The Flathead Lake Swim Series will host a series of swims this weekend in Big Arm to raise money for children with medical needs.

The 5-kilometer, 10-kilometer, 1-mile and half-mile swims are presented by The Enduring Waves Foundation.

The Foundation was created by Kalispell resident Emily von Jentzen, an accomplished long-distance swimmer who was the first woman to swim the length of Flathead Lake.

This year, to help raise money for local children Lily and Hayden, von Jentzen will swim the length of 30 lakes in 60 days for a total of more than 90 miles.

Lily, a 15-year old from Ronan, is completing a six-month stay at a Seattle hospital for treatment of a rare blood disorder and a bone marrow transplant. She enjoys playing ukulele, watching cooking shows, bike riding and swimming. The Foundation is raising money to pay for travel for Lily’s family.

Hayden, a 6-year old from Bigfork, is “noncommunicative” and has the label of “significant global delays.” She enjoys music, sunshine, water and chocolate. The Foundation is helping cover expenses related to her summer services, physical therapy, a new wheelchair and devices meant to help her communicate.

Carrie Jacobs, an organizer for the event, said the response has already been larger than expected.

“There are many out-of-state swimmers who are going to be attending this race due to a canceled 10K race in Washington due to low water levels,” she said. “We also have swimmers coming from around the state. We’re excited to host again this year and to raise funds for the Enduring Waves Foundation.”

The 5K race begins Friday at 6 p.m. and a 10K starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday. The two other races will follow Sunday morning.

For more information, visit www.enduringwaves.com.

Reporter Ryan Murray may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at rmurray@dailyinterlake.com.