The Barbados Heller Sibling Showdown: November 7, 2026

Celebrating 60 Years, Family Rivalry, and a Brother Who Will Always Be Part of the Race

Ten years ago, when I turned 50, I didn't ask for jewelry, a fancy dinner, or a vacation - I asked my four siblings to do the North Carolina 70.3 Half Ironman with me!

And they did.

All five of us took on 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of biking, and 13.1 miles of running. And when the dust settled, our brother Kevin claimed the family championship!

Now I'm turning 60, and apparently I still haven't learned how to ask for normal birthday presents.

This year, I've asked my siblings to join me at the Barbados Open Water Swim Festival on November 7, where we'll race 1.5 kilometers in the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

But this time, things are different.

In January 2021, we lost our brother Kevin to ALS.

Kevin was an incredible athlete. Like me, he swam all four years at West Point. He was also the first amateur swimmer to finish the Alcatraz swim in a race years ago. And, of course, he was the reigning champion of our family's 2016 birthday triathlon showdown!

So while only four of us will physically be swimming in Barbados, there will always be five siblings in this race.

And Kevin still has a chance to win!

PLACE YOUR BET! PICK YOUR SIBLING!

We're inviting all our friends and family to join the fun by making a charitable donation to back the sibling they think will win.

CAROL ANN - The All-American Water Woman

Former collegiate All-American, nationally ranked Masters swimmer in the 400 IM this year, and spent the entire summer in the pool teaching lessons. But does teaching count as training?

DAVE - The Open Water Specialist

Runs an open water swimming program and festival in Connecticut, has lost over 60 pounds this year, and has been training like a man on a mission. Is he the favorite?

KATIE BABY - The Family Nurse

Year-round swim coach, open water medal winner, and Masters Nationals competitor. She trains in Long Island Sound, so Barbados might feel like a heated swimming pool!

JJ - The Triathlon Wild Card

Successful triathlete, swimmer, cyclist, and connoisseur of red wine and peanuts. He's arriving in Barbados early to get a competitive advantage - or maybe just an early start on vacation!

KEVIN - The Defending Family Champion

Four-year West Point swimmer, Alcatraz swim conqueror, and winner of our 2016 sibling triathlon showdown. He's got the experience, the credentials, and the biggest cheering section in heaven.

And he doesn't even have to get wet this time!

HERE'S HOW YOUR DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Back Kevin: Your donation benefits Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS), supporting individuals and families facing ALS.

Back Carol Ann, Dave, Katie Baby, or JJ: Your donation benefits Hope Floats Foundation, providing swim scholarships through Point Me to the Water so more children can learn this lifesaving skill.

Every sibling has a chance to win the fundraising competition, regardless of who finishes the swim first.

TWO COMPETITIONS. TWO WINNERS. EVERYBODY BENEFITS!

The Barbados Birthday Swim Champion: The fastest sibling across the 1.5K finish line.

The GiveEmHeller Fundraising Champion: The sibling who inspires the most charitable donations.

So, who are you backing?

The All-American? The Open Water Specialist? The Family Nurse? The Triathlete? Or the Defending Champion?

Make your pick, support a great cause, and help me celebrate 60 years of life, love, family, and a little healthy competition!

Because the best birthday presents aren't things. They're memories we make together, and the good we can do along the way.

Five siblings. Four swimmers. One unforgettable birthday celebration.

In 2016, five siblings crossed the starting line together. In 2026, four of us will dive into the Caribbean, carrying the fifth in our hearts.

And as far as I'm concerned, that's the best 60th birthday present I could ever ask for.

Lots of love,
Carol Ann Redfield
Owner/Founder, Point Me To The Water
Proud Heller Sibling and 60-Year Old

About Hope Floats

Hope Floats Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit, operating throughout the United States to administer swim lesson scholarships in partnership with swim schools nationwide using a "local funds for local kids" model. We are proud of our partner swim schools for working with us to ensure that the high-quality swimming lessons they offer can be made accessible to children whose families would otherwise not be able to afford to participate. Drowning is a leading cause of childhood death, and participation in formal swimming lessons reduces the risk of drowning by 88%. Donations to Hope Floats Foundation are tax-deductible (EIN: 81-2681890). Please refer to our website for more information: https://www.hopefloats.foundation.

Heller Siblings Take Barbados!

Five Siblings, One Ocean, Two Great Causes