USAASF Trustee Joe Alwan Loses Battle with Cancer
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by Alyssa Jacobs, USA Artistic Swimming
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Artistic Swimming is saddened to share the news that Joe Alwan, USA Artistic Swimming Foundation Trustee and passionate artistic swimming dad, has passed away after a long battle with cancer. In his 59 years of life, Joe brought joy to many and made an impact wherever he went.
As a champion for youth in aquatic sports, Joe amassed more than 15 years of non-profit service in volunteer roles for Merrimack Valley YMCA including five years on the board of directors. Joe was a Trustee of the USA Artistic Swimming Foundation since 2017. Even when his health declined, he still dedicated his free time to advancing the mission of USAASF. He was integral to helping bring the foundation to record giving levels, developing the joint fundraising agreement between the national governing body and the foundation. He initially became involved in the sport when his youngest daughter, Grace, began swimming for ANA Synchro. Joe could be found cheering passionately for Grace at her local, national, international and eventually collegiate competitions. Before his passing, Joe was able to watch his daughter’s collegiate team, Stanford University, win a national championship last month.
“He had a brilliant mind, a free spirit and an effortlessly kind and open demeanor – a perfectly balanced recipe for being easy to talk to and leaving a lasting impression. These qualities amounted to an incredible gift for forging friendships wherever he went. Joe was devoted to his family and delighted by his friends,” the Alwan family shared in a Facebook post.
Joe will be missed by many but his legacy will live on. Karen Rosolowski, USAAF President, says his absence will be felt: "Joe's leadership was instrumental in all that the Foundation achieved in the last five years. He had a lasting impact on anyone he worked with."
Joe’s family asks that anybody interested make a financial contribution to the Prostate Cancer Foundation in his name to find a cure for the disease. You can find the link to donate HERE.
