Photo courtesy Lori Cerami
Southlake resident Lori Cerami turned an unimaginable tragedy into a mission that’s saving lives.
In 2016 after losing her daughter Elise, an accomplished 13 year old swimmer, to a drowning accident, Lori launched the Swim4Elise Foundation to honor her memory while also raising awareness for pool safety. . The foundation has grown to educate thousands of children annually on water safety while fostering community involvement through local and virtual races. Lori has tapped into the community and along with help from its volunteers Swim4Elise programs combine heart, personal storytelling, and practical education, that after a decade have created a legacy far bigger than anyone could have imagined.
THE MOMENTS THAT SHAPED ME WERE… seeing the first “water safety week” come together in 2017. Another swim mom had asked how we would honor Elise near her first anniversary. That question sparked the program that eventually became a full summer of daily lessons — showing me that sharing Elise’s story could truly make a difference.
ELISE’S LEGACY MEANS… seeing families and runners come together year after year. There’s a mix of joy and remembrance, and that energy reflects Elise herself: bringing people closer while teaching an important lesson.
MY MISSION IS… to create a “positive wave of change.” Through classroom programs, lifeguard scholarships, and community events, we hope every child in North Texas — and beyond — learns to advocate for themselves around water.
THE REALITY OF THE NUMBERS… fuels everything we do. In 2025, Texas lost 88 children to fatal drownings — and there are five to eight more nonfatal incidents for each fatality, leaving lifelong challenges. Each statistic represents a family navigating unimaginable grief, which reminds us that prevention is urgent and necessary.
THE MOST REWARDING FEEDBACK I’VE RECEIVED… is hearing that a child finally “gets it.” Parents often struggle to communicate water safety, but through storytelling, kids relate. They realize these lessons aren’t just rules — they’re personal.
THE TEAM ASPECT OF RUN4ELISE… is essential. We’re stronger together. Teams help spread awareness and multiply the impact of each participant, showing how a community can amplify safety messages while honoring Elise. And, even if you don’t want to run the 5K, you can still do the 1-mile walk or run. Some people think that this is just a fitness-only event, but if you can walk a mile, you can be a part of this event and help support this cause.
MY PERSONAL RESILIENCE… comes from turning grief into purpose. There’s a significant void where Elise once lived. Giving that emptiness meaning has been both humbling and motivating.
A MESSAGE FOR PARENTS IS… pay attention to age-specific risks. Infants are most at risk in bathtubs, toddlers in pools, and teens in open water. Boys drown at higher rates than girls. Awareness, supervision, and teaching kids to advocate for themselves saves lives.
THE VIRTUAL REACH IS… inspiring. This year, online participants span from California to Florida, extending Elise’s legacy far beyond North Texas.
IN LOOKING AHEAD… we’re working with USA Swimming and the American Red Cross to integrate the ‘Elise Pre-EAP’ into their programming. Our executive director, Vicki Lawrence, also released ‘The Vacation Kitten,’ a book touching on water safety education for children. The ultimate goal is simple: reach more kids, prevent more accidents, and keep Elise’s spirit alive in every lesson.
I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED… as someone who turned loss into action, inspired a community, and made water safety personal, meaningful, and life-saving for families everywhere.