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.
Michelle Deaton Swim Across America – Tampa Hometown: Wesley Chapel, Florida 2 years supporting Swim Across America Age: 50
Michelle Deaton has a lot to celebrate this year and she wanted to mark the occasion by doing something she had never done before.
“I turned 50 in March and I’m five years cancer free! What better way to celebrate than with a two-mile swim with Wyatt!”
Last year, Michelle was a proud supporter of her son, Wyatt, who swam 2 miles in the 2022 Swim Across America – Tampa event. He raised nearly $6,000 in her honor. This year, they are training – and raising funds – together. What makes their swim even more special is that the event falls on Mother’s Day weekend.
“I’m so excited that my mom is training to swim with me,” said Wyatt. “She keeps telling me she will swim faster than me and beat me back to the beach. I’m just proud that she is cancer-free, just celebrated her 50th birthday on March 26, and is going to be my swim partner for Swim Across America.”
Michelle is cancer-free but that doesn’t mean she will stop supporting Swim Across America. She is likely one of our most enthusiastic participants!
“I just love, love, love Swim Across America and all it stands for,” said Michelle Deaton. “I talk about the work that Swim Across America supports everywhere I go and to everyone. I’m Swim Across America’s biggest fan. I’m thrilled to be able to swim and be a part of such a great event that impacts the lives of so many. I’m a true believer that when you put your mind to something, it might not be easy, but I’m blessed as I have gone through something tough like a cancer diagnosis, and it made me realize even more how miraculous our bodies really are.”
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.
Susan McPherson was no stranger to Swim Across America, but her contributions were always in honor of other family members and friends who had cancer diagnoses. After a shocking diagnosis in December 2020, the reason to support Swim Across America-Nashville now became much more personal for Susan.
“I went to the doctor because I was experiencing new-onset shortness of breath and found out I was anemic. After additional tests, the doctors told me they found a large tumor and multiple metastases in my abdomen and that I had stage four colon cancer.”
Susan’s particular genetic profile made her a candidate for immunotherapy. She began treatment at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, which is the beneficiary of the Swim Across America-Nashville Pool Swim.
“In fact, the type of immunotherapy I was given – Keytruda – was developed in the Swim Across America funded lab at the Johns Hopkins Cancer Center! What an incredibly serendipitous moment it was when I realized that the treatment that could help save my life was initially funded through Swim Across America fundraising events.”
Susan received treatment for two years and is now cancer-free. And her participation in this year’s Swim Across America – Nashville event is that much more poignant.
Susan’s daughter-in-law, Chris, is one of the event directors and coaches at the Ensworth Natatorium where the event is held. Her son, John, is a cardiologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. For the second year, Chris and John will swim with their team “Chris’ Cancer Crushers” in their endeavor to “make waves to fight cancer.”
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 is excited to celebrate our top fundraisers with the 2023 WaveMaker gift! Swimmers and volunteers who raise $1,000 or more will receive an insulated 32 oz Wide-Mouth Hydro Flask water bottle.
As part of the WaveMaker club, we want you to show your SAA pride year-round with a Hydro Flask perfect for any occasion. Ideal for everyday and outdoor adventure, the Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth vacuum water bottle packs 32 oz. of hydration, and keeps your beverage hot or cold for hours. Want to take this awesome item home with you? Register today and set your fundraising goal to WaveMaker!
Here are some recent stories that display the impact all the members of the Swim Across America family have had in the Fairfield County community benefiting Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy. If you would like to register, volunteer or donate, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/fairfieldcounty.
Here are some recent stories that display the impact all the members of the Swim Across America family have had in the Larchmont community benefiting Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center and Cancer Support Team. If you would like to register, volunteer or donate, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/longislandsound.
Here are some recent stories that display the impact all the members of the Swim Across America family have had in the Rhode Island community benefiting Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island. If you would like to register, volunteer or donate, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/rhodeisland.
Here are some recent stories that display the impact all the members of the Swim Across America family have had in the Seattle community benefiting Seattle Cancer Center Alliance – Fred Hutch. If you would like to register, volunteer or donate, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/seattle.
Here are some recent stories that display the impact all the members of the Swim Across America family have had in the San Francisco community benefiting UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. If you would like to register, volunteer or donate, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/sanfrancisco.
Here are some recent stories that display the impact all the members of the Swim Across America family have had in the Atlanta community benefiting the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. If you would like to register, volunteer or donate, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/atlanta.
Swim Across America 