Category: event directors

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE 2025 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 2025 SAA College Cup. More than 45 collegiate, club, and alumni teams and over 1,300 participants all united to make waves in the fight against cancer through swimming and friendly competition. Together, the teams raised over $500,000 for their communities and beneficiaries.

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, Bailey Burt and Sue Walsh, and raised more than $88,000. 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 and Team Tar Heel captain, Sue Walsh, Swim Across America’s mission is deeply personal. 

“I am so proud to be a part of this amazing organization and raise funds for critical cancer research at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center with Team Tar Heel,” shared Sue. “I swim for everyone fighting cancer and I’m proud of what we have accomplished in our community.”

“As a team, we are thrilled to be the Swim Across America College Cup champions and to have had the opportunity to make such a tremendous positive impact in our community. Each of us is passionate about the SAA mission and thankful for the good it has done for so many.

Congrats to the top collegiate fundraiser, Lucas Caswell, who raised over $11,500! Lucas is a student at WashU in St. Louis, Missouri, supporter of the SAA-St. Louis open water swim, and helped establish the 2025 SAA-Michigan pool swim at the University of Michigan. Lucas will be honored in May at the annual CSCAA awards banquet in Chicago.

Lucas Caswell and his mother, Elizabeth, at the 2025 SAA-Michigan pool swim.

“Swim Across America’s community of swimmers, volunteers, and researchers inspired me through their work, their stories, and their hope to join the fight against cancer,” shared Lucas.

SAA also recognized a collegiate team chosen through a random drawing: Team Thundering over Cancer with Marshall University. The team of more than 20 swimmers raised nearly $9,000 through their inaugural pool swim, and were awarded an $800 Kiefer Aquatics voucher. Funds raised by the team from Marshall University supported pediatric cancer research through Swim Across America national grants.

“Swim Across America and their mission is important to us because we have seen our friends and family greatly affected by cancer,” shared by team captain, Nina Nugent “We’re honored to have hosted the first SAA pool swim in West Virginia and hope that together we can Thunder Over Cancer!”

The Swim Across America College Cup invites 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 participate 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 are eligible to compete in the College Cup. Teams consist of current college students, alumni, or a mix of both, and could be small as one person.

The Swim Across America College Cup is supported through partnerships with CSCAA, Kiefer, 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, SAA is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more visit swimacrossamerica.org or follow on Facebook or on Instagram.

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 Kiefer Aquatics

Kiefer Aquatics is the trusted source for competitive swimmers, lifeguards, and aquatic facilities. From performance swimwear and lifeguard uniforms to rescue gear, on-deck equipment, and general aquatic facility needs, Kiefer is dedicated to helping our customers deliver better aquatic experiences through trusted products, customized solutions, and exceptional service. Learn more at kiefer.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.

Swim Across America – Charlotte In the News

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, charlotte, college swimming, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Junior Advisory Board, Making Waves With Hope, News, UncategorizedTagged , , , , Leave a comment

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.

WSOC

Swim Across America event returns to the Queen City

Swim Across America event returns to the Queen City (Yahoo! via WSCO)

WCNC (NBC 36)

Swim Across America helps raise funds for local cancer research (YouTube via WCNC)

Swim Across America helps raise funds for local cancer research

Making waves in cancer research – Sponsored by Atrium Health Foundation

WFAE

Hundreds to swim in Lake Wylie for cancer treatment and research fundraiser

South Charlotte Weekly

15-year-old Paralympian to swim for charity

Charlotte Observer

How Providence Day swimmer Drennan Shall has turned pain into purpose

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – LONG ISLAND SOUND IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Long Island Sound, Making Waves With Hope, Messages of Hope, News, Pool Swims, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

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.

SAAswim.com – Swim Across America blog

From Heartbreak to Hope: Team Gina Makes Waves to Fight Cancer

New Rochelle Challenged Triathlete Florence Berger-Bordeau to Swim in 33rd Annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound July 26

From Survivor to Swimmer: 13-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Jane Hatch Makes Waves for Pediatric Cancer Research

Swimming World

Swim Across America – Long Island Sound Open Water Swim Makes Waves to Fight Cancer

WNYW-TV (FOX, 5) “The Noon”

33rd Annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound

WNBC-TV (NBC, 4)

‘Swim Across America’ for a good cause

The New York Post

Two-time cancer survivor reveals his fitness stamina trick — and how he uses honey — as he swims 10K across the Long Island Sound

News 12 Long Island

Swim Across America raises almost $2.1 million toward cancer research

Greenwich man swims across Long Island Sound to raise money to fight cancer

News 12 Westchester

Swim Across America raises almost $2.1 million toward cancer research

New Rochelle Patch

New Rochelle Challenged Triathlete Florence Berger-Bordeau to Swim in 33rd Annual Swim Across America – LIS

Larchmont – Mamaroneck Patch

From Heartbreak to Hope: Team Gina Makes Waves to Fight Cancer at 33rd Annual Swim Across America

Swim Across America – Long Island Sound Raises an Incredible $2+ Million for Cancer Research

Scarsdale 10583

Team John Surpasses $2 Million raised for Cancer Research

Lohud The Journal News

Video: Swim Across America Long Island Sound

Photos: Swim Across America Long Island Sound

MyRye.com

Rye’s Adam Coe Completes 10K Swim Across Long Island Sound for Charity Event

Rye’s Adam Coe Completes 10K Swim Across Long Island Sound for Charity Event

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NANTUCKET IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Making Waves With Hope, Messages of Hope, nantucket, News, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

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.

SAAswim.com – Swim Across America blog

Natalie Thompson Makes Waves: How One Nantucket Family Lives the Swim Across America Mission

Nantucket Current

“Badge Of Honor” – Natalie Thompson Swims For Her Wife, Late Father


Swim Across America Nantucket Sets New Record With $1 Million Raised For Cancer Care, Research

The Inquirer & Mirror

Swim Across America returns to Jetties Beach Saturday

WBZ-AM/1030 NewsRadio “Nightside with Dan Rea”

Nighttime News Update: Swim Across America – Nantucket

Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living

Making Waves: Natalie Thompson’s Mission to Fight Cancer, One Stroke at a Time

Yesterday’s Island Today’s Nantucket

Swim to Fight Cancer

CapeCod.com

Charity swim returns to Nantucket’s Jetties Beach this weekend

Nantucket.Net Blog

Swim Across America Nantucket Gives A Gift of Hope

Swim Across America Presentation and Lab Visit with researcher, Bryan Choi MD, PhD

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, boston, event directors, Events, Grant, Labs, Making Waves With Hope, Messages of Hope, nantucketTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

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.

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.

Swim Across America – Charlotte In the News

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, charlotte, college swimming, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Junior Advisory Board, Making Waves With Hope, News, UncategorizedTagged , , , , Leave a comment

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.

SAAswim.com – Swim Across America blog

SHANNON CARNEY: A SURVIVOR’S JOURNEY TO HONOR LOVED ONES AND MAKE WAVES TO FIGHT CANCER

Charlotte Observer

In Charlotte, this organization donates to defeat cancer and lets people swim to remember

WCNC (NBC 36)

Charlotte ‘Swim Across America Day’ is this weekend

South Charlotte Weekly

Swim raises money for cancer research, clinical trials

Charlotte Magazine

Swim Across America – Charlotte Charity Swim

Charlotte Patch

Annual Swim Across America – Charlotte Charity Swim

MSN.com (via Charlotte Observer)

In Charlotte, this organization donates to defeat cancer and lets people swim to remember

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.

Swim Across America – Louisville In the News

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, event directors, louisville, News, Pool Swims, UncategorizedLeave a comment

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.

WLKY CBS News

Making waves to fight cancer: Louisville swimmers raise $61K for cancer research

WDRB

Dozens participate in Louisville’s Swim Across America to fight cancer

2024 Media Highlights

SAAswim.com, Swim Across America blog

First-Ever Swim Across America – Louisville Family-Fun Pool Swim to Make Waves in the Fight Against Cancer

Spectrum News 1

Dozens plunge for a purpose in Louisville

WLKY, CBS News Louisville

‘Swim Across America’ fundraising in Louisville

MSN.com

Hundreds of Louisville area swimmers make waves fighting cancer

First-Ever Swim Across America – Louisville Family-Fun Pool Swim to Make Waves in the Fight Against Cancer

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, event directors, Events, Fundraising, louisville, Messages of Hope, Pool Swims, Uncategorized1 Comment

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.”

Hundreds Dive in to Make Waves to Fight Cancer at 14th Annual Swim Across America – Dallas Open Water Swim

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, dallas, event directors, Fundraising, Making Waves With Hope, Messages of Hope, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedLeave a comment

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.