Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Motor City Mile community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Rogel Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/detroit.
SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – LONG ISLAND SOUND IN THE NEWS
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Long Island Sound community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Cancer Center, Cancer Support Team, and Weill Cornell Medical Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/long_island.
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34th Annual Swim Across America Makes Waves to Fight Cancer July 25 on Long Island Sound
Nearly 1,000 Swimmers Participate in Annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound Open Water Swim July 25
One of the nation’s largest charity swims in the nation, the 34th annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim aims to raise $2.5 million for cancer research — and every swimmer has a story
For the Stokes family of New Rochelle, New York, diving into Long Island Sound and swimming with thousands of others who are all making waves to fight cancer on Saturday, July 25, for the 34th annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim, is a way of bringing hope to their own family and to others who have been touched by cancer. Team Stoked to Fight Cancer originally joined Swim Across America in 2023 in honor of Leo Stokes, who was diagnosed with leukemia in November 2022 at just 5-years-old. In February 2025, Leo rang the bell marking the end of his treatment — a milestone for him and his family. But while Leo is now in remission and doing well, his mother, Leanna Stokes, age 36, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in October 2023. Leanna is currently participating in a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — one of the swim’s beneficiaries — and is on the new medication daraxonrasib, which has recently drawn national attention for its promise in treating pancreatic cancer.
“No one fights cancer alone,” noted Team Stoked to Fight Cancer team captain Brittany Freeman, Leanna’s childhood best friend, and also a New Rochelle, New York resident. “Through every high and low, it’s the Stokes’ strength and spirit that keep their family and friends going. They show us all what it means to be strong, faithful and full of hope. We swim to honor Leanna and Leo, and every brave cancer mom and kid — past, present and future.”
“My family and I have been touched very closely by cancer,” said Eddie Stokes, Leanna’s husband and Leo’s dad, who also lost his mother, Patricia, to lung cancer shortly after Leo’s diagnosis. “I swim in memory of my mom and in honor of Leo and Leanna to raise money for groundbreaking research. Leo and Leanna have both personally seen the benefits of funded research during their treatments. We rejoiced when my strong, resilient son finished his treatment and had a top-notch bell-ringing ceremony. As my wife continues her battle, I swim on the Stoked to Fight Cancer team created by Leanna’s best friend Brittany. No one fights cancer alone.”
Nearly 1,000 swimmers and hundreds of volunteers will take to the water on Saturday, July 25, 2026, for the 34th annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim in Larchmont, New York — one of the largest Swim Across America events in the nation. Since its first Westchester County swim in 1992, Swim Across America – Long Island Sound has raised more than $32 million for cancer research, care and patient support services in the New York City area for its local beneficiaries: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and Cancer Support Team. Following a record-breaking fundraising year last year, the 2026 goal is to raise $2.5 million in 2026. The open water swim is joined by eight community pool swims across Westchester County running June 26 through August 1.
Swimmers and land and water volunteers (boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders) can register at swimacrossamerica.org/longislandsound.
The July 25 open water swim is a point-to-point swim that begins at the Larchmont Yacht Club, 1 Woodbine Ave., and finishes at the Larchmont Shore Club, 1 Oak Bluff Ave. Swimmers can choose 2K, 5K and 10K distances, with 10K swimmers crossing Long Island Sound from Glen Cove, New York, on Long Island, to the Larchmont Shore Club. The minimum fundraising requirement is $500 for 2K and 5K swimmers and $5,000 for 10K swimmers. For those who prefer a pool to open water, a half-mile same-day pool swim is offered at the Larchmont Shore Club.
“Every year, our Swim Across America – Long Island Sound community reminds us that this event is about hope, action and the power of coming together,” said Jean Fufidio, event director of Swim Across America – Long Island Sound. “Whether someone swims 10K, 5K or 2K in Long Island Sound, joins a pool swim, participates virtually through SAA My Way, or comes out to volunteer on the land or water, every stroke and every dollar helps support the doctors, researchers and caregivers who are making breakthroughs in cancer care.”
To learn more about Swim Across America – Long Island Sound or to register to swim, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/longislandsound.
SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – FAIRFIELD COUNTY IN THE NEWS
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America – Fairfield County community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, at swimacrossamerica.org/fc.
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SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NASHVILLE IN THE NEWS
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Nashville community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/nashville.
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From Supporter to Survivor: Why Mark Monson Makes Waves
When Mark Monson first participated in Swim Across America – Dallas in 2016, he joined because he loved to swim and wanted to support a cause that had impacted family and friends affected by cancer.
What began as a way to give back became deeply personal in January 2022 when Mark was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer.
“Before my diagnosis, I supported Swim Across America because of the people in my life who had fought cancer,” said Mark. “After my diagnosis, the swim became much more personal.”
Now 49 and living in Frisco, Texas, Mark is celebrating a milestone that once seemed uncertain: he currently has no evidence of disease.
Over the past 10 years, Mark has raised approximately $15,000 for Swim Across America – Dallas. This year, he will once again take part in the annual open water swim on Saturday, September 19 at Lake Rockwall, benefiting Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center.
His experience as both a participant and survivor fuels his commitment to the cause.
“I am motivated to continue raising money because I know precisely where the money goes, and I can see progress being made,” Mark said.
Proceeds from the SAA-Dallas community event are granted to the Texas Cancer Interception Institute (TCII) within Baylor Scott & White. The TCII brings together advanced technology, research and care teams to help detect cancer at its earliest stages — when it is most treatable.
“Fifteen years ago, my diagnosis was a death sentence. At the time I’m writing this, I have no evidence of disease. I want that for everyone who is diagnosed with cancer.”
For Mark, Swim Across America is about more than fundraising. The annual event motivates him to stay active and provides an opportunity to connect with a community united by a common purpose.
“Swim Across America motivates me to keep pushing to be able to swim each year,” he said. “I also enjoy seeing friends there, both old and new.”
As Mark prepares for another Swim Across America – Dallas event, he hopes his story serves as a reminder that every dollar raised helps move cancer research forward and brings hope to patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis.
If you are moved to support Mark, give here.
Darien Swimmers Make Waves at 20th Annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim
Swim Across America Founder Matt Vossler, Team Darien YMCA Piranhas and Darien Blue Wave Swimmers Highlight Darien’s Deep Ties to June 20 Cancer Benefit Swim
From the founder of Swim Across America to the next generation of young swimmers diving in to fight cancer, Darien will be well represented at the 20th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim on Saturday, June 20, at Dolphin Cove in Stamford.
The annual swim benefits Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, headquartered in Stamford and the nation’s only nonprofit dedicated to funding cancer cell and gene therapy. Established in 2007, Swim Across America – Fairfield County has raised more than $8.2 million for cancer research, supporting ACGT grants advancing better treatments and clinical trials for brain cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, solid tumors and, this year, ovarian cancer.
For Darien resident Matt Vossler, the Fairfield County swim is part of a much larger story that began nearly four decades ago. Vossler co-founded Swim Across America in 1987 after he and a small group of friends first ran across America, and then decided that more can swim than run, so in 1987, he and a group of swimmers, including some notable Olympians at that time, crossed Long Island Sound to raise money for cancer research. Since then, Swim Across America has grown into a national nonprofit holding open water and pool swims across the country – in 27 communities across America! Vossler remains a constant presence at Swim Across America – Fairfield County, helping lead the safety team and standing on the beach each year to count swimmers down as they enter the water and his family has been involved every year as well, swimming, volunteering, paddle boarding and boating.
“Matt Vossler helped create a movement that has changed the landscape of cancer research philanthropy,” said Nancy Carr, event director of Swim Across America – Fairfield County and a two-time cancer survivor. “He is still inspiring the next generation to make waves to fight cancer. It is incredibly special to have that legacy rooted right here in Darien and Fairfield County.”
That next generation includes Shep Jennings, a Darien swimmer and team captain of Team Darien YMCA Piranhas. Shep swims year-round with the Darien YMCA Piranhas and has already made a major impact as a young fundraiser for Swim Across America – Fairfield County. After first joining the swim in 2024, he quickly became one of the event’s top young fundraisers, raising thousands of dollars for cancer research and inspiring teammates, friends and family to get involved.
One of Shep’s YMCA Piranhas teammates is Jedd Gallagher, whose family’s story underscores why cancer research funding matters.
Jedd swims in honor of his grandmother, Mary Jo Re, who passed away in 2024 from glioblastoma, and his father, John Gallagher, a survivor of stage 4 metastatic melanoma. John was diagnosed at age 30, on his birthday, June 20, and battled cancer for eight years. His treatment journey included surgery to remove the original tumor, a vaccine trial, surgeries to remove lung metastases, biochemotherapy, high-dose IL-2, removal of his left lung, six brain surgeries, three rounds of radiation to the brain, oral chemotherapy and interferon shots.
John was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and was cared for by Jedd Wolchok, MD, Ph.D., a physician-scientist whose work helped establish immunotherapy as a standard approach to cancer treatment. Jedd Gallagher is named in honor of Dr. Wolchok, who helped save his father’s life.
“I swim in honor of my grandmother, Mary Jo Re, who bravely fought and finally succumbed to glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, and for my dad John Gallagher, a survivor of stage 4 metastatic melanoma,” said Jedd Gallagher. “Swim Across America is important to my family as we believe in funding those doctors and researchers who are trying to find cures for some of the most devastating cancers such as those that have impacted my family. I am very proud to be named in honor of Dr. Jedd Wolchok, who saved my dad’s life.”
Darien’s connection to Swim Across America – Fairfield County also extends to the high school swim community. The Darien Blue Wave Swim and Dive team, under longtime coach Marj Trifone and now captained by Caroline Gies and Heili Jalakas, has been a longtime participant in the Fairfield County swim, bringing generations of Darien swimmers into the mission of making waves to fight cancer. Together with Team Darien YMCA Piranhas, Darien’s young swimmers are helping carry forward Swim Across America’s tradition of combining athleticism, teamwork and service to support lifesaving cancer research.
The 20th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County open water swim will take place Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Dolphin Cove, 96 Cummings Point Road, in Stamford, on the Greenwich/Stamford border. The event welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels to help make waves to fight cancer. Participants may choose from a half-mile, 1.5-mile or 3-mile swim course, and children ages 11 and younger can participate in a fun Kids’ Splash along the shore. A virtual SAA My Way option is also available. For registration, volunteer opportunities, or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/fc.
“For this 20th year of making waves to fight cancer, we are celebrating the individuals and families who have built this swim and the young swimmers who are carrying it forward,” Nancy Carr said. “From Matt Vossler, who helped launch Swim Across America, to Shep Jennings, Jedd Gallagher, Team Darien YMCA Piranhas and the Darien Blue Wave swimmers, Darien represents the full circle of this mission: swimming with purpose, raising money for research and helping give cancer patients and families hope.”
Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to the FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. The organization also recently awarded two first-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, advancing novel CRISPR gene and base editing techniques used in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and cellular therapies. Swim Across America supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.
For those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating to the 20th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County open water swim on Saturday, June 20, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/fc.
Swim Across America is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.
Hope Got Me Through: Jeff Schneider’s Journey from Diagnosis to Remission
On Saturday, July 25, hundreds of supporters will Make Waves to Fight Cancer at Jetties Beach for the annual Swim Across America – Nantucket open water swim. Many of those supporters have a personal connection to the Swim Across America mission. They may be cheering on a swimmer, sharing their own cancer journey, or volunteering in honor of a loved one.
For Jeff Schneider, that connection became deeply personal when he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. For many years, Jeff cheered on his daughter, Rachel, as she swam at the event. Now he also cheers on his grandchildren who participate in the kids’ splash along the shore.
Jeff has been his family’s loudest cheerleader, and he saw that support return back to him when he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2023.
“At age 56 I was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. A hell of a thing to be told you have three to five years to live,” shared Jeff.
Jeff quickly sought treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a long-time beneficiary of Swim Across America funding through the Boston community. He underwent surgery, radiation and hormone therapy.
“I like to say they threw everything including the kitchen sink at me,” joked Jeff.
After a two-year fight, Jeff was declared in remission and he has remained in good health ever since. Jeff is grateful to organizations like Swim Across America, which funds groundbreaking immunotherapy treatment in communities across the country.
Proceeds from the Swim Across America – Nantucket community swim support cancer treatment and patient care at Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket, and cancer research at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. Through the efforts of these organizations and the support of SAA – Nantucket, residents and visitors alike can receive outstanding cancer treatment and support on the island.
“This is why I am so committed to doing whatever I can to support the important work Swim Across America makes possible,” shared Jeff.
“My wife, children, six grandchildren, and my friends all are grateful for the part Swim Across America played in keeping me – and so many other patients – around much longer than three to five years.”
Jeff’s daughter, Rachel, her husband, and their four daughters swim each year as part of Team Jeff, continuing to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.
Now that Jeff is on the other side of his two-year battle, he reflects on what kept him going through the darkest times.
“Throughout my battle with stage 4 prostate cancer I had hope,” shared Jeff.
“I had hope and kept it close. Hope got me through the worst of times. Hope helped me bear the surgery, radiation and the nasty hormone therapy drug I had to take for two years.”
“Hope eased the fear and dried the tears that came whether I wanted them or not.”
This hope is what keeps Jeff and his family dedicated to Swim Across America. If you are moved to support Team Jeff and SAA-Nantucket, click here.
Swim Across America – Nashville Makes Waves to Fight Cancer at 5th Annual Pool Swim on June 14
Team Relay at Ensworth Natatorium to Benefit Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Swim Across America, the nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer by holding charity swims across the nation, will host the 5th annual Swim Across America – Nashville Pool Swim on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Ensworth Natatorium, 7401 Tennessee Highway 100, in Nashville. The community charity swim is a Team Relay event that welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels who are passionate about fighting cancer. Proceeds benefit Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, with a 2026 goal of raising $100,000 to support cancer care and research in Nashville. For registration and volunteer opportunities, or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/nashville.
Established in 2022, Swim Across America – Nashville has raised more than $375,000 for Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, helping support cancer research, care and hope for individuals and families facing cancer.
For 23-year-old Aly Corb, an associate board member with Swim Across America and one of the planning committee members for the Nashville swim, the event is deeply personal. Aly, who currently lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been part of Swim Across America since she was just 8 years old and is now participating for her 16th year with the organization. One of the factors in her decision to attend college in Tennessee was the opportunity to help bring Swim Across America to the state. This year, she is diving in again to help organize the Nashville event at the Ensworth Natatorium.
Aly swims in memory of her brother, Michael, who sadly passed away from mixed lineage leukemia when he was just 9 months old. This past March, Aly and her family celebrated what would have been Michael’s 20th birthday; this December will mark 20 years without him.
“Although he lost his battle with cancer when he was only 9 months old, his memory is the reason this cause has meant so much to me and why Swim Across America has become such an important part of my life,” said Aly. “Every year when I swim, I do it in his honor, with the hope that together we can create a different future, one without cancer.”
Aly originally set her 2026 fundraising goal at $20,000 in honor of Michael’s 20th birthday. After quickly surpassing that goal and raising more than $25,000, she increased her goal to $30,000 — a threshold she has never reached before. Throughout the past 15 years with Swim Across America, Aly has raised more than $230,000 for cancer research, including $140,000 benefitting another Swim Across America beneficiary, Johns Hopkins Medicine, where Michael was treated.
“No matter where I swim, the money will still be going to help those fighting for their lives,” said Aly. “Whether you swim, donate or volunteer, you are helping to make a difference and save the lives of current and future cancer patients.”
Aly’s connection to cancer extends beyond her brother. She also swims in memory of her great-aunt Alison, her uncle Michael, and former teammate Garrett Brown, and in honor of family members and friends who have faced cancer.
“To me, this event is not just about raising money to find a cure; it’s to honor and remember those who fought their battle and prevent other parents, siblings and families from going through the loss of a loved one,” noted Aly Corb. “That’s why I want to do everything I can so other families won’t go through what my family and I have gone through.”
Another swimmer, Tara Helmer, who lives in Nashville, also brings a deeply personal connection to the event. For Helmer, Swim Across America combines three important parts of her life: swimming, research, and her own experience as a cancer patient at Vanderbilt.
“I swim because Swim Across America combines three very important aspects of my life,” noted Tara. “My husband and daughter are very involved in the swim community. In fact, my husband is a former swimmer and current high school coach, and my daughter is a competitive swimmer.
Tara has also worked in research administration at Vanderbilt for about 20 years, supporting researchers across the institution. She also has been a cancer patient at Vanderbilt since 2016, when she was initially diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. In 2023, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to work with brilliant and passionate researchers across the institution over the years,” said Tara. “I am truly blessed and thankful for Dr. Park and all of the other incredible cancer researchers. I know far too many who have been diagnosed with cancer and have lost their lives to it. We’ve come such a long way, but still have a long way to go. Organizations like Swim Across America that support cancer research definitely help move the needle in the right direction. I also know that cancer patients like myself are always buying time until the next treatment or a cure is available. Having an organization dedicated to advancing cancer research is critical, and it gives cancer patients hope. If sharing my story helps even just one patient feel less scared, it is worth it.”
Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to the FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. The organization also recently awarded two first-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, advancing novel CRISPR gene and base editing techniques used in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and cellular therapies. Swim Across America supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.
For those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating to the 5th annual Swim Across America – Nashville Pool Swim on June 14, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/nashville.
Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.
Swimmers to Dive in to Make Waves to Fight Cancer at 8th Annual Swim Across America – Motor City Mile on July 10
Annual Open Water Swim Benefits Cancer Research at University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Swim Across America, the national nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer through charity swims across the U.S., will host its eighth annual Swim Across America – Motor City Mile Open Water Swim on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Belle Isle Beach House, at Oakway and Riverbank Drive, in Detroit. The community swim welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels, from first-time open water swimmers to veteran athletes and master swimmers, even some Olympic swimmers join in, with swim options including a quarter-mile, half-mile, 1-mile and 2-mile swim. For those unable to participate in person, a virtual SAA My Way option is also available. Proceeds benefit cancer research at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, where roughly 500 researchers are working to prevent cancer, improve outcomes for those diagnosed and improve quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. To register to swim, volunteer or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/motorcitymile.
“Swim Across America – Motor City Mile is a powerful and inspiring event that brings together swimmers, volunteers, cancer survivors, families and supporters who all share the same goal: making waves to fight cancer,” said Patrick Weiss, one of the event directors of Swim Across America – Motor City Mile, and a cancer survivor himself. “Since our first Detroit swim in 2019, this community has raised more than $600,000 for the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. Every swimmer, every volunteer and every donor is helping fund research that can lead to better treatments and more hope for patients and families.”
Each year, Swim Across America – Motor City Mile hosts more than 150 swimmers and volunteers, spectators and supporters, as well as Olympians from near and far, for the annual charity swim at Belle Isle Beach.
The impact of the Motor City Mile can be seen in the research it helps seed. Kyoung Lee, Ph.D., with Rogel Cancer Center, went on to receive a $1.4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to study the role of low oxygen supply in pancreatic cancer. Initial funding for this project was granted by Swim Across America – Motor City Mile and Dr. Lee cites Swim Across America as providing the funding to get the research to where it is today.
“This is exactly why Swim Across America matters,” Patrick Weiss noted. “The funds raised here in Detroit help provide early support for promising research, and that early support can lead to larger grants, new discoveries and progress for cancer patients. It is incredibly meaningful to know that our swimmers and supporters are helping move cancer research forward.”
For swimmer Mary Guyette, of Redford Michigan, the Motor City Mile is deeply personal. She is swimming the 1-mile event in loving memory of her mother and in support of the cancer center that has offered hope to her family and close friends.
“I joined Swim Across America – Motor City Mile to help support the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan because they have offered hope and support to family and close friends of mine, including my mom,” Mary Guyette said. “This year, I will be participating in the 1-mile swim event, in loving memory of my mom.”
Swimmer Allison Randall of Livonia, Michigan, first participated in Swim Across America – Motor City Mile in 2019, swimming a half-mile in open water for the first time and raising $800. Since then, she has returned each year, committed to swimming and raising as much as she can. This year, her swim has taken on even greater meaning.
“In March, my boyfriend was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor,” Allison Randall shared. “He underwent surgery to remove it, and we later learned it is ATRT, a rare, grade 4 cancer that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. He and his family are now working with an incredible team of doctors, surgeons, nurses and support staff at the University of Michigan hospital to develop the best possible treatment plan. One of the things I’ve always valued most about the Swim Across America – Motor City Mile swim is that funds raised directly support the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, something that now means even more to me. Their mission has three parts: patient care, research and education. This event plays a role in advancing all three.”
Another longtime Swim Across America – Motor City Mile participant, Kara Wolter (Herzfeld), is a metastatic osteosarcoma survivor and the event’s current No. 1 individual fundraiser, having raised more than $5,300 so far for the 2026 swim. Kara was diagnosed in March 2017 at age 26 with bone cancer that began in her left knee and spread to her lungs. Over three years, she underwent six different chemotherapies, multiple biopsies, procedures and surgeries, ultimately losing her left leg above the knee and having six lung wedge resection surgeries to remove tumors in her lungs. Kara has been given the designation of NED — no evidence of disease — for five years and is now a 35-year-old cancer survivor.
“Swimming is one of the few activities that makes me feel normal now, even with the loss of my leg,” Kara said. Kara began swimming at age 10 and now works as an assistant coach for the same swim team where she learned to swim. She has participated in Swim Across America – Motor City Mile for seven years to support the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. “The money that I raise will support the Rogel Cancer Center to further research and treatment options for all different types of cancers,” Kara noted.
Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to the FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. The organization also recently awarded two first-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, advancing novel CRISPR gene and base editing techniques used in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and cellular therapies. Swim Across America supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.
For those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating to the eighth annual Swim Across America – Motor City Mile Open Water Swim on July 10, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/motorcitymile.
Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.
Swim Across America 