MS Now’s Peter Alexander Pays Tribute to Sister with Rare Disorder Before Her Alcatraz Swim: ‘You Inspire Me Every Day’

**Sisterly Determination: Rebecca Alexander’s Inspirational Swim to Raise Awareness for Usher Syndrome**

In a remarkable show of determination, Rebecca Alexander, who faces the challenges of Usher syndrome, is set to undertake a daunting swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco. This 1.25-mile swim will not only showcase her incredible spirit but also raise funds for the Usher Syndrome Society, an organisation devoted to funding research into the condition. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, and is part of the USH X Swim Alcatraz initiative.

Rebecca’s brother, Peter Alexander, a journalist for MS Now, shared the story of his sister during the Friday, October 16 episode of State of Play. With pride in his voice, he detailed the challenges that Rebecca, 47, has faced since being diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder. Usher syndrome is known for causing progressive vision and hearing loss, making Rebecca’s swim all the more extraordinary.

Rebecca, who is both a psychotherapist and an endurance athlete, received her diagnosis at the age of 19. It was during her childhood that she first noticed symptoms of the condition. The progressive nature of Usher syndrome means that her current vision is akin to viewing the world through a narrow straw, as Peter explained in his heartfelt tribute to his sister.

“Imagine preparing for a mile-and-a-half swim with limited vision and no functional hearing,” Peter reflected. He labelled Rebecca as “badass” for her courage and highlighted the critical importance of the swim in raising both money and awareness for the society dedicated to combating the disorder.

Joining Rebecca on this challenging expedition will be their sister Lauren, who will act as her support swimmer. Having undertaken the swim across the cold waters of San Francisco Bay before, Rebecca previously completed this challenge a decade ago, proving her audacity and commitment despite her visual and auditory impairments.

Peter expressed his admiration for both sisters, saying, “You inspire me every day.” With an unmistakable blend of admiration and pride, he encouraged them as they prepared for the challenge ahead, reinforcing the sense of familial support that underscores their journey.

Rebecca has been vocal about her struggles with Usher syndrome, sharing her experiences with vision and hearing loss during a recent appearance on TODAY in May 2024. From the age of 12, Rebecca grappled with deteriorating vision, which left her feeling disoriented. In her childhood, going to the cinema would often mean grasping a friend’s arm for guidance, as navigating her environment became increasingly daunting.

By her teenage years, Rebecca was using hearing aids, but at the time, doctors did not link this to her vision issue. As she transitioned to college, her hearing sharply declined, compounded by the challenges of tinnitus, which made communication exceedingly difficult.

Finally, a visit to medical professionals led to her diagnosis of Usher syndrome type 3. This diagnosis was a heavy burden for young Rebecca. Initially, she struggled to process the implications of her condition, developing superficial coping strategies along the way.

However, instead of allowing her diagnosis to define her, Rebecca chose to embrace it. She has since sought to become a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. As she articulated in a previous interview, the opportunity to serve as a role model for those who feel isolated by their conditions has been profoundly healing for her.

“It almost feels like you’re healing your inner child,” Rebecca reflected, expressing the fulfilment that comes from inspiring others and demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.

As Saturday approaches, the Alexander family is undoubtedly brimming with pride, as Rebecca’s determination not only raises awareness for Usher syndrome but also serves as a reminder of the unbreakable spirit of individuals living with disabilities. The swim from Alcatraz will not only be a personal victory for Rebecca but also an important moment for all those affected by genetic disorders.