For co-event director Glenn Latham, a cancer survivor himself, and his wife and co-event director Susan, holding the Swim Across America event in the Florida Keys is especially poignant to them. “We’ve known so many family members and friends whose lives have been touched by cancer,” noted Glenn. “By swimming, we can make a difference and hopefully play a part in helping fund better and more effective treatments.” The 5th annual Swim Across America – Florida Keys event will be held Saturday, April 18, on the beautiful key of Islamorada.

Latham was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 53 in 2008. Although the diagnosis came in his early 50s, cancer had already touched his family deeply. Both of his parents and two of his three siblings battled cancer. His father also had prostate cancer, and his mother passed away at the young age of 48 from breast cancer, a disease that also affected two of his sisters — one who passed from the disease and one who, like Glenn, is a survivor. Today, after undergoing four years of treatment, Glenn is celebrating 18 years of being cancer-free.  

“As a cancer survivor, I was involved in several cancer causes prior to moving to The Keys. My love of swimming led to the chance meeting with a local swimmer and long time Swim Across America supporter, Bob Coakley, who shared the mission of Swim Across America. My wife Susan and I were immediately interested, and together we decided to organize a Swim Across America open water swim in the Florida Keys. I believe we need to expand cancer research – and the funding that Swim Across America and our swim generates is of huge value. It is particularly gratifying to meet and work with key members of the local medical research institution, Swim Across America staff, swim Olympians and local community supporters. I encourage everyone of all ages to please come out and join us on April 18th! It’s fun for everyone!”

Some of the top fundraising teams, like Team Baker, formed by siblings Chip and Mary Baker, are swimming in memory of loved ones lost to cancer, like Chip and Mary’s Mom. Team “The Importers” was formed by childhood best friends Casey and Bree, who were united by both having parents who underwent a cancer battle and are today survivors, or currently battling. “This year both our families got news we never expected to hear, but despite the road bumps in our paths, Miami Cancer Institute   has been there to help with treatment, support, and give us Hope in the darkest times. This is why we want to support them by participating with Swim Across America – Florida Keys,” noted Breeanna Prince, team captain. There are also the young teammates who have formed the Florida Keys Swim Club Team. “No one fights cancer alone,” noted Stella Hodder, team captain. “Our team joined Swim Across America because we believe in their mission and want to help give more families hope.”   Even Bob Coakley’s dog, Rona, swims in the event and is a top fundraiser!

“Our Swim Across America – Florida Keys open water swim is one of the most beautiful swims in the world,” noted Susan Latham, co-event director. “Sometimes we get lucky and a few dolphins decide to join us and swim alongside us. The sun is usually always shining, and the beauty of the beach, along with the passion of the swimmers, helps make the day unforgettable and inspiring. The gathering of so many families and so many individuals is incredible — whether they are currently battling it out, are survivors or have lost someone. To hear the stories and to learn about those whom cancer has touched and to experience that the outpouring of support is just amazing. The feeling of wanting to make a change and to do something for those who have experienced cancer is huge.”

The 5th annual Swim Across America – Florida Keys open water swim will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Founders Park, 87000 Overseas Highway, on the Florida key of Islamorada. The swim raises funds for critical cancer research and supports its local beneficiary Miami Cancer Institute. Since its first Florida Keys swim in 2022, Swim Across America – Florida Keys has raised more than $450,000 to fight cancer. This event proudly welcomes swimmers, volunteers (land and water), spectators, supporters and Olympians from near and far for this inspiring community swim. Swim lengths are ½-mile, 1-mile or 2-miles. There is also a fun Kids’ Splash and Mermaid Swim! Those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating can learn more at swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys or follow on Facebook or Instagram @saafloridakeys or email glenn@swimacrossamerica.org.

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.