Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Charlotte community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital, at swimacrossamerica.org/charlotte.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Long Island Sound community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Cancer Center, Cancer Support Team, and Weill Cornell Medical Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/long_island.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Nantucket community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket, and Mass General Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/nantucket.
Choi’s next generation CAR-T therapy, funded in part by SAA-Boston and SAA-Nantucket, has shown “dramatic and rapid” regression of glioblastoma
With early funding from Swim Across America – Boston and Swim Across America – Nantucket, Dr. Bryan Choi’s research on tandem CAR T-cell therapy for ependymoma was approved for a Phase I trial. The first human patient was infused at the end of April 2023. The results of the first human trials, as described in 2024 by the New England Journal of Medicine, showed “dramatic and rapid” regression of glioblastoma.
In an exclusive briefing to Swim Across America participants, Dr. Bryan Choi, a neurosurgeon and neuro-oncologist at Massachusetts General Cancer Center, delivered an update on his research path.
From left, brain tumors, marked by red and green arrows, disappear a day after CAR-T immunotherapy treatment. From CNN.
The Swim Across America lab visit included not only highlights from on the ongoing Phase I trial, but also a few first-hand stories about the life-changing impacts of the new CAR-T cell therapy for one of the patients, who has chosen to share his story publicly.
Tom Fraser (Patient #2) has shared his story publicly with news outlets that include CNN and New York Magazine.
Tom Fraser, 72, (center, in the blue shirt) was treated with a single infusion of CAR-T cells. Two days later, an MRI showed a decrease in the tumor’s size by 18.5 percent. By day 69, the tumor had decreased by 60.7 percent, and the response was sustained for over 6 months. From The Harvard Gazette.
CAR T-cell therapy, a type of gene therapy that engineers a patient’s own T-cells (a type of white blood cells) to identify and attack cancer cells by way of their antigen markers, has shown promise in the treatment of blood cancers. The research team created dual antigen-targeting tandem CAR T (TanCART) cells to target heterogeneous solid tumors. Dr. Choi’s research shows that this type of therapy can also be manipulated to treat solid tumors like ependymoma.
At the suggestion of Dr. Howard Weinstein, Unit Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Mass General for Children and long-time Swim Across America partner, Dr. Choi applied for a Swim Across America research grant through the internal competitive bid program at Mass General for Children.
Dr. Choi recruiting the next generation of researchers, like SAA – Nantucket supporter, Braden Hussey.
Without the Swim Across America grant, Dr. Choi said, his research likely would have remained unfunded, and neither the FDA approval nor the Phase I Study approval, which is funded by industry investors, would have been possible.
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 aligned perfectly with the opportunities that Swim Across America seeks to support,” said McArdle. “We are so excited that SAA funding could help accelerate it to patient trials – and are thrilled to see the benefits to patients!”
Dr. Choi explained CAR-T cell therapy to the Swim Across America group on April 4, 2025.
After his highly informative presentation, Dr. Choi gave the Swim Across America group a private tour of his lab spaces, which were in the finishing stages of build-out when they toured two years ago.
The group also got to visit the Ether Dome at Mass General, the surgical amphitheater where, in 1846, the first public surgery with anesthesia was performed.
It was an exciting visit for Swim Across America news and for all of the Swim Across America – Boston and Nantucket supporters who were present!
Swim Across America lab visit participants, pictured with Dr. Choi in the Ether Dome at Mass General, site of the first use of anesthesia in public surgery.
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.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Charlotte community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital, at swimacrossamerica.org/charlotte.
In August 2024, Charlotte resident, Julia Brookshire, completed the Hellespont-Dardanelles swim through a partnership between Swim Across America and SwimTrek Swimming Holidays. She also celebrated retirement, a serendipitous new career, and being in deep remission from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Find media highlights from Julia’s adventure here.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Louisville community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, UofL Brown Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/louisville.
Swimmers & Floaters Dive in on September 14, 2024, at Genesis Blairwood & Louisville Tennis Club to Raise Crucial Dollars for Cancer Research for University of Louisville Health Brown Cancer Center
Swim Across America, the national nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for crucial cancer research through swimming events, is excited to announce its inaugural Swim Across America – Louisville pool swim on Saturday, September 14, 2024. The event will be held at Genesis Blairwood & Louisville Tennis Club in Louisville. Participants will have the opportunity to swim either a ½ Mile, 1 Mile, or choose from fun races or float options with Olympic swimmer Clark Burkle, world champion Mallory Comerford, and baseball legend Bucky Dent. The swim distances are designed for all ages and skill levels and are fun for the whole family! Those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating to the cause can register at swimacrossamerica.org/louisville.
Some of the fun swim activities at the event include:
Race Olympian Clark Burkle and World Champion Mallory Comerford in a fun 25-yard pool float challenge.
Float with Bucky Dent, 1978 World Series MVP for the New York Yankees, in the deep end of the 25-yard pool (floats provided).
500-Yard Workout: Get a customized swim workout created by Olympic and National champion swimmers, tailored specifically for Swim Across America Louisville participants.
1 Mile Swim: Test your endurance in the 50-meter pool.
½ Mile Swim: A shorter, yet challenging swim option in the 50-meter pool.
SAA My Way (Virtual): Can’t make it in person? Join the swim virtually from anywhere.
The Swim Across America – Louisville event aims to raise $65,000 to benefit the University of Louisville Health Brown Cancer Center, a leading institution in cancer research.
Team Ballard Bruins, led by Swim Across America board member Pam Ryan, is currently leading the fundraising charge with an impressive $20,000 raised so far. Ryan, a Louisville native, is passionate about the cause, stating on her Swim Across America profile, “As Board Chair of Swim Across America, I am humbled and proud to be a part of this impactful organization. The funds we raise in each community stay local, and I am excited to be a part of the first swim in Louisville to benefit the Brown Cancer Center and UofL Health. I swim each year to honor and remember my friends who have battled and are battling cancer and to honor their loving families.”
Pam Ryan’s motivation is deeply personal, as she swims in memory and honor of friends and family who have faced cancer, including her mother, Aunt Susie, Fraser, Simon, Rick, Pete, Ben, Amy, and in memory of Irwin and Ady, as well as friends and fellow swimmers, Steve and Eddie.
Close behind in fundraising efforts is Team Dent, captained by Angie Dent, also a Louisville native who has formed her team with husband Bucky Dent, a former professional baseball player. Bucky Dent’s participation and passion for supporting cancer research is inspired by his late wife, who passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
Angie Dent shared, “Bucky and I joined Swim Across America as we both have had our own individual journey with cancer, and we wholeheartedly believe in the Swim Across America mission. We know firsthand the incredible impact of innovative research that leads to new treatments and therapies. We want to help give more families like our own the much-needed support, hope, and viable treatment options.”
The September 14th Open Water Swim at Lake Ray Hubbard Raises Crucial Dollars for Cancer Research Benefiting Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center
The 14th annual Swim Across America – Dallas open water swim, dedicated to making waves to fight cancer by raising funds for crucial cancer research through swimming events, is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Lake Ray Hubbard, located at 2055 Summer Lee Drive in Rockwall, Texas. Swimmers can choose between swimming ½–mile, 1-mile or 2-miles, or participate ini their own way by supporting the organization virtually with SAA My Way. Established in 2011, this family-friendly fun swim has raised more than $3 million for its local beneficiary, the Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, helping to support groundbreaking cancer care in Dallas.
The Dallas swim brings together more than 450 swimmers, volunteers, spectators, and supporters, along with Olympians from near and far, all united in the mission to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The goal for this year’s swim is to raise $200,000, and participants are already rallying around this cause.
Leading the fundraising efforts is Team Fabulous, captained by cancer survivor Robyn Starnes, who has raised an incredible $14,300 so far. Robyn, diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014, has been cancer-free for nearly a decade and is passionate about giving back.
“This is my 3rd year participating in the 1-mile open water swim with Swim Across America, and I’m excited to make an even bigger fundraising SPLASH this year,” noted Robyn. “To celebrate 10 years of being cancer-free, I’m going BIG and hoping to raise $10,000. Everyone sadly knows someone who has been affected by cancer in some way — whether personally, a family member, friend, coworker, or even your favorite bartender. Wouldn’t it be amazing to be part of the generation that turns the corner in the fight? What if, after hearing ‘You have cancer’ — the three scariest words I’ve ever been told — the next three words you hear are, ‘And there’s hope.’”
Another top fundraising team, Team Fast Fins Elite, captained by Cody Lavoie, has raised more than $4,000 so far. Cody joined Swim Across America because he believes in the organization’s mission and wants to help give more families hope. “If you are able, please support Swim Across America by making a donation and help us reach our fundraising goal,” Cody urged.
Those interested in swimming or volunteering (land and water volunteers needed) or donating to support the cause, should visit swimacrossamerica.org/dallas.
800+ swimmers and volunteers come together for New England’s largest ocean swim event to support cancer research at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island
Swim Across America – Rhode Island is Making Waves to Fight Cancer by celebrating the 15th anniversary of its open water swim on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Roger Wheeler State Beach, in the protective waters of the Point Judith Harbor of Refuge in scenic Narragansett, Rhode Island. This event is Swim Across America’s largest in the country, with more than 800 participants and three dozen fundraising teams — half from New England colleges — uniting to support promising cancer research at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island (WIH), the local event beneficiary.
There are four swim options: a one-mile or half-mile course for ages 13 and up (younger swimmers require approval), a quarter-mile course for ages 9 to 12, and a new Splash & Dash for ages 12 and under. Alternatively, you can support the event as a SAA My Way virtual participant or onsite volunteer. To register for the event in any of these capacities or to donate visit swimacrossamerica.org/rhodeisland.
In the past 15 years, Swim Across America – Rhode Island has raised more than $2.5 million for ovarian and breast cancer research. This funding has helped researchers at the WIH Program in Women’s Oncology Center for Biomarkers & Emerging Technology Program discover a biomarker for ovarian cancer and introduce to clinical practice an algorithm that estimates with specificity the risk of ovarian cancer in women with a pelvic mass. This test is now used worldwide and is a game changer for women with ovarian cancer, which is notoriously difficult to diagnose at an early stage when it is most treatable. This research has since expanded to study the function of the biomarker within cancer cells and the use of novel therapeutics that target the biomarker. Find more information here.
“Everyone who supports Swim Across America can be proud of the collective impact we’ve had on cancer research and treatment breakthroughs,” said Douglas Sayles, co-director of the Swim Across America – Rhode Island event. “Sadly, cancer touches everyone one way or another, but the research we fund and the sense of community we create through our events provide hope that real strides are being made toward new and better treatments. That’s the spirit of Swim Across America … there is hope.”
Swim Across America 