Ethan and Gavin Morrobel

Ethan and Gavin, originally from Mississauga, Canada, moved to New Jersey in 2014 where they now live. The brothers were high school varsity athletes in multiple sports and competed nationally in para-athletic events. In 2019, they won national para-swimming championships and were named All-American para-swimmers. Currently Ethan is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Aerospace, while Gavin is studying for a combined Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Finance.

Gavin and Ethan have been raising awareness and speaking at events since they were diagnosed with Usher syndrome 1b in 2009. They are mentors for youth activities at the USH Connections Conferences, the camps for youth with Usher syndrome in the US, UK and Australia and the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network’s Deaf Mentor Program.

They have shared parts of their journey with the Usher Syndrome Society’s Sense Stories, with SPAN’s Amplify Advocacy video series and through articles they have written for Exceptional Parent magazine.

Ethan and Gavin are undertaking this challenging swim to raise funds for scientific research and the development of treatments for Usher syndrome. They invite friends, family, and supporters to back their mission by making a contribution to the Usher Syndrome Society.