Jeannie Zappe | Eternal Optimist
2026 English Channel
Swim for Alzheimer’s Awareness
Jeannie Zappe — motivational speaker, marathon swimmer, swim coach, and founder of Eternal Optimist — has spent much of her life proving that courage does not expire with age.
At 53, she swam 29 miles around Manhattan Island. At 55, she crossed the English Channel.
At 56, she became the 112th woman in history to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming by successfully swimming 20 miles and 17 hours from Catalina Island to Long Beach,
Jeannie is preparing for perhaps the most meaningful swim of her life: a 21-mile crossing of the English Channel in July 2026 in honor of her husband, Chris, following his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease in January 2024.
Chris devoted his life to education and academic leadership. A brilliant and respected professor, he served at the University of Florida, Bucknell University, and Gettysburg College, where he became a trusted and admired Provost.
His wisdom, leadership, and impact helped to shape countless students, faculty members, and academic communities throughout his career.
His diagnosis has deeply affected the entire Zappe family, including their sons Matt and Jack.
Every mile across the Channel will carry a deeper purpose:
To honor Chris, to support families facing dementia,
and to remind others
that courage and optimism can still rise,
even against impossible tides.
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As an Eternal Optimist, Jeannie refuses to let the story end in despair.
Through the same relentless determination that carried her across some of the world’s most demanding waters, she is now channeling her energy into raising awareness and support for the fight against dementia. This swim is more than an endurance challenge.
It is a declaration of love for her family. A fight for memory. A movement from “helpless” to “helpful”. A tribute to partnership. A statement that hope still matters — even in the hardest seasons of life.
Through Eternal Optimist, Jeannie is inviting others to join her mission by:
· Donating to support dementia research through Clear Thoughts Foundation
· Following her English Channel journey
· Sharing her story on social media
· Purchasing merchandise to support the cause
· Helping spread awareness for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease
Swimming For Memory
Supporting Families Facing Alzheimer’s
Motivational Speaker
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Triple Crown Open Water Swimmer
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Resilience
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Motivational Speaker ・ Triple Crown Open Water Swimmer ・ Resilience ・
