Shark Attack Survivor and Paralympic Hero Ali Truwit Will Join Stew Leonard Jr. to Save Connecticut Children’s Lives

500 Life-Saving Swim Lessons for Connecticut Children to Be Announced

WHO:

Ali Truwit, Darien, CT native, Paralympic Silver Medalist swimmer, shark attack survivor, and founder of the Stronger Than You Think Foundation.

Stew Leonard Jr. and Kim Leonard, co-founders of Stewie the Duck Swim School, a nonprofit inspired by their late son Stewie Leonard III.

WHAT:

A powerful and inspiring event at Stewie the Duck Swim School, a nonprofit founded by Stew and Kim Leonard after the tragic loss of their 21-month-old son, Stewie, to drowning.

The event will feature Ali Truwit, a shark attack survivor whose remarkable journey from near death to Paralympic triumph has inspired millions. Despite losing her leg in the attack, Ali defied the odds to become a two-time silver medalist and American record-holder at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

Now, Ali is on a mission to save lives. Her Stronger Than You Think Foundation will donate $5,000 to fund 500 free or low-cost swim lessons, ensuring Connecticut children learn the skills needed to prevent drowning. Ali will also coach young swimmers during the event, sharing her story of courage and determination while teaching life-saving lessons.

WHY:

Both Ali Truwit and the Leonard family know the devastating consequences of water-related tragedies—and both have dedicated their lives to preventing them.

For Stew and Kim Leonard, heartbreak came in 1989 when their young son Stewie drowned in a backyard pool at just 21 months old. Determined to honor his memory, they founded Stewie the Duck Swim School, a nonprofit dedicated to water safety and drowning prevention.

For Ali, her tragedy struck while swimming in open water when a shark attack left her fighting for her life. She lost her leg but refused to lose her spirit. Swimming became her path to recovery, leading her to represent Team USA and inspire the world as a Paralympic medalist.

Ali’s $5,000 donation will directly fund 500 swim lessons, giving children—particularly those from underserved communities—the skills and confidence they need to stay safe in the water. This event underscores the importance of water safety education and honors the mission of both Ali and the Leonard family to ensure no family endures the pain of losing a child to preventable drowning.

RSVP:

Media interested in attending should RSVP to 203-283-6286 or media@stewleonardsmedia.com.

About Stewie the Duck Swim School:

Stewie the Duck Swim School was founded by Stew and Kim Leonard after losing their son Stewie to a tragic drowning accident. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to teaching children water safety and swim skills to prevent future tragedies.

About Stronger Than You Think Foundation:

Founded by shark attack survivor and Paralympic medalist Ali Truwit, the Stronger Than You Think Foundation empowers individuals to overcome adversity while promoting water safety and education to save lives.