When Mark Monson first participated in Swim Across America – Dallas in 2016, he joined because he loved to swim and wanted to support a cause that had impacted family and friends affected by cancer.
What began as a way to give back became deeply personal in January 2022 when Mark was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer.
“Before my diagnosis, I supported Swim Across America because of the people in my life who had fought cancer,” said Mark. “After my diagnosis, the swim became much more personal.”
Now 49 and living in Frisco, Texas, Mark is celebrating a milestone that once seemed uncertain: he currently has no evidence of disease.
Mark Munson, Swim Across America – Dallas participant and cancer survivor.
Over the past 10 years, Mark has raised approximately $15,000 for Swim Across America – Dallas. This year, he will once again take part in the annual open water swim on Saturday, September 19 at Lake Rockwall, benefiting Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center.
His experience as both a participant and survivor fuels his commitment to the cause.
“I am motivated to continue raising money because I know precisely where the money goes, and I can see progress being made,” Mark said.
Proceeds from the SAA-Dallas community event are granted to the Texas Cancer Interception Institute (TCII) within Baylor Scott & White. The TCII brings together advanced technology, research and care teams to help detect cancer at its earliest stages — when it is most treatable.
Swim Across America – Dallas community at their event in 2025.
“Fifteen years ago, my diagnosis was a death sentence. At the time I’m writing this, I have no evidence of disease. I want that for everyone who is diagnosed with cancer.”
For Mark, Swim Across America is about more than fundraising. The annual event motivates him to stay active and provides an opportunity to connect with a community united by a common purpose.
“Swim Across America motivates me to keep pushing to be able to swim each year,” he said. “I also enjoy seeing friends there, both old and new.”
As Mark prepares for another Swim Across America – Dallas event, he hopes his story serves as a reminder that every dollar raised helps move cancer research forward and brings hope to patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis.
Swim Across America Founder Matt Vossler, Team Darien YMCA Piranhas and Darien Blue Wave Swimmers Highlight Darien’s Deep Ties to June 20 Cancer Benefit Swim
From the founder of Swim Across America to the next generation of young swimmers diving in to fight cancer, Darien will be well represented at the 20th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim on Saturday, June 20, at Dolphin Cove in Stamford.
The annual swim benefits Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, headquartered in Stamford and the nation’s only nonprofit dedicated to funding cancer cell and gene therapy. Established in 2007, Swim Across America – Fairfield County has raised more than $8.2 million for cancer research, supporting ACGT grants advancing better treatments and clinical trials for brain cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, solid tumors and, this year, ovarian cancer.
For Darien resident Matt Vossler, the Fairfield County swim is part of a much larger story that began nearly four decades ago. Vossler co-founded Swim Across America in 1987 after he and a small group of friends first ran across America, and then decided that more can swim than run, so in 1987, he and a group of swimmers, including some notable Olympians at that time, crossed Long Island Sound to raise money for cancer research. Since then, Swim Across America has grown into a national nonprofit holding open water and pool swims across the country – in 27 communities across America! Vossler remains a constant presence at Swim Across America – Fairfield County, helping lead the safety team and standing on the beach each year to count swimmers down as they enter the water and his family has been involved every year as well, swimming, volunteering, paddle boarding and boating.
Matt Vossler, Swim Across America founder, at the SAA-Fairfield County open water swim.
“Matt Vossler helped create a movement that has changed the landscape of cancer research philanthropy,” said Nancy Carr, event director of Swim Across America – Fairfield County and a two-time cancer survivor. “He is still inspiring the next generation to make waves to fight cancer. It is incredibly special to have that legacy rooted right here in Darien and Fairfield County.”
That next generation includes Shep Jennings, a Darien swimmer and team captain of Team Darien YMCA Piranhas. Shep swims year-round with the Darien YMCA Piranhas and has already made a major impact as a young fundraiser for Swim Across America – Fairfield County. After first joining the swim in 2024, he quickly became one of the event’s top young fundraisers, raising thousands of dollars for cancer research and inspiring teammates, friends and family to get involved.
One of Shep’s YMCA Piranhas teammates is Jedd Gallagher, whose family’s story underscores why cancer research funding matters.
Jedd swims in honor of his grandmother, Mary Jo Re, who passed away in 2024 from glioblastoma, and his father, John Gallagher, a survivor of stage 4 metastatic melanoma. John was diagnosed at age 30, on his birthday, June 20, and battled cancer for eight years. His treatment journey included surgery to remove the original tumor, a vaccine trial, surgeries to remove lung metastases, biochemotherapy, high-dose IL-2, removal of his left lung, six brain surgeries, three rounds of radiation to the brain, oral chemotherapy and interferon shots.
John was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and was cared for by Jedd Wolchok, MD, Ph.D., a physician-scientist whose work helped establish immunotherapy as a standard approach to cancer treatment. Jedd Gallagher is named in honor of Dr. Wolchok, who helped save his father’s life.
“I swim in honor of my grandmother, Mary Jo Re, who bravely fought and finally succumbed to glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, and for my dad John Gallagher, a survivor of stage 4 metastatic melanoma,” said Jedd Gallagher. “Swim Across America is important to my family as we believe in funding those doctors and researchers who are trying to find cures for some of the most devastating cancers such as those that have impacted my family. I am very proud to be named in honor of Dr. Jedd Wolchok, who saved my dad’s life.”
Darien’s connection to Swim Across America – Fairfield County also extends to the high school swim community. The Darien Blue Wave Swim and Dive team, under longtime coach Marj Trifone and now captained by Caroline Gies and Heili Jalakas, has been a longtime participant in the Fairfield County swim, bringing generations of Darien swimmers into the mission of making waves to fight cancer. Together with Team Darien YMCA Piranhas, Darien’s young swimmers are helping carry forward Swim Across America’s tradition of combining athleticism, teamwork and service to support lifesaving cancer research.
Kids’ Splash participants after swimming along the shore.
The 20th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County open water swim will take place Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Dolphin Cove, 96 Cummings Point Road, in Stamford, on the Greenwich/Stamford border. The event welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels to help make waves to fight cancer. Participants may choose from a half-mile, 1.5-mile or 3-mile swim course, and children ages 11 and younger can participate in a fun Kids’ Splash along the shore. A virtual SAA My Way option is also available. For registration, volunteer opportunities, or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/fc.
“For this 20th year of making waves to fight cancer, we are celebrating the individuals and families who have built this swim and the young swimmers who are carrying it forward,” Nancy Carr said. “From Matt Vossler, who helped launch Swim Across America, to Shep Jennings, Jedd Gallagher, Team Darien YMCA Piranhas and the Darien Blue Wave swimmers, Darien represents the full circle of this mission: swimming with purpose, raising money for research and helping give cancer patients and families hope.”
Participants at SAA-Fairfield County.
Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to the FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. The organization also recently awarded two first-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, advancing novel CRISPR gene and base editing techniques used in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and cellular therapies. Swim Across America supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.
For those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating to the 20th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County open water swim on Saturday, June 20, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/fc.
Swim Across America is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.
Team Relay at Ensworth Natatorium to Benefit Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Swim Across America, the nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer by holding charity swims across the nation, will host the 5th annual Swim Across America – Nashville Pool Swim on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Ensworth Natatorium, 7401 Tennessee Highway 100, in Nashville. The community charity swim is a Team Relay event that welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels who are passionate about fighting cancer. Proceeds benefit Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, with a 2026 goal of raising $100,000 to support cancer care and research in Nashville. For registration and volunteer opportunities, or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/nashville.
Established in 2022, Swim Across America – Nashville has raised more than $375,000 for Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, helping support cancer research, care and hope for individuals and families facing cancer.
For 23-year-old Aly Corb, an associate board member with Swim Across America and one of the planning committee members for the Nashville swim, the event is deeply personal. Aly, who currently lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been part of Swim Across America since she was just 8 years old and is now participating for her 16th year with the organization. One of the factors in her decision to attend college in Tennessee was the opportunity to help bring Swim Across America to the state. This year, she is diving in again to help organize the Nashville event at the Ensworth Natatorium.
Aly swims in memory of her brother, Michael, who sadly passed away from mixed lineage leukemia when he was just 9 months old. This past March, Aly and her family celebrated what would have been Michael’s 20th birthday; this December will mark 20 years without him.
“Although he lost his battle with cancer when he was only 9 months old, his memory is the reason this cause has meant so much to me and why Swim Across America has become such an important part of my life,” said Aly. “Every year when I swim, I do it in his honor, with the hope that together we can create a different future, one without cancer.”
Aly originally set her 2026 fundraising goal at $20,000 in honor of Michael’s 20th birthday. After quickly surpassing that goal and raising more than $25,000, she increased her goal to $30,000 — a threshold she has never reached before. Throughout the past 15 years with Swim Across America, Aly has raised more than $230,000 for cancer research, including $140,000 benefitting another Swim Across America beneficiary, Johns Hopkins Medicine, where Michael was treated.
“No matter where I swim, the money will still be going to help those fighting for their lives,” said Aly. “Whether you swim, donate or volunteer, you are helping to make a difference and save the lives of current and future cancer patients.”
Aly’s connection to cancer extends beyond her brother. She also swims in memory of her great-aunt Alison, her uncle Michael, and former teammate Garrett Brown, and in honor of family members and friends who have faced cancer.
“To me, this event 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,” noted Aly Corb. “That’s why I want to do everything I can so other families won’t go through what my family and I have gone through.”
Another swimmer, Tara Helmer, who lives in Nashville, also brings a deeply personal connection to the event. For Helmer, Swim Across America combines three important parts of her life: swimming, research, and her own experience as a cancer patient at Vanderbilt.
“I swim because Swim Across America combines three very important aspects of my life,” noted Tara. “My husband and daughter are very involved in the swim community. In fact, my husband is a former swimmer and current high school coach, and my daughter is a competitive swimmer.
Tara has also worked in research administration at Vanderbilt for about 20 years, supporting researchers across the institution. She also has been a cancer patient at Vanderbilt since 2016, when she was initially diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. In 2023, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to work with brilliant and passionate researchers across the institution over the years,” said Tara. “I am truly blessed and thankful for Dr. Park and all of the other incredible cancer researchers. I know far too many who have been diagnosed with cancer and have lost their lives to it. We’ve come such a long way, but still have a long way to go. Organizations like Swim Across America that support cancer research definitely help move the needle in the right direction. I also know that cancer patients like myself are always buying time until the next treatment or a cure is available. Having an organization dedicated to advancing cancer research is critical, and it gives cancer patients hope. If sharing my story helps even just one patient feel less scared, it is worth it.”
Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to the FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. The organization also recently awarded two first-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, advancing novel CRISPR gene and base editing techniques used in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and cellular therapies. Swim Across America supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.
For those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating to the 5th annual Swim Across America – Nashville Pool Swim on June 14, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/nashville.
Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.
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 Brigham Cancer Institute, at swimacrossamerica.org/nantucket.
Presenting the 2025 Impact Report for Swim Across America.
We are proud to present our 2025 impact report, a high-level overview of Swim Across America, its communities, events, and beneficiary programs. The generosity, dedication, and support from events in 2025 strengthen our commitment to awarding grants to innovative cancer research, clinical trials, detection, and patient programs through charity swims that unite communities in the fight against cancer.
A letter from Rob Butcher, the CEO of Swim Across America:
Dear Swim Across America Community,
We began with a simple yet bold belief, that a community united in purpose can turn hope into action by innovating new cancer treatments and improving quality of life. Because of you, that belief is becoming a reality.
Coast-to-coast and all year long, survivors, advocates, and partners raised critical funds that directly support innovative research, advance detection, and improved patient programs. Every dollar granted is action towards breakthroughs and support for families navigating the unimaginable. We are unique that the funds raised in each community stay local, strengthening relationships with academic and community partners, and ensuring donors know the impact of their generosity.
We celebrate progress because families continue to hear the words, “You have cancer” and deserve to hear, “There is Hope.” We are committed to sharing our impact and inspiring generations to Make Waves to Fight Cancer with Swim Across America.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Phoenix community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries at swimacrossamerica.org/phoenix.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Martha’s Vineyard community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries at swimacrossamerica.org/mv.
Swim Across America – Florida Keys event directors, Glenn and Susan Latham, at the 2025 event.
For co-event director Glenn Latham, a cancer survivor himself, and his wife and co-event director Susan, holding the Swim Across America event in the Florida Keys is especially poignant to them. “We’ve known so many family members and friends whose lives have been touched by cancer,” noted Glenn. “By swimming, we can make a difference and hopefully play a part in helping fund better and more effective treatments.” The 5th annual Swim Across America – Florida Keys event will be held Saturday, April 18, on the beautiful key of Islamorada.
Latham was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 53 in 2008. Although the diagnosis came in his early 50s, cancer had already touched his family deeply. Both of his parents and two of his three siblings battled cancer. His father also had prostate cancer, and his mother passed away at the young age of 48 from breast cancer, a disease that also affected two of his sisters — one who passed from the disease and one who, like Glenn, is a survivor. Today, after undergoing four years of treatment, Glenn is celebrating 18 years of being cancer-free.
“As a cancer survivor, I was involved in several cancer causes prior to moving to The Keys. My love of swimming led to the chance meeting with a local swimmer and long time Swim Across America supporter, Bob Coakley, who shared the mission of Swim Across America. My wife Susan and I were immediately interested, and together we decided to organize a Swim Across America open water swim in the Florida Keys. I believe we need to expand cancer research – and the funding that Swim Across America and our swim generates is of huge value. It is particularly gratifying to meet and work with key members of the local medical research institution, Swim Across America staff, swim Olympians and local community supporters. I encourage everyone of all ages to please come out and join us on April 18th! It’s fun for everyone!”
Some of the top fundraising teams, like Team Baker, formed by siblings Chip and Mary Baker, are swimming in memory of loved ones lost to cancer, like Chip and Mary’s Mom. Team “The Importers” was formed by childhood best friends Casey and Bree, who were united by both having parents who underwent a cancer battle and are today survivors, or currently battling. “This year both our families got news we never expected to hear, but despite the road bumps in our paths, Miami Cancer Institute has been there to help with treatment, support, and give us Hope in the darkest times. This is why we want to support them by participating with Swim Across America – Florida Keys,” noted Breeanna Prince, team captain. There are also the young teammates who have formed the Florida Keys Swim Club Team. “No one fights cancer alone,” noted Stella Hodder, team captain. “Our team joined Swim Across America because we believe in their mission and want to help give more families hope.” Even Bob Coakley’s dog, Rona, swims in the event and is a top fundraiser!
The beautiful backdrop for the SAA – Florida Keys open water swim, at Founders Park in Islamorada.
“Our Swim Across America – Florida Keys open water swim is one of the most beautiful swims in the world,” noted Susan Latham, co-event director. “Sometimes we get lucky and a few dolphins decide to join us and swim alongside us. The sun is usually always shining, and the beauty of the beach, along with the passion of the swimmers, helps make the day unforgettable and inspiring. The gathering of so many families and so many individuals is incredible — whether they are currently battling it out, are survivors or have lost someone. To hear the stories and to learn about those whom cancer has touched and to experience that the outpouring of support is just amazing. The feeling of wanting to make a change and to do something for those who have experienced cancer is huge.”
The 5th annual Swim Across America – Florida Keys open water swim will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Founders Park, 87000 Overseas Highway, on the Florida key of Islamorada. The swim raises funds for critical cancer research and supports its local beneficiary Miami Cancer Institute. Since its first Florida Keys swim in 2022, Swim Across America – Florida Keys has raised more than $450,000 to fight cancer. This event proudly welcomes swimmers, volunteers (land and water), spectators, supporters and Olympians from near and far for this inspiring community swim. Swim lengths are ½-mile, 1-mile or 2-miles. There is also a fun Kids’ Splash and Mermaid Swim! Those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating can learn more at swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys or follow on Facebook or Instagram @saafloridakeys or email glenn@swimacrossamerica.org.
Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to the FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. The organization also recently awarded two first-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, advancing novel CRISPR gene and base editing techniques used in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and cellular therapies. Swim Across America supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.
Hundreds of swimmers and volunteers are getting ready to dive in and make waves to fight cancer at the 10th annual Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Night Heron Park, on Kiawah Island in South Carolina. The event raises crucial funds for cancer research at the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. Swimmers of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part in the annual Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim. Participants can swim a 1/2-mile or 1.5-mile open water swim, or participate in a same-day pool swim. For those not able to be there in-person, a SAA My Way virtual option is available. For registration and volunteer opportunities (volunteer on the land or water), or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/charleston.
The SAA-Charleston-Kiawah community after the 2025 open water swim.
Established in 2017, Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah has raised more than $600,000 for its beneficiary, Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. Each year, the event proudly hosts more than 150 swimmers, volunteers, spectators and supporters, as well as Olympians from near and far, for this inspiring community swim.
“The Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim is one of the most inspiring events you will ever attend,” said Jana Chanthabane, event director of the Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim. “The gathering of so many families and individuals who are honoring those who have been touched by cancer, whether they are survivors, currently battling, or have lost someone, is truly incredible. The feeling of wanting to make a change and to do something for those who have experienced cancer is huge.”
Chanthabane knows firsthand the impact of raising funds for cancer research. She is a breast cancer survivor who has been cancer-free for 13 years. She was diagnosed in 2013 at the young age of 35 while raising three young children. Her personal journey is one of the reasons she has remained deeply committed to Swim Across America and its mission.
To support Jana, her family is swimming and volunteering with Team Chanthabanes Cheating Cancer. Jana’s daughter Ella Chanthabane notes that 2026 represents a powerful milestone.
“2026 marks Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah’s 10-year anniversary, and for me and my mom, that means 10 years of commitment to the mission,” said Ella Chanthabane. “Commitment to fighting cancer, making waves, and honoring those we’ve lost, as well as survivors like my mom, is really incredible. We got involved because, like everyone, we had been touched by cancer. We stayed because we believe in the Swim Across America mission and the work being done to support MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, where my mom was treated for breast cancer.”
Jana and Ella Chanthabane, pictured at the 2025 SAA-Motor City Mile open water swim.
Among this year’s participants is John Rhodes with Team Axes Endurance Club, who participates in memory of his father and in honor of many others affected by cancer. “I am passionate about Swim Across America and dedicate my time in memory of my father, John Rhodes, who was diagnosed with skin, prostate and thyroid cancer,” said John Rhodes. “In 2001, I began getting skin cancer screenings due to my father’s extensive skin cancer diagnosis and was found to have a basal cell carcinoma, which was successfully removed. Many other friends and family have been diagnosed with cancer, and Swim Across America’s goal of beating cancer through advancements in treatments has already resulted in the saving of many lives around the world. Without Swim Across America’s early-stage funding, researchers are not able to conduct trials that can lead to breakthroughs that save lives.”
Another returning swimmer is Ellen Sullivan with the team Pawleys Island Freestylers, who is taking part in her fourth Swim Across America event. “My journey with Swim Across America began four years ago when my high school swim coach and Olympic swimmer, Craig Beardsley, invited me to support the Kiawah event,” said Ellen Sullivan. “Since then, I have lost both my beloved mother and father to cancer. A close friend has bravely battled and triumphed over her own diagnosis, and my dear colleague continues to fight courageously against recurring cancer. These personal experiences have given me even more reason to swim. I swim to make a difference.”
Sullivan’s teammate Stefanie Whitmire, also with Team Pawleys Island Freestylers, is swimming as both a survivor and an advocate for others facing the disease. “I joined Swim Across America for so many reasons,” said Stefanie Whitmire. “I have many friends who have fought cancer, and this year, I am also swimming for myself. I have never been as scared as when I found out I had cancer — especially when it was a rare cancer. The news was unexpected and came right before Christmas. My surgeons and doctors were amazing. They saw me through two major surgeries, six months of chemotherapy and continued monitoring. I learned so much about my inner strength, my faith and my determination. I want to give back and support the research that will fight cancer. I want others to see there is hope and life in the darkness.”
Irene Row with Team West Ashley Whales is also swimming for a loved one. Her husband, Michael, was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in 2017 and continues to fight the disease. “My husband, Michael, was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in 2017, and he has been fighting this disease ever since,” said Row. “We both have family members and friends with other forms of cancer, and some of them have passed away. Michael found out about Swim Across America in 2018 and we both love that it raises money for a worthy cause — funding much-needed cancer research.”
Another standout returning team is Team Baucom, led by Barry Baucom of Kiawah, along with his wife Louise and son Ryan, who happens to be vice president of marketing for Swim Across America. The family has raised more than $60,000 over the past ten years to support cancer research and clinical trials at Hollings Cancer Center.
Team Baucom at the 2025 SAA-Charleston-Kiawah open water swim.
The funds raised by Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah support cancer research and clinical trials at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, with funds currently supporting both the Ferreira Lab, dedicated to designing and developing engineered immune cell therapies for autoimmune disease, cancer and aging, as well as a pediatric brain cancer grant.
Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to the FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. The organization also recently awarded two first-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, advancing novel CRISPR gene and base editing techniques used in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and cellular therapies. Swim Across America supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.For those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating at the 10th annual Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim on June 6, 2026, visit swimacrossamerica.org/charleston, or follow on Instagram and Facebook @saacharlestonkiawah.
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 