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.