connor. Connor started volunteering for Caring Connections when she was diagnosed and now she works for the organization, helping women realize they're not alone in their battle.

"When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, they get a packet of materials to explain what radiation is, what chemo therapy is and that way they don't feel so lost and they know that we're here to help and support them," said Connor.

The swimmers supported them too, with every lap and every stroke.

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