Category: #DefeatCancer

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA AND BLOCK CANCER PRESENT: EVENT DAY INSTAGRAM CONTEST

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NEW FOR 2024! Swim Across America and Block Cancer are proud to partner to offer an amazing giveaway to one lucky participant from each of our community charity swims in 2024.

The rules are simple: participants should post their best photos showing their SAA spirit from the event on Instagram and tag @saaswim and @block.cancer.

A winner will be selected from each community. Each winner will receive a Block Cancer Ted hoodie and Army Green beanie. Winners will be contacted via DM from @saaswim.

ABOUT BLOCK CANCER

In July 2021, Elizabeth Beisel’s heart broke into a million pieces when her father lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. His name was Ted Beisel. Elizabeth organized a fundraising swim for cancer research with Swim Across America in honor of her father’s brutal fight with the disease. Her successful 20km (12.5mi) swim to Block Island called Block Cancer raised historic funds and awareness for cancer research. Today, Block Cancer is a brand that has been sold worldwide, and something we know Ted would be extremely proud of.

At Block Cancer, we are proud to say we donate 90% of net profits to cancer research and clinical trials through the non-profit Swim Across America.

Learn more at swimacrossamerica.org/blockcancer.

CANCER SURVIVOR, KARA WOLTER, CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF MAKING WAVES WITH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – MOTOR CITY MILE

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Kara Wolter was 26 when she was diagnosed with metastatic osteosarcoma. The bone cancer found in her left knee had spread to her lungs. Her treatment plan included six different chemotherapies and multiple surgeries, including six lung wedge recession surgeries and amputation of her left leg above the knee. She was given a high recurrence rate and a 15 to 20% chance to live another five years. 

Six years later, Kara is now 33 and “thriving as a cancer survivor!” She has had no evidence of disease for three years. 

How did Kara learn about Swim Across America?

“During a check up with my oncologist at Rogel University Cancer Center, I saw a flier for the upcoming Swim Across America – Motor City Mile event. Proceeds from the event go towards cancer research right there at Rogel,” said Kara.

“I used to swim as a child, and now I coach for the same team I swam with, so it was an easy decision to sign up for SAA – Motor City Mile.”

Kara Wolter spoke at the 2023 Swim Across America – Motor City Mile community swim.

Her connection to the Swim Across America mission and local beneficiary made it an easy decision, like many other Swim Across America participants. 

This will be Kara’s fifth year swimming at SAA – Motor City Mile, and she hopes to hit yet another personal milestone.

“I am so close to raising more than $10,000! Five years, $10,000 raised… I know we are making an incredible impact in our community,” shared Kara.

Kara Wolter grew up swimming and is now a coach for the same team she swam with.

Since 2019, Swim Across America – Motor City Mile has raised over $500,000. In 2023, Dr. Kyoung Eun Lee, one of the grant recipients, received an $1.4M grant from NCI to study the role of low oxygen supply in pancreatic cancer

On July 12, Kara, her team, the Sassy Swimmers, and hundreds of swimmers, volunteers, and supporters hope to make an even greater impact in their community. 

“Swim Across America is so important to me. I survived a terrible cancer that I probably should not have survived and I want to make a difference in the future,” said Kara.

To support Kara and her team, click here.

SWIMMERS MAKE WAVES TO FIGHT CANCER WITH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – TAMPA BAY

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On Saturday, May 4, hundreds of swimmers, volunteers, and supporters will “Make Waves to Fight Cancer” at the 13th annual Swim Across America – Tampa Bay open water swim at North Shore Park, St. Petersburg, Florida Proceeds from the event benefit cancer research at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Established in 2021, Swim Across America – Tampa Bay has raised over $2 million for cancer research and clinical trials.

Every participant has a special reason for attending the charity swim; whether it’s to honor a cancer survivor, swim in memory of a loved one, or experience the hope each community swim brings. 

For the second year in a row 16-year-old Kellen Murdock will swim one mile with his team Berkeley Aquatics. Kellen shared his personal connection to Swim Across America’s mission.

“I participated in Swim Across America – Tampa Bay last year in honor of my Dad. In 2019, he was diagnosed with stage 4 sinus cancer. The possibility of losing him was devastating,” shared Kellen. 

“I’m grateful that my dad has been in remission since completing treatment in June 2019. This was only possible thanks to the dedication of his team of oncologists.”

Kellen Murdock and his father embrace at the 2023 SAA-Tampa Bay event

Kellen took his dedication even further by joining the Swim Across America – Tampa Bay Junior Advisory Board this year. The group of high school students serve as ambassadors for Swim Across America in their community and pledge to raise awareness and funds in support of the cause. 

“Swim Across America is important to my family because of my dad’s experiences with cancer. We don’t want anyone to go through the same experiences we did with cancer and Swim Across America helps with that,” said Kellen.

Haley Campbell and Dr. Heather Pryor joined Swim Across America – Tampa Bay with a unique team name – Team Hakuna Ma-Tatas. The lighthearted name is a nod to Heather’s recent battle with breast cancer. 

The duo joined Swim Across America as a way to get back in the water, stay active, and give back to the community.

“We both have competed in some form, whether it be competitive swimming or triathlons, and we both wanted to get back in the water. For Heather, it was more than swimming. She had just finished heavy treatments for breast cancer and wanted to find a way to get active again,” said team captain, Haley.

“It seemed like a no-brainer. We both had a deep connection to cancer, so we could support cancer research, while doing something we love.”

Heather Pryor and Haley Campbell, Team Hakuna Ma-Tatas

Haley also shared that when she was five years old, her father was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.

“At the time he was given three to five years to live. He looked the doctors dead in the eyes and said, ‘No, I WILL watch my kids graduate from high school,’” said Haley.

“Not only did he get to see us graduate high school, he saw my brother graduate from college. He passed away 16 years after he was diagnosed. I have no doubt that modern advances in cancer research – and his incredibly positive attitude – are the reasons that I was able to not only grow up with my daddy, but I was also able to make memories that I never would have been able to make.”

Like many Swim Across America participants, Heather loved that she could combine celebrating her recovery with giving hope to others fighting the same battle. 

“Through Swim Across America, I not only help myself recover from breast cancer treatments, but I can also help fund research to help others overcome cancer, too.

Heather has been a family physician for 25 years and has discovered cancer in many of her patients throughout her career. 

“I am swimming in honor of all the people who are currently fighting cancer and in memory of those who lost the battle. I am hopeful that my efforts help find a cure for cancer, so others will not have to endure what I and so many others have faced.”

To swim, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/tampa. 

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – BOSTON AND NANTUCKET PROVIDE GRANT FUNDING FOR PROMISING GLIOBLASTOMA TREATMENT

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The New England Journal of Medicine recently published a paper that showed “dramatic and rapid” regression of glioblastoma in three patients who received groundbreaking CAR-T therapy. The clinical trial was conducted at a lab within Mass General Cancer Center that received earlier funding from Swim Across America – Boston and Swim Across America – Nantucket. 

Preliminary findings from the clinical trial are hopeful and show the promise of cell therapy for treating incurable conditions.

“The CAR-T platform has revolutionized how we think about treating patients with cancer, but solid tumors like glioblastoma have remained challenging to treat because not all cancer cells are exactly alike and cells within the tumor vary. Our approach combines two forms of therapy, allowing us to treat glioblastoma in a broader, potentially more effective way.” said Bryan Choi, MD, PhD, neurosurgeon and associate director of the Center for Brain Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Neurosurgery. 

MRI results from a glioblastoma clinical trial that received initial grant funding from Swim Across America – Boston. The scans show tumor size before infusion (day -7) and after infusion (day 5).

Days after a single treatment, the three patients experienced dramatic reductions in their tumors, with one patient achieving near-complete tumor regression. 

MRI scans conducted before and after treatment showed initial regression in tumor size. In time, the researchers observed tumor progression in these patients, but given the strategy’s promising preliminary results, the team will pursue strategies to extend the durability of response.

Dr. Choi expressed gratitude for the Swim Across America – Boston grant that made this research possible. Dr. Choi’s lab also receives funding from Swim Across America – Nantucket.

“Swim Across America directly supports my laboratory, which is dedicated to developing novel experimental immune therapies for patients with brain cancer. SAA funded a critical step in the early stage of discovery, allowing us to take on high risk projects that otherwise might not be possible.” said Dr. Choi. 

“Without this type of support, my lab would not be able to develop or advance new therapies toward clinical studies like the one published here.”

Swim Across America – Boston and Swim Across America – Nantucket leadership teams visited Dr. Choi at Mass General Cancer Center in March 2023, just one month before the clinical trial was launched. During the visit, SAA leaders were treated to an informative presentation and lab tour from Dr. Choi.

During the tour, Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Chief Operating Officer of Swim Across America, pointed out that Dr. Choi’s research falls in the “sweet spot” of the high risk, high reward research that Swim Across America is pursuing. 

“This promising research aligns perfectly with the opportunities that Swim Across America seeks to support. We are excited that SAA funding could help accelerate (this research) to patient trials.”

In March 2023, leaders from Swim Across America – Boston and Swim Across America – Nantucket visited Dr. Choi’s research lab at Mass General Cancer Center. Pictured: Michele Fox, Patty Gienke, Bob Hackett, Liam Hackett, Steven Laduzinski, Jamie Mannion, Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Alex Meyer, Rick Osterberg, Shep Perkins, Jill Roethke, Mike Ryan, Jessica Stokes, Kitty Tetreault.

Swim Across America’s grant agreement with beneficiaries, such as Mass General Cancer Center, requires that 100% of an SAA grant must be spent on approved research and clinical trial programs. Since 1987, SAA has granted over $100M to innovative and otherwise unfunded ideas so that the time of oncologists is protected to make progress and develop new treatments.

She Did it!! Ultra Marathon Swimmer Sarah Thomas Completes 47.5-Mile Swim in Lake Mead from Colorado River to the Hoover Dam and Make Waves to Fight Cancer with Swim Across America

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Sarah Thomas is Believed to be the First Swimmer to Complete the Swim of the Entire Length of Lake Mead

LAS VEGAS, October 7, 2023 – On October 7, 2023, ultra marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas set another world record with a monumental swim that no other swimmer has ever attempted. Sarah completed a 47.5-mile swim of the entire length of Lake Mead – from the Colorado River to the Hoover Dam (distance pending ratification). The swim took her 26 hours, 45 minutes and 45 seconds (26:45:45) to complete. Sarah, a breast cancer survivor, took on this swim not just to break another world record, but to help make waves in the fight against cancer and to raise critical funds for cancer research with Swim Across America.  

“The water was a balmy 78 on the surface and around 75 degrees in the swimming depth. I’m a cold water swimmer, so this was a bit warmer than I’m used to, but it ended up being lovely,” said Sarah Thomas. “I didn’t run into very many obstacles, except something wrapped around my arm at one point, but for the most part, the swim was really great! I’m so excited to be able to accomplish swimming in Lake Mead, and as a breast cancer survivor, to do it during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all while raising crucial funds for cancer research with Swim Across America.”

Sarah was accompanied by her support boat that included her husband Ryan Willis, who served as pilot, their friend Craig Lenning, who was crew chief, and her friend Celeste Jacroux, who was her official time-keeper. 

Sarah adds the Lake Mead swim to a long list of record-breaking feats. 

  • Sarah Thomas is the first person to complete a four-way crossing of the English Channel in 54 hours and 10 minutes in 2019. She did so one year after completing treatments for breast cancer!
  • She holds the world record for the longest continuous (unassisted, non-wetsuit) swim done in current-neutral conditions. That record-breaking swim covered 104.6 miles over 67 hours in Lake Champlain (USA) in August of 2017.
  • She is the first person to complete a two-way crossing of the North Channel in 21 hours and 46 minutes in 2022. The North Channel is the body of water bounded by Northern Ireland (to the west), Scotland (to the east), Isle of Man (to the south), and the Atlantic Ocean (to the north).
  • She is the first person to complete a two-way swim of Lake Tahoe (lengthwise) in 2013. The swim is 42 miles and Sarah completed it in 22 hours and 30 minutes.

Though Sarah holds many records in open water swimming, in her words, she doesn’t swim to “be the first.” She swims large bodies of water because she loves seeing the beauty in each corner of the world.

“After my first visit to the Hoover Dam in February 2021, I knew I had to swim across Lake Mead,” said Sarah. “Water levels in the lake are in danger of dropping so low that a swim may not always be possible across this beautiful and important body of water.”

Sarah’s swim across Lake Mead started in South Cove, where her favorite river, The Colorado, enters the lake. She then followed the lake 47.5 miles until she ran out of water at the Hoover Dam.

Sarah hopes to raise money for Swim Across America through her monumental swims.

“I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in 2017 at the age of 35,” said Sarah. “It was a terrifying time and we didn’t know how much my treatments would impact my ability to swim in the future. Being able to partner with Swim Across America combines two of my passions: open water swimming and doing everything I can to fight cancer so that others won’t have to go through what I went through.”

Sarah has supported Swim Across America since 2018, when the inaugural Swim Across America – Denver swim was held in her home community. As a breast cancer survivor, she hopes to raise money for cancer research and bring hope and new treatment options to others.

“Cancer treatments tested me in a way I never thought possible,” noted Sarah. ”Despite undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy, I never gave up on my dream of doing a swim that most people thought was impossible.”

A year after completing treatments, she did the impossible – becoming the first person to complete a four-way crossing of the English Channel. 

Swim Across America was founded in 1987 with its first open water event in Long Island Sound. Since that time, the nonprofit organization has raised more than $100 million to fight cancer. In its 36 years of “making waves to fight cancer,” more than 100,000 swimmers and 150 Olympians have swum the circumference of the earth three times, uniting a movement to fight cancer that has created a groundswell of support spanning all generations. Today, more than 24 communities hold open water swims and charity pool swims each year, from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge, which support innovative cancer research, detection and patient programs. 

Swim Across America’s funding of clinical trials for patients helped contribute to four FDA approved life-saving immunotherapy cancer treatments: Yervoy, Opdivo, Tecentriq and Keytruda. In June of last year, a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering was published in The New England Journal of Medicine that showed a 100 percent success rate in treating patients in a phase 2 clinical trial for advanced rectal cancer with dostarlimab, an immunotherapy treatment produced by GlaxoSmithKline. The clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering was funded by early-stage grant funding from Swim Across America. More than 60 scientific grants are funded each year and there are now ten dedicated Swim Across America Labs at major institutions including: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, John Hopkins Medicine Baltimore, Rush University Medical Center Chicago, Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, Infusion Center at Nantucket Cottage Hospital, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and San Francisco, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, The Swim Across America Pediatric Research Lab at Columbia University Medical Center New York, and at Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine.

To follow Sarah’s progress or support her cause, visit swimacrossamerica.org/sarahthomas.

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 or Twitter @SAASwim.

Swim Legend Sue Walsh Makes Waves with Swim Across America – Carolina and in Cancer Fight

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Sue Walsh
Swim Across America – Carolina
Age: 61

Swimming and philanthropy go hand-in-hand for Sue Walsh. She was first introduced to Swim Across America through her 1980 U.S. Olympic teammate Craig Beardsley, and she has always felt that the organization’s mission of funding life-saving cancer treatments was a meaningful way to give back.

Sue and her daughter, Sarah, with two of Sue’s grandsons, Jayden and Carter at the 2022 SAA-Carolina pool swim.

“Over the years, swimming has given me so much joy. It made perfect sense to partner with Swim Across America to direct my passion towards finding a cure for cancer – which has affected so many people in my life,” Sue noted.

Sue has had an illustrious swimming career, and many consider her a legend in the swimming world. She was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, won two medals at the 1982 World Aquatic Championships, and while swimming at the University of North Carolina, became a 10-time national champion and three-time Most Outstanding Swimmer at the ACC Championships.

In 2003, she was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Throughout the last 20 years, she still competed in swimming in the master’s category, setting six world records in her age group at the 2007 United States Masters’ Swimming Championships.

In 2010, Sue’s mother Joan, lost her fight to melanoma. Then, in 2019, Sue was diagnosed with colon cancer making her support of Swim Across America that much more personal. Sue shared this news with Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America and Sue’s close friend through their master’s swimming association.

“Rob invited me to speak at the 2021 Swim Across America – Charlotte charity swim. I was incredibly proud to share my story with the crowd of supporters.”

Rob Butcher, Sue Walsh, UNC Head Coach Mark Gangloff, his wife Ashley and their daughter, and Bailey Burt, Sue’s team’s co-captain, pictured at the 2022 SAA-Carolina pool swim.

Of course, Sue did more than speak at the event. She also dove in to help make waves to fight cancer – and at the same time, conquered her fear of swimming in open water!

“Although I had a fear of swimming in anything except a pool, I couldn’t stand on the shore and watch others doing their part to raise money for the incredible researchers at the Levine Cancer Institute,” said Sue.

After Sue’s initial cancer diagnosis, she had surgery and was declared cancer free. In 2022, a scan revealed new lesions had formed.

Now, Sue is receiving treatment for stage IV colon cancer at the Levine Cancer Institute, with which she was diagnosed in 2022.

Sue and Eric Montross, a friend and former UNC men’s basketball player.

“I receive incredible care there. And I have watched some very good friends begin their cancer journey and others succumb to the disease this past year. That made me motivated to invest even more of my time and energy in an amazing organization such as SAA,” noted Sue.

Sue’s cancer fight and connection to swimming and Swim Across America inspired her to propose a pool swim at a familiar place.

“That is when I began discussing with Rob Butcher and Carolina Head Swimming and Diving Coach, Mark Gangloff, the possibility of a pool swim at The University of North Carolina’s Koury Natatorium.”

“In 2022, our first year, we raised more than $90,000 for UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the home of one of my oncologists. This year, we are on target to surpass that level of fundraising,” said Sue.

Sue is determined to raise funds for cancer research through her own cancer battle. Her determination speaks to her selfless nature. Over the years, Sue has raised over $30,000 for Swim Across America.

Sue and Jenny Strickland Mangum, a cancer survivor and Sue’s UNC roommate and teammate

“I don’t know if any of the research being done at Levine Cancer Institute or Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center will directly impact my quality of life or my life span, but I want to do all I can to “Make Waves to Fight Cancer.”

Sue’s accolades continue to pour in. In August 2023, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) dedicated its pool to her – a much deserved honor.

“We are honored that your name, in perpetuity, will be associated with our university and our aquatics center,” UNCP Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings said during the dedication ceremony. “To you, Sue, your family and your friends, please know that UNC Pembroke is excited, we’re honored, and we are inspired to honor such a great legend.”

If you are moved to support Sue, 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.

Cancer Survivor’s Journey Comes Full Circle with Participation in Swim Across America – Dallas

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, dallas, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged , , , , 3 Comments

Robyn Starnes
Swim Across America – Dallas
2 years supporting Swim Across America
Age: 45

When Robyn Starnes was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014, the news hit her like a freight train. 

“Even though I knew that it was a possibility, it still turned my world upside down. I felt broken, like something was wrong with me. I’d never known anyone my age that had battled cancer,” said Robyn.  

Robyn Starnes

Now, nine years later, Robyn is a cancer survivor and has found a new home and strong community of supporters in Swim Across America. And she wears her surgery scar like a badge of honor. 

“After my surgery, I couldn’t talk for a month, I gained a lot of weight, and I felt depressed. Knowing that my life would forever look different is what got me back into swimming; something I hadn’t done in decades but would eventually lead me to SAA. The scar I was so worried about in 2014 is my badge of honor in 2023.”

Robyn’s visit with a specialist was prompted by her primary doctor, who felt nodules during a routine exam. She feels lucky to have received thorough medical care and quick treatment for her thyroid cancer – one of the most treatable cancers.

Wearing her “survivor” badge, Robyn sought a way to get involved in activities that raised money for cancer research and survivorship support. A conversation with a friend introduced her to Swim Across America – Dallas. 

Robyn after her thyroidectomy surgery

“Thanksgiving in 2021, I was talking with a friend’s sister about how we both grew up swimming competitively. She told me about “this thing called Swim Across America” and asked if I’d heard of it. As she explained what it was, I was floored because I felt like it combined everything I loved – swimming, community, and raising money for cancer research. I’m pretty sure I signed up for the 2022 Dallas open water swim the next day!” explains Robyn.

The rest is history. Robyn started asking friends, family members, and anyone in town to support her Swim Across America efforts. She quickly exceeded each fundraising goal she set, raising $4,500 ahead of her swim. Her journey felt as if it came full circle on event day.

“My first SAA swim was also the 8-year anniversary to the day of my thyroidectomy surgery. If that’s not fate telling me that I’d found my home, I don’t know what is.”

That day was particularly emotional for Robyn, as she felt the strength of the SAA community firsthand and listened to the doctors who are funded by the SAA-Dallas event.

“Over the years, I’d participated in local charities that raise funds for the cancer community, but I was moved to tears at my first SAA-Dallas event. Everyone there had a story and they wanted to share it with you. To me, it felt like a groundswell. That THIS was the group that was going to make things happen. Whether I was talking to a fellow swimmer, supporter, volunteer, Olympian, researcher, doctor, sponsor, or donor…everyone knew we were all part of the same mission.”  

If you are moved to support Robyn Starnes, 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.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – MOTOR CITY MILE IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, Events, Family Tree, Fundraising, Labs, Motor City Mile, News, olympians, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

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.

WWJ-TV (CBS)

5th annual Swim Across America – Motor City Mile

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA BLOG – SAASWIM.COM

“IT’S AMAZING WHAT SWIMMING TO RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER RESEARCH CAN REALLY DO!”

WJBK-TV (FOX, 2)

Cancer survivor raises money for research at Motor City Mile Swim

WDIV-TV (NBC, 4)

Metro Detroit swimmers make waves to fight cancer

The Macomb Daily

5th annual Swim Across America Motor City Mile set for Friday morning

C AND G NEWS

Swimming across America for a cure

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – DENVER IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, Events, Family Tree, Fundraising, Labs, News, olympians, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Denver community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Children’s Hospital Colorado, at swimacrossamerica.org/denver.

 

9News Denver

Swim Across America – June 26, 2023

Nicole Vanderpoel and Dr. Craig Forester

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA BLOG – SAASWIM.COM

DENVER TEEN TRIUMPHS OVER RARE SPINAL CORD CANCER DIAGNOSIS AND SERVES COMMUNITY AS SAA PATIENT AMBASSADOR

9News Denver

Swim Across America – July 17, 2023

Nicole Vanderpoel and Olympian Susan Williams

Mile High Magazine

Swim Across America – Denver – Radio interview with Nicole Vanderpoel

“IT’S AMAZING WHAT SWIMMING TO RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER RESEARCH CAN REALLY DO!”

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, Fundraising, Motor City Mile, SAA My Way, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , 1 Comment

Julie Brabbs
Swim Across America – Motor City Mile
5 years supporting Swim Across America
Age: 56

Julie Brabbs has a few important connections to Swim Across America and its mission.

Julie is the chief administrative officer at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. She has a unique perspective on cancer as she supports the cancer center and its many missions daily.

In 2015, her job became much more meaningful when she was diagnosed with cancer. Being in the cancer field, Julie knew that innovative new treatments are the key to successfully treating the disease.

“Swim Across America’s grants to support clinical research and investigators are so, so important,” said Julie. “Cancer research funding is often hard to come by and the Swim Across America grants are necessary for making progress in breakthroughs like immunotherapy.”

Julie first attended the Swim Across America – Motor City Mile event in 2019, its inaugural year. She did so in honor of a friend who sadly had passed away from glioblastoma (brain cancer).

“At that time, I myself had cancer in 2015, but after standard treatment, I was in remission. Now, participating in the upcoming Swim Across America – Motor City Mile event has even more meaning as I am once again a cancer patient. My cancer came back in 2022 and I am currently taking Keytruda (an immunotherapy drug) as part of my treatment regimen, an option that wasn’t available in 2015 when I was first diagnosed.”

Julie thanks Swim Across America and its early-stage funding of Keytruda, which is now available to treat more than 30 different types of cancer, including Julie’s.

“Thanks to the hard work of Swim Across America, Keytruda was amazingly created in a Swim Across America lab. It’s amazing what swimming to raise money for cancer research can really do!”

This year, Julie is participating as a volunteer and SAA My Way participant, which means instead of swimming, she is doing other activities to raise funds to fight cancer. If you are moved to support Julie and Team Rogel, 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.