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.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Denver community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Children’s Hospital Colorado, at swimacrossamerica.org/denver.
On Saturday, August 3, hundreds of swimmers, volunteers, and supporters will come together to Make Waves to Fight Cancer at the 24th annual Swim Across America – Nassau/Suffolk open water swim.
The community swim will be held at Pryibil Beach in Glen Cove, NY and offers multiple distance options for swimmers, as well as land and water volunteer roles. Swimmers of all ages can Make Waves to Fight Cancer by joining the Family Fun Swim.
“The Swim Across America – Nassau/Suffolk community swims are a great opportunity for our friends, neighbors, and family to come together and make a real impact in the fight against cancer. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the years,” said Swim Across America – Nassau/Suffolk event director and Swim Across America board member, Kevin Shine.
Dr. Jedd Wolchok, of Weill Cornell Cancer Center, spoke at the 2023 SAA-Nassau/Suffolk open water swim.
Since its inception, the SAA-Nassau/Suffolk open water and pool swims have raised over $12 million for their beneficiaries. Proceeds from the 2024 events benefit cancer research, clinical trials, and cancer care programs at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Feinstein Institute at Northwell Health, MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, and SHARE Cancer Support.
“We were grateful to extend our support to Weill Cornell Medicine in 2023 and support the Swim Across Research Laboratory at Weill Cornell Cancer Center, led by Dr. Taha Merghoub,” noted Kevin.
Grants from the SAA-Nassau/Suffolk community swims have had an incredible impact on cancer research and breakthroughs. A current rectal cancer clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center led by Dr. Luis Diaz and Dr. Andrea Cercek saw the first 100% remission rate in the history of cancer.
Additionally, SAA-Nassau-Suffolk is proud to host the two top fundraising teams across all Swim Across America national events: Team Stacey and Team Carolyn. In 2023, the two teams raised over $560,000 combined.
Team Stacey, named in honor of Stacey Leondis, has raised over $2.5 million since their first event in 2008.
“We’ve grown from a team of 13 to over 85 team members, ranging in age from 6 months to 99 years old! This truly reflects Stacey’s ability to always connect and bring people together for a cause,” said Ellen Leondis, Stacey’s mother and captain of the team.
Team Stacey, Swim Across America’s top fundraising team of 2023, at the 2023 SAA-Nassau/Suffolk open water swim.
Team Carolyn has raised over $500,000 since their first event in 2022. Steven Chestler, the team’s captain, joined Swim Across America to honor his wife, Carolyn Jaenisch.
Team Carolyn, Swim Across America’s number two top fundraising team, at the 2023 SAA-Nassau/Suffolk open water swim.
“We started the team in honor of my wife, Carolyn Jaenisch, who was a marathon swimmer and beloved member of our community. The best way to honor her memory is to continue fighting this terrible disease while doing something she loved: swimming,” said Steven.
Swim Across America – Nassau-Suffolk open water swim offers a Family Fun Swim, ½-mile, 1-mile, 2-mile, 5K, and 10K course options for swimmers. Land and water volunteers are welcome to register to support the event. The community is also invited to join one of the many pool swims in New York. Find more info on the event page: swimacrossamerica.org/ns.
Keri Cleary watched family members go through the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. And at 36 years old, it was hard to believe that she would also hear those same words, “you have breast cancer.”
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer one month after running the Boston marathon, to the day. I was in the best shape of my life, and it was absolutely heart wrenching,” shared Keri.
Thankfully, Keri received swift treatment for her cancer and she is now cancer-free. Her connection to the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (UNC) and her gratitude to her doctors and care team, are what inspired her to join the Swim Across America – Carolina community swim.
“I feel so fortunate that because of the research and science, that I was quickly treated and cared for,” said Keri.
“I am now cancer free and feel lucky enough that I am on a treatment plan to help reduce recurrence and keep me healthy for years to come.”
Sue Walsh, University of North Carolina Alum, SAA-Carolina committee member and cancer survivor with Keri Cleary
This is Keri’s third year supporting Swim Across America – Carolina and, in addition to swimming at the event, she has taken on a larger role with their local planning committee. Keri has raised over $7,000 to support UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Keri Cleary (center) with, from left to right, Aranza Vázquez Montaño (UNC Diver, Olympian) Rodolfo Vázquez Montaño (UNC Diver), Greer Pattison (UNC Swimmer), Elizabeth Sowards (UNC Swimmer) and Delaney Carlton (UNC Swimmer).
“I am really thankful to participate in Swim Across America for my third year in a row, this year, healthy.”
This year holds another special meaning for Keri, as she recently lost a family member to cancer.
“This year, I will be swimming in honor of my uncle, who passed away in December 2023 from a long battle with cancer.”
Keri has found community and hope with the Swim Across America community. And is thankful to see the impact in a direct way.
“Swim Across America means so much to me. The last two years I have seen how this wonderful event directly impacts those with cancer and those who have loved ones with cancer,” said Keri.
“I am so thankful that we raise funds for cancer research.To me, it’s about getting a community together to do really great things to help support cancer research.”
The 2024 Swim Across America – Carolina community swim is dedicated in memory of Eric Montross.
Keri Cleary with North Carolina Aquatic Club (NCAC) Swimmers; Audrey Wolk, Connor Peck, Isabel Wolk & Mackenzie Collins
Keri Cleary with NCAC swim coach and friend, Kirsten Siebenga.
For many years, Nancy Carr has supported friends and family who have been touched by cancer by joining them at the annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County swim.
Nancy first served as a volunteer, then stepped up in 2019 to be co-event director, and now event director.
Nancy is known for her big smile, boundless energy, genuine positive attitude, and ability to bring the community together. She has also been instrumental in bringing in additional support for the swim’s fundraising efforts.
This year’s swim has become extra meaningful and more personal for Nancy, who recently received her own cancer diagnosis.
“I was diagnosed in the last month with two completely unrelated G.I. (gastrointestinal) cancers. That is some sh*tty news,” said Nancy.
Nancy Carr, event director of Swim Across America – Fairfield County, now has a personal connection to our mission.
“When you think of me, I want you to picture G.I. Jane, the head-shaven badass who is stronger than most give her credit for, who will never give up. Ever. I don’t know if I’m going to lose my hair, but I do know I’m going to have to be strong. And I am so very lucky to have an army of supporters. I am not facing this alone. Together, we’re going to kick cancer’s a**!”
Nancy Carr and her son, Danny.
Nancy also noted that with her diagnosis she also got some good news.
“I’m choosing to feel lucky in an unlucky situation. My doctors are using the word ‘cure’ when discussing my treatments. Cure is a powerful, motivating word. It’s why I joined Swim Across America years ago and why I continue to lead Swim Across America – Fairfield County.”
Nancy is known for saying, “You don’t have to be a swimmer to make an impact.” This holds true even more this year as she will be undergoing treatment for two types of gastrointestinal cancer and leading her “Team G.I. Nancy” while still heading up the swim on June 29.
“I hope that you will join me and the hundreds of other swimmers, boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders and land volunteers on June 29th who are diving in to make waves to fight cancer.”
Swimmers, Boaters, Volunteers Make Waves in the Fight Against Cancer
CHARLESTON, S.C., April 4, 2024 — Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah is #makingwaves to #fightcancer! Celebrating its 7th year, this year’s swim will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Night Heron Park on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. There are three swim options available: a half-mile or a one-and-a-half mile open water option or a same day pool swim option. Participants can also join in virtually with “SAA My Way.” Boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders and land volunteers also participate in this inspirational event. To register as a swimmer or a volunteer visitswimacrossamerica.org/charleston.
Why does Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah swim to raise money in the fight against cancer? Cancer sadly touches everyone — whether it is a loved one or a friend, everyone knows someone who has been impacted by cancer.
In 2024, For the first time ever, the United States is expected to surpass more than 2 million new cases of cancer and 611,720 cancer deaths. These staggering statistics offer compelling proof of the need to continue devising new approaches to treatment. In fact, there are more than 18 million Americans with a history of invasive cancer who are alive today, who were diagnosed many years ago or now have no current evidence of the disease, thanks to new treatments. Whether it is through swimming, volunteering, donating or cheering on loved ones and friends, Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah welcomes anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of the fight against cancer.
Participants of the 2023 Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah community swim
Funds raised by Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah supports cancer research and clinical trials at the Ferreira Lab at Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. The Ferreira Lab is dedicated to designing and developing engineered immune cell therapies for autoimmune disease, cancer, and aging. To date, Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah has raised more than $400,000 to fight cancer since its first Charleston-Kiawah swim in 2018.
“The Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim is such an inspiring event,” said Jana Chanthabane, event director of the Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim. “The gathering of so many families and so many individuals who are honoring those who are special to them is incredible — whether they are currently battling it out, or survivors or have lost someone. To hear the stories and to learn about those whom cancer has touched and to experience that love is just palpable. The feeling of wanting to make a change and to do something for those who have experienced cancer is huge.”
“I remember being stuck with the feeling of needing to do SOMETHING to help my girls for the future, my family and other women that I love,” said Jana.
Swim Across America is a national organization and offers open water and pool swims in 24 communities, from Boston Harbor to under the Golden Gate Bridge. Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has raised more than $100 million in the fight against cancer.
Jana Chanthabane, SAA-Charleston-Kiawah event director, and her daughter, Ella, at the 2023 community swim.
Funds raised by Swim Across America and its grants have helped support the research and clinical trials for FDA approved immunotherapy medicines, including Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. Swim Across America is also a grant funder of the successful clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that was published in The New England Journal of Medicine and showed a 100 percent success rate in treating patients in a phase 2 clinical trial for advanced rectal cancer with dostarlimab. Swim Across America grants support more than 60 projects each year and there are ten named Swim Across America Labs at major institutions including: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, John Hopkins Medicine Baltimore, Rush University Medical Center Chicago, Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, Infusion Center at Nantucket Cottage Hospital, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and San Francisco, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, The Swim Across America Pediatric Research Lab at Columbia University Medical Center New York, and at Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine.
More than 150 Olympians support Swim Across America, including Michael Phelps, Craig Beardsley (who was inducted into the International Swimmer’s Hall of Fame in 2022), Donna De Varona, Rowdy Gaines, Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Bobby Hackett, Ryan Lochte, Glenn Mills, Cristina Teuscher and many more.
To learn more about Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah or to register to swim, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/charleston.
Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) raises money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With the help of volunteers, and Olympians, Swim Across America is an innovator and leader in giving hope to those fighting cancer. To learn more visit swimacrossamerica.org, Facebook @SwimAcrossAmerica, and Instagram and Twitter @SAASwim.
Preliminary findings from the clinical trial are hopeful and show the promise of cell therapy for treating incurable conditions.
“The CAR-T platform has revolutionized how we think about treating patients with cancer, but solid tumors like glioblastoma have remained challenging to treat because not all cancer cells are exactly alike and cells within the tumor vary. Our approach combines two forms of therapy, allowing us to treat glioblastoma in a broader, potentially more effective way.” said Bryan Choi, MD, PhD, neurosurgeon and associate director of the Center for Brain Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Neurosurgery.
MRI results from a glioblastoma clinical trial that received initial grant funding from Swim Across America – Boston. The scans show tumor size before infusion (day -7) and after infusion (day 5).
Days after a single treatment, the three patients experienced dramatic reductions in their tumors, with one patient achieving near-complete tumor regression.
MRI scans conducted before and after treatment showed initial regression in tumor size. In time, the researchers observed tumor progression in these patients, but given the strategy’s promising preliminary results, the team will pursue strategies to extend the durability of response.
Dr. Choi expressed gratitude for the Swim Across America – Boston grant that made this research possible. Dr. Choi’s lab also receives funding from Swim Across America – Nantucket.
“Swim Across America directly supports my laboratory, which is dedicated to developing novel experimental immune therapies for patients with brain cancer. SAA funded a critical step in the early stage of discovery, allowing us to take on high risk projects that otherwise might not be possible.” said Dr. Choi.
“Without this type of support, my lab would not be able to develop or advance new therapies toward clinical studies like the one published here.”
Swim Across America – Boston and Swim Across America – Nantucket leadership teams visited Dr. Choi at Mass General Cancer Center in March 2023, just one month before the clinical trial was launched. During the visit, SAA leaders were treated to an informative presentation and lab tour from Dr. Choi.
During the tour, Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Chief Operating Officer of Swim Across America, pointed out that Dr. Choi’s research falls in the “sweet spot” of the high risk, high reward research that Swim Across America is pursuing.
“This promising research aligns perfectly with the opportunities that Swim Across America seeks to support. We are excited that SAA funding could help accelerate (this research) to patient trials.”
In March 2023, leaders from Swim Across America – Boston and Swim Across America – Nantucket visited Dr. Choi’s research lab at Mass General Cancer Center. Pictured: Michele Fox, Patty Gienke, Bob Hackett, Liam Hackett, Steven Laduzinski, Jamie Mannion, Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Alex Meyer, Rick Osterberg, Shep Perkins, Jill Roethke, Mike Ryan, Jessica Stokes, Kitty Tetreault.
Swim Across America’s grant agreement with beneficiaries, such as Mass General Cancer Center, requires that 100% of an SAA grant must be spent on approved research and clinical trial programs. Since 1987, SAA has granted over $100M to innovative and otherwise unfunded ideas so that the time of oncologists is protected to make progress and develop new treatments.
Swimmers, Boaters, Volunteers Make Waves in the Fight Against Cancer
ISLAMORADA, Fla., February 22, 2024 — Swim Across America – Florida Keys is #makingwaves to #fightcancer! Celebrating its 3rd year, this year’s swim will be held Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Founders Park in Islamorada, Florida. There are several swim distances available: half-mile, one-and-a-half mile and two-mile, plus a fun Kids’ Splash! Boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders, and land volunteers participate in this inspirational event. To register as a swimmer or a volunteer, or to donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys.
Why does Swim Across America – Florida Keys swim to raise money in the fight against cancer? Cancer sadly touches everyone — whether it is a loved one or a friend, everyone knows someone who has been impacted by cancer.
Swimmers, volunteers and spectators at the 2023 Swim Across America – Florida Keys charity swim.
In 2024, For the first time ever, the United States is expected to surpass more than 2 million new cases of cancer and 611,720 cancer deaths. These staggering statistics offer compelling proof of the need to continue devising new approaches to treatment. In fact, there are more than 18 million Americans with a history of invasive cancer who are alive today, who were diagnosed many years ago or now have no current evidence of the disease, thanks to new treatments. Whether it is through swimming, volunteering, donating or cheering on loved ones and friends, Swim Across America – Florida Keys welcomes anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of the fight against cancer.
Funds raised by Swim Across America – Florida Keys go directly to support cancer research and patient care programs at Miami Cancer Institute. To date, Swim Across America – Florida Keys has donated more than $110,000 to Miami Cancer Institute.
Glenn and Susan Latham, co-event directors for Swim Across America – Florida Keys
“The Swim Across America – Florida Keys open water swim is such an inspiring event,” said Glenn Latham, event director of the Swim Across America – Florida Keys open water swim.
“The gathering of so many families and so many individuals who are honoring those who are special to them is incredible — whether they are currently battling it out, or survivors or have lost someone. To hear the stories and to learn about those whom cancer has touched and to experience that love is just palpable. The feeling of wanting to make a change and to do something for those who have experienced cancer is huge.”
Glenn Latham knows the impact of raising funds for cancer research first-hand. He is a cancer survivor himself after being diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 53 in 2008. Receiving a cancer diagnosis in his early 50’s wasn’t actually a surprise to Glenn – cancer has impacted his family with both of his parents and two out of his three siblings all battling cancer. Glenn’s father also battled prostate cancer and his mother passed away at the young age of 48 from breast cancer – a disease that also impacted two of his sisters, one who succumbed to the disease, and the other is a survivor, like Glenn. Today, Glenn at age 69, after five years of cancer treatment, is celebrating being 12 years cancer-free! In addition to running the Keys event, he is also a swimmer and has swam in the event each year.
“Fortunately, due to lots of prayer, family support and modern technology I am in remission,” said Glenn Latham. “As a cancer survivor, I subsequently 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 Swim Across America board member who shared the mission of Swim Across America. My wife 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 meeting and working with key members of the local medical research institution, Swim Across America staff, swim Olympians and local community supporters. Please come out and join us on April 20th! It’s fun for all ages!”
Swim Across America is a national organization and offers open water and pool swims in 24 communities, from Boston Harbor to under the Golden Gate Bridge. Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has raised more than $100 million in the fight against cancer.
Swim Across America’s funding of the research and clinical trials for patients helped contribute to four FDA approved life-saving immunotherapy cancer treatments: Yervoy, Opdivo, Tecentriq and Keytruda. Swim Across America is also a grant funder of the successful clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that was published inThe New England Journal of Medicine and showed a 100 percent success rate in treating patients in a phase 2 clinical trial for advanced rectal cancer with dostarlimab, an immunotherapy treatment produced by GlaxoSmithKline. Swim Across America awards grant to more than 60 projects each year and there are ten named Swim Across America Labs at major institutions including: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, John Hopkins Medicine Baltimore, Rush University Medical Center Chicago, Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, Infusion Center at Nantucket Cottage Hospital, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and San Francisco, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, The Swim Across America Pediatric Research Lab at Columbia University Medical Center New York, and at Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine.
More than 150 Olympians support Swim Across America, including Michael Phelps, Craig Beardsley (who was inducted into the International Swimmer’s Hall of Fame in 2022), Donna De Varona, Rowdy Gaines, Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Bobby Hackett, Ryan Lochte, Glenn Mills, Cristina Teuscher and many more.
To learn more about Swim Across America – Florida Keys or to register to swim, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys.
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, swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys or follow on Facebook or Instagram @saafloridakeys or email glenn@swimacrossamerica.org.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Carolina community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/carolina.
Swim Across America 