Category: baltimore

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE 2024 SWIM ACROSS AMERICA COLLEGE CUP

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, baltimore, Carolina, charlotte, college swimming, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Pool Swims, rhode island, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Swim Across America (SAA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 SAA College Cup. More than 45 collegiate, club, and alumni teams and over 1,400 participants all united to make waves in the fight against cancer through swimming and friendly competition. 

Swim Across America awarded the top fundraising team, the top collegiate fundraiser, and a bonus team chosen at random. 

Congrats to the top fundraising team, Team Tar Heel! The top team is led by co-captains, Georgia Nel and Sue Walsh, and raised more than $96,000. Funds raised by Team Tar Heel supported the Swim Across America – Carolina community.

Team Tar Heel from the SAA-Carolina community is the winner of the Swim Across America College Cup. Congrats!

For Olympian and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alum, Sue Walsh, Swim Across America’s mission is deeply personal. 

“My involvement became even more personal when I heard the words myself, ‘You have metastatic colon cancer.’ As someone who spent most of her life committed to the sport of swimming, it made perfect sense to partner with SAA in the fight against cancer, including my own.”

Congrats to the top collegiate fundraiser, Alyssa Corb, who raised over $24,000! Alyssa is a student at the University of Tennessee, Swim Across America – Nashville co-event director, and long-time supporter of Swim Across America – Baltimore. Over the years, Alyssa and her family have raised more than $200,000.

Alyssa Corb and her mother, Jennifer, at the 2024 SAA-Nashville community swim.

“My main inspiration for swimming is my brother Michael, who passed away from mixed lineage leukemia when he was nine months old,” shared Alyssa.

“I was 2 when he was born and 3 when he was diagnosed and died. I don’t remember every second but I do remember loving every minute with him, and his face lighting up whenever I walked into his room. To me, Swim Across America 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.”

SAA also recognized a collegiate team chosen through a random drawing: Providence College Swimming and Diving team from Providence Rhode Island. The team of more than 100 swimmers raised more than $64,000 and were awarded a Vasa Trainer Pro. Funds raised by the team from Providence College Swimming and Diving supported Swim Across America – Rhode Island.

The Swim Across America College Cup was announced in 2023 and invited college teams, athletes, and alumni to join the organization’s mission of funding cancer research, clinical trials, and patient care programs through community charity swims. Teams participated by registering for one of Swim Across America’s open water charity swims, joining or starting a pool swim, or participating virtually through the SAA My Way program. Participants affiliated with a U.S-based college or university were eligible to compete in the College Cup. Teams consisted of current college students, alumni, or a mix of both, and could be small as one person.

The Swim Across America College Cup was supported through partnerships with CSCAA, Vasa, and GoSwim. 

About Swim Across America

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention, and treatment through swimming-related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, Swim Across America is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more visit swimacrossamerica.org or follow on Facebook @SwimAcrossAmerica or on Instagram @SAASwim.

About CSCAA

Founded in 1922, the CSCAA is the nation’s first professional coaching association for intercollegiate athletics. The CSCAA boasts more than 2,000 member coaches and assistant coaches, recognizes All-American swimmers and divers, NCAA record-breakers and Scholar All-America athletes and teams, as well as outstanding coaches and contributors, and helps oversee the welfare of collegiate swimming and diving. Learn more about CSCAA at cscaa.org.

About Vasa

Vasa empowers swimmers, surfers, and triathletes to become stronger, better, faster in sports, fitness, and injury rehab. Vasa offers specific equipment such as swim ergometers, trainers, sport benches and other accessories to provide athletes with safe, effective training methods. Founded by Rob Sleamaker, an acclaimed exercise physiologist and author, who has worked with Olympians, biathletes, and triathletes as well as some of the world’s most respected swim coaches to reinvent their training practices. Learn more about Vasa at vasatrainer.com.

About GoSwim

GoSwim creates content that helps people of all ages and backgrounds to swim better and reach their full potential in the sport. GoSwim’s videos are acclaimed and unsurpassed for clarity of filming and clarity of content and commentary. GoSwim was founded in 2002 by Olympian Glenn Mills and business colleague Barbara Hummel. Learn more at goswim.tv.

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR, ELENI BOWDEN, HONORS LOVED ONES THROUGH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – BALTIMORE

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, baltimore, Making Waves With Hope, Pool Swims, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , 2 Comments

Eleni Bowden watched many family members go through their own battles with cancer. Then at 41 years old, she faced her own battle, and emerged a survivor thanks to early detection and treatment. 

“My godfather and my dad’s best friend, Sam Tsakiris, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2018. He passed away just 5 weeks later; our family was devastated,” shared Eleni.

Shortly after her godfather’s passing, Eleni spotted a flier at Meadowbrook Swim Club in Baltimore, Maryland, promoting the upcoming Swim Across America – Baltimore open water and pool swims. Eleni quickly registered for a pool swim as a way to honor her godfather. 

“Although it had been quite some time since I had participated in organized swimming, I felt compelled to take part in this event that raised money for cancer research, a cause so close to my heart.”

It had been years since Eleni swam in a pool, so she joined SAA-Baltimore’s “learn to swim” program to ensure she was prepared for the pool swim. 

“I was on a swim team from ages 8 to 12, so it was more of a ‘re-learn to swim’ for me,” Eleni jokes. 

Eleni Bowden, a breast cancer survivor, during an SAA-Baltimore learn-to-swim session.

Since 2018, Eleni has participated in four pool swims and has raised more than $7,100. This year, she has taken the lead on organizing her own pool swim at L’Hirondelle Club in Towson, Maryland to support the SAA-Baltimore community. The pool swim raised more than $9,000. Eleni’s involvement with Swim Across America continues to be a source of support while her family faced difficult times.

“In May 2023, my father, Bill Popomaronis, lost his battle with prostate cancer after fighting for over 13 years.” 

Eleni Bowden, center, and her family have supported Swim Across America – Baltimore since 2018.

Watching her dad approach each medical treatment with faith, courage and perseverance inspired her own battle to come.

In January 2024, Eleni noticed a dimple with a lump behind it on the side of her right breast. Though she wasn’t due for a mammogram until July, she immediately called her physician who referred her for imaging.

“I started with mammograms at 36 due to our strong family history. And in early February 2024, I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer.” said Eleni. 

“At that time, I also completed genetic testing and learned I was Chek-2+, the same as my father and sister. This gene is linked to an increased risk of breast, prostate and colon cancer and identifying it can be helpful to other patients seeking early detection and diagnosis,” said Eleni.

After a biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, Eleni was scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore in late March. 

Thankfully, Eleni’s surgery went well and she was home after a one-night stay in the hospital. She credits her incredible support team for helping her through this fight.

“It takes a village! My husband has been with me every step of the way, and I am so thankful for my family and friends who helped us during my recovery.”

A couple weeks after her surgery, Eleni was moved to tears when she received the best news possible after her initial diagnosis. Pathology results showed clear margins and no lymph node involvement. In her words, it was the “best-case scenario for something you’d hope never to face.”

Eleni Bowden, center, at the Bolton Hill Swim Club SAA-Baltimore pool swim with Marina Caminis (left) & Katie Bacon (right).

Though recurrence is possible, Eleni is focused on staying positive and remains grateful to her family, friends and medical care team for their support and swift care. Under her doctor’s direction, Eleni will continue oral and injectable chemotherapy treatment for several years.

“I am doing my best to stay positive and focus on my two wonderful children, who have been the absolute best distraction!” said Eleni.

Eleni’s “Why I Swim” flag shows the loved ones she honors through her involvement with SAA-Baltimore.

“I have been using the word ‘grateful’ when I share my experience. I am grateful for contacting my doctor when I did, as this could have been a very different outcome had I waited until my next scheduled mammogram in July. I’m grateful for my village and those who have supported me throughout this journey. And I’m grateful for Swim Across America who is helping advance cancer research and early detection techniques through community swim events.”

If you are moved to support Eleni, click here.

RICK OSTERBERG SHARES HIS REMARKABLE JOURNEY AND DEEPENED COMMITMENT TO SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – BOSTON 

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, baltimore, beneficiaries, boston, Fundraising, Labs, Messages of Hope, News, Pool Swims, UncategorizedTagged , , , 1 Comment

Rick Osterberg’s connection to Swim Across America was initiated similarly to that of so many other members of the Swim Across America community. It’s his journey over the last six years that sets him apart from many other participants.

Rick and his wife, Jessica Stokes, are lifelong swimmers, both swimming competitively in college and continuing to swim as USMS masters swimmers. They met during Masters workouts at Harvard University nearly 25 years ago. Their involvement with Swim Across America began about 15 years ago when they heard about the organization and knew many people involved in the Swim Across America – Boston community swim. 

Although he admits that Jessica is the more dedicated swimmer, Rick has played several roles over the years eventually leading to a role on the local leadership committee for Swim Across America – Boston. 

“I was an occasional walk-up volunteer for the Swim Across America – Nantasket swim whenever Jess was swimming it,” said Rick. 

“I got much more involved when we launched the Swim Across America – Boston Relay Challenge at Harvard in 2012, acting as the emcee, DJ, and scoreboard person.” 

Jessica Stokes and Rick Osterberg at the 2023 Swim Across America – Boston open water swim.

Rick remained a volunteer with Swim Across America – Boston for several years and took on an official role on the local committee in 2018. Jessica is also on the committee and leads their relationship with their beneficiaries, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and MassGeneral Children’s Cancer Center. 

Their involvement took on more purpose in 2018, when Rick received a diagnosis of stage three colon cancer. While this deepened their connection to the Swim Across America mission, Rick didn’t see anything particularly extraordinary about his treatment plan.

Rick Osterberg with Pam Ryan, Swim Across America Board Chair, and Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Olympian and Swim Across America COO at the 2018 Swim Across America – Boston pool swim.

“In 2018, my perspective and Jess’ perspective on Swim Across America changed when I was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. Suddenly, I was a patient. In 2018, I felt a much deeper connection to the overall mission of SAA, but not necessarily to any particular SAA beneficiary,” said Rick.

Rick’s diagnosis was, in his words, rather traditional though he was moved by the amount of support within his SAA-Boston community that year.

“It was deeply humbling to attend the 2018 Boston pool relay, during chemotherapy, and see so many people who were swimming for me,” said Rick. 

“That event in 2018 remains one of the most moving experiences of my cancer journey. It was a huge boost to me, and a huge boost to Jess, during one of the harder phases of that treatment process. It also helped to turn a difficult experience into a hopeful direction through fundraising.”

Rick spent 2018 battling cancer with Jess at his side. He went through chemotherapy, chemo-radiation therapy, and finally surgery, and was in full remission by the end of the year. 

They both looked forward to the April 2019 Swim Across America – Boston pool relay with Rick resuming his usual responsibilities as emcee and DJ. He added another “role” to his list that day – cancer success story. 

Team Rick at the 2018 Swim Across America – Boston pool swim.

“I had beaten it, which was a great reason for many people to come and swim. It was an incredibly moving day and special because it ended up being our last pool relay before COVID,” said Rick.

The COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person events for 2020, which meant Rick and Jessica would miss out on the SAA-Boston event. Rick kept up with his routine scans and in June 2020, scans detected a small growth on a lymph node indicating his cancer had returned. Fortunately for Rick, FDA approval of a new immunotherapy drug had just been announced and it seemed like Rick was a great candidate for this new treatment.

Rick Osterberg and Jessica Stokes at the 2018 Swim across America – Boston pool swim. “I was in the middle of cycle 6 (of 8) of pretty hard chemotherapy. But we still found opportunities for joy, and the 2018 pool relay was one of those days of joy for both of us,” Rick shared.

“Suddenly, I was a candidate for Keytruda,” said Rick. “And the KEYNOTE-177 clinical trial results changed my cancer trajectory.”

“At this point, I’m now a Keytruda patient. I have virtually zero side-effects, and I have an incredibly high quality of life.”

Thanks to this new immunotherapy treatment, Rick’s cancer is virtually eliminated. He has avoided further surgical intervention that could carry significant risk of serious side effects or lower quality of life.

Rick’s commitment to Swim Across America was deepened when he realized the connection between the organization and the clinical trials that led to Keytruda’s FDA approval. The Swim Across America – Baltimore community swim benefits Johns Hopkins Medicine and grants from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 events funded groundbreaking research in immunotherapies, specifically PD-1 inhibitors. This research led to the FDA approval of Keytruda.

“After being part of an organization for so long, I was now a direct beneficiary of the research funded by SAA. I am one of a cohort of cancer patients who has experienced the necessary awfulness of chemotherapy, and the dramatically different journey on immunotherapy therapies,” shared Rick.

“I have been on my cancer journey for more than 6 years now, and in that short time, I have seen so many breakthroughs in treatment, but I also see so many cases where better options  are needed for friends whose treatment paths are much more difficult than mine has been.”

Rick feels incredibly fortunate to be where he is on his cancer journey, thanks in part to research funded by Swim Across America. He feels hopeful about the next big breakthrough that will give hope to more patients and their families.

When reflecting on the vast differences between how his cancer was treated, Rick underscores his remarkably high quality of life, and why he and Jessica continue to support Swim Across America.

Rick served as emcee for the 2022 Swim Across America – Boston open water swim.

“Due in large part to research funded by Swim Across America, my cancer journey right now is not much more than an appointment on the calendar. My quality of life in treatment is virtually 100%,” said Rick. 

“Perhaps more importantly our cancer journey (including Jess) is no big deal right now. Our quality of shared life is virtually 100%. That’s difficult to appreciate unless you’ve been through chemotherapy, or have been a close supporter of someone going through chemotherapy.”

Combined and over the years, Rick and Jessica have raised over $156,000 for Swim Across America.

If you are moved to support Rick and Jessica, click here.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – BALTIMORE IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, baltimore, UncategorizedTagged , , , Leave a comment

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Baltimore community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins at swimacrossamerica.org/baltimore.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA BLOG, SAASWIM.COM

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR, ELENI BOWDEN, HONORS LOVED ONES THROUGH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – BALTIMORE

WMAR, ABC 2

Swim Across America Baltimore is back for a 15th year!

Good Morning, Maryland! From Swim Across America – Baltimore

UMBC Sports

UMBC Swimming & Diving Once Again Takes Lead on Swim Across America – Baltimore Event

The Greyhound – Loyola University

Greyhound Swimmers Participate in 15th Annual “Swim Across America”

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA BLOG, SAASWIM.COM

Cancer Survivor Supports Swim Across America – Baltimore for Herself, Others And In Memory Of Her Husband

Cancer Survivor Supports Swim Across America – Baltimore for Herself, Others and in Memory of Her Husband

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, baltimore, Fundraising, Uncategorized1 Comment

Kate Murphy
Swim Across America – Baltimore
Age: 72

Kate Murphy witnessed firsthand how important funding is to the cancer field. In fact, she credits having her husband Arnold Simon for an additional six years to his enrollment in a clinical trial at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins.

“Arnold was diagnosed in 2016 with Stage 4 metastasized pancreatic cancer,” said Kate.

“After he was successfully treated, we wanted to give back to the community and jumped at the chance to volunteer for the Swim Across America – Baltimore open water swim.”

The Swim Across America – Baltimore charity swim supports clinical trials and cancer research at Johns Hopkins.

Arnold Simon speaking at the 2019 SAA-Baltimore event.

“Arnold was so very grateful for everything the doctors and staff at Hopkins had done for him,” said Kate. “After months of chemotherapy, and then major surgery in December of 2017, my husband’s tumor was so small it looked like a small dot or even scar tissue. He was MOST impressed with the results from Dr. Dung Le’s chemotherapy trial.”

Their enthusiasm over Arnold’s results is what prompted him and Kate to get involved with Swim Across America – Baltimore. Unfortunately, their plans of attending the event were thwarted by mother nature.

“We signed up in 2018, but Hurricane Florence took that one away. Our first time volunteering at an SAA event was in 2019. We helped set things up and Arnold was a featured speaker addressing the audience that day about his experience with cancer and the research at Hopkins. Then 2020’s event was virtual, but we were back in 2021 and I returned in 2022.”

Kate Murphy at the 2019 SAA-Baltimore event.
Kate (far left) volunteering at the 2022 SAA-Baltimore event.

It was 2018 when Arnold was doing well, and Kate turned her attention to her own health. She made doctor’s appointments she had put off and found out she had early-stage breast cancer. Kate was treated at Johns Hopkins with surgery and radiation and, thankfully, is in remission.

Kate attended the 2022 SAA-Baltimore event in September, shortly after Arnold’s passing. Though she was grieving, it was important to her to give thanks to and show her appreciation for those who cared for Arnold through his treatments.

“Sadly, Arnold passed away in July of 2022. It was tragic for our family and all who knew him, and so very sad for me; but because he was able to be treated in Dr. Le’s clinical trial at Johns Hopkins, he survived Stage 4 metastasized pancreatic cancer, not just six weeks or six months, but almost six years!” said Kate.

“I volunteered once again at last year’s Swim Across America event just two months after Arnold passed. It was important for me to honor Arnold’s ‘helping others’ legacy and continue to let everyone know how very grateful I am to all who swim and volunteer and donate money to support cancer research at Johns Hopkins. I got an incredible six years with Arnold because of them.”

Kate says she will continue to support Swim Across America – Baltimore in any way she can – as long as it doesn’t include swimming!

“I can’t swim (literally, I can’t swim!), but I can donate, and I can volunteer. And I will be there cheering on the swimmers and fundraisers as long as I can!”

If you are moved to support Kate Murphy, you can donate here.

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.