It gives me great pleasure to perform in character as the first person to swim the length of the Queen of American Lakes, Diane Struble.

I first learned about Diane from her daughter, Gwenne Rippon. I had heard Gwenne tell the story of her courageous Mother at our Story Circle and was immediately curious to learn more. I have visited Lake George all my life and I have swum in her clear cold waters many times. Gwenne and I first met at Story Circles, and I first heard her Mother’s story in Gwenne’s own words. she knew I was a storyteller but she didn’t know that I was a swimmer until she heard me tell the story of another great American swimmer, Lynne Cox. It was then that Gwenne asked me to tell her mother’s story.

I was honored and humbled. Diane is truly a strong woman who inspires me. Her story is one that we can all relate to. Her great swim is only a small part of who she was. She was a swimmer and dedicated to her sport. She was a hard worker who excelled at many different things. She was adventurous and she was not afraid to try new things and accept new challenges. And she was a Mother whose great accomplishments inspired her daughter to accept her own challenges. Gwenne has written a beautiful book, a loving tribute to her Mother. It is Gwenn’s extensive research that has given me rich material to create my tribute to Diane Struble, a Strong Woman who has Inspired Me.