Hundreds walk & swim for cancer

Fairfield, Conn. (WTNH) - Swimmers and walkers flocked the the Farifield University RecPlex for the 23rd annual St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound Aquathon and Walk-a-thon Friday.

This year's event was held in honor of nine-year old Dylan Fortunato and six year old Justin Purviance both of Milford.

Fortunato was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia three years ago. This past March, with only two treatments to go before he was officially in remission, his cancer returned. Fortunato started chemotherapy in June and will continue to receive treatments for the next several months.

Purviance was diagnosed with lymphatic leukemia just one day after his sixth birthday. Purviance responded well to treatments but this past February the cancer came back. Purviance had a bone marrow transplant on May 7th and remains in the hospital.

Each year the aquathon event is dedicated to one or more people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Approximately $15,000 was raised at Friday's event. Last year more than $20,000 went to help those stricken by cancer.