Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America – Tampa community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, at swimacrossamerica.org/tampa.
Shep Jennings is proving that even the youngest swimmers can Make Waves to Fight Cancer! The Darien, Connecticut resident will swim at the 2025 Swim Across America – Fairfield County open water swim on June 21.
Shep Jennings
Shep, who swims year-round with the Darien YMCA Piranhas and in summer with Shorehaven Golf Club, first dove into the charity swim event last year when his swim buddy Jedd Gallagher asked Shep to join the Blue Wave Swim Team, which was participating in the annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County open water swim. The Blue Wave Swim Team was coached by longtime Swim Across America supporter Marj Trifone.
Last summer was the start of a fulfilling experience for Shep, who raised more than $2,000 for the nonprofit in 2024. Seeing his name on the leaderboard last year was inspiring to know he was making a difference.
“I love seeing my name climb the leaderboard, because every dollar means scientists get closer to cures,” said Shep.
The Jennings family
Inspired by watching his parents raise money for ALS research after his grandmother was impacted by the disease, Shep already had the know-how of fundraising down. For Swim Across America, he began emailing friends and family and even going door-to-door in his neighborhood to collect pledges.
Shep, who will turn 12 in September and enter Middlesex Middle School in the fall, acknowledges his favorite summer sports are all about water: swimming, water polo and water-skiing on summer weekends, in the winter, he swaps liquid water for frozen water with snow-skiing. At home he shares the spotlight with his nine-year-old sister, Emmaline, and the family’s golden retriever, Rosie. With just a few weeks left until the big SAA – Fairfield County open water swim, Shep isn’t easing up on his fundraising pace.
Shep, far right, and a few of his teammates
“I’m still reaching out,” he said. “I want my total and the funds for cancer-fighting research to keep growing.” To date, Shep is the number one individual fundraiser already raising $6,080.
The Promising Study Found that 80% of Patients with Mismatch Repair-Deficient (MMRd) Solid Tumors Treated with Immunotherapy Avoided Surgery
The New England Journal of Medicinepublished a paper on April 27, 2025, that presents exciting new results from a clinical trial led by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) gastrointestinal oncologists Andrea Cercek, MD, and Luis Diaz Jr., MD, that demonstrates how immunotherapy alone can help patients with MMRd cancers avoid surgery and preserve their quality of life. The results, presented simultaneously at the 2025 American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, showed that 80% of patients with several types of cancer treated with immunotherapy did not require surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy after six months of treatment with immunotherapy alone. Swim Across America awarded grants for the early-stage research and continues to award grants for the ongoing clinical trial.
Andrea Cercek, M.D., gastrointestinal oncologist and co-director of the Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Mismatch repair deficiency (MMRd) in cancer refers to a situation where tumor cells have defective mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, essential for correcting DNA errors during cell replication. This deficiency leads to the accumulation of mutations, including microsatellite instability (MSI), making tumors more prone to be recognized by the immune system. MMRd status is a significant factor in cancer treatment, particularly for immunotherapy, as it can predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
The standard of care for many cancers that have this specific MMRd genetic mutation has been surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Still, the patients who responded positively to this clinical trial did not require surgery to remove an organ and did not experience chemotherapy or radiation, which improved their quality of life. This trial is the first time that immunotherapy has been shown to replace surgery for a variety of solid tumors.
“This study shows that immunotherapy can replace surgery, radiation and chemotherapy for mismatch repair-deficient solid tumors, which could help patients preserve their organs and avoid the harsh side effects of chemo and radiation,” said Andrea Cercek, M.D., gastrointestinal oncologist and co-director of the Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “Preserving a patient’s quality of life, while also successfully achieving positive results in eliminating their cancer, is the best possible outcome. They can return to their daily routines and maintain their independence.”
Luis Diaz, M.D., gastrointestinal oncologist and Head of the Division of Solid Tumor Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
This phase 2 trial is an extension of a groundbreaking study, also funded in part by Swim Across America, in which all rectal cancer patients treated with the immunotherapy dostarlimab experienced a complete clinical response, meaning their tumors disappeared. This was the first time ever that a clinical trial had a 100% positive response rate.
The updated trial included 103 patients with stage 1-3 cancer; 49 with rectal cancer; and 54 with non-rectal cancers, including gastroesophageal, hepatobiliary, colon, genitourinary, and gynecologic. Drs. Cercek and Diaz noted that the 80% response rate in this expanded clinical trial is very exciting for these types of cancer.
“Grants provided by Swim Across America were critical to our initial study and advancing this trial to phase 2,” said Luis Diaz, M.D., gastrointestinal oncologist and Head of the Division of Solid Tumor Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has raised more than $100 million to fight cancer. In its 38 years of making waves, thousands of volunteers and Olympians have swum the circumference of the earth three times uniting a movement to fight cancer that has created a groundswell of support spanning all generations. Today, more than 24 communities across the U.S. hold charity swims each year, which support innovative cancer research, detection, and patient programs.
Drs. Andrea Cercek and Luis Diaz spoke at the 2024 Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim
Swim Across America’s funding of clinical trials on a national level has helped contribute to four FDA-approved life-saving immunotherapy cancer treatments: Yervoy, Opdivo, Tecentriq, and Keytruda. Swim Across America awards grant to more than 60 projects each year and there are ten named Swim Across America Labs at major institutions.
In addition to Swim Across America grants, this trial received funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Haystack Oncology, and Stand Up To Cancer. MSK also acknowledges support from GSK, whose PD-1 blockade Jemperli (dostarlimab), represents a promising advancement in the treatment of patients.
For more information and to inquire about eligibility for this clinical trial, talk to your oncologist or call MSK at 646-888-4189. You may also reach to info@swimacrossamerica.org and we will help guide you.
When Sarah Wiseman was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2022, it came as a complete shock. Though her mother had been diagnosed with the same cancer in her 60s, Sarah’s genetic marker testing had come back negative. It was a routine mammogram that led to her breast cancer diagnosis.
“I had a routine mammogram that was concerning, which led to further diagnostic testing—an ultrasound and a biopsy,” Sarah explained.
“I had a seed inserted via biopsy, then underwent a partial mastectomy/lumpectomy and lymph node removal during surgery. One lymph node tested positive for metastasis. After healing from surgery, I received radiation treatment on my lymph nodes and left breast — 20 treatments in total. I’m grateful to have had access to a tumor test that evaluated the effectiveness of chemotherapy on my specific tumor. The results came back below the threshold for needing chemo!”
Sarah Wiseman, a member of the SAA-Nashville committee, was declared in remission from breast cancer in 2023.
This year, Sarah celebrates her remission and looks forward to swimming in the 4th Annual Swim Across America – Nashville. Funds raised from the event support Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), where Sarah received treatment.
Sarah swam as a child but really fell into the sport watching her children swim on club teams and in college. Once she got the all-clear from her doctors, Sarah knew exactly how to get her strength back while doing something she loved.
“After I healed from my surgeries, I couldn’t wait to swim. I joined the local Masters team, and thanks to my friend Chris McPherson, I was introduced to Swim Across America,” said Sarah.
Chris McPherson, along with Alyssa Corb and Laurin Bobo, is a co-event director for SAA-Nashville.
“This community event is a wonderful way for me to give back to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who took such great care of me during treatment,” Sarah said.
Swim Across America’s guiding principle is that money raised locally stays local — something that resonated deeply with Sarah. She takes great pride in supporting an organization that directly benefits her community, especially given her firsthand experience with how much cancer treatment has evolved.
Members of the SAA-Nashville committee and researchers from Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center present the fundraising total at the 2024 SAA-Nashville community pool swim.
“In the past, having a positive lymph node would have meant automatic chemotherapy. Today, I am closely monitored by my medical oncologist and surgical oncologist at Vanderbilt Breast Center. And I’m proud to be raising funds for others in our community—people who will be treated at VICC, just like I was,” said Sarah. “I am a beneficiary of the incredible advances in cancer treatment. My mother didn’t have access to these options during her fight. She really struggled, and I believe newer-generation treatments made my journey much easier.”
Now in remission, Sarah is grateful that Swim Across America allows her to support two of her greatest passions: swimming and the cancer care team at VICC.
“I just feel incredibly blessed to have received the life-saving treatment I did,” Sarah shared. “Swimming has had the best impact on my health, and since my cancer diagnosis, I’ve embraced a much healthier lifestyle. I love that SAA allows me to give back through two of my favorite things: swimming and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.”
If you’re inspired to support Sarah and team Wisemans Wack Cancer, give here.
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.
250 Swimmers and Volunteers will Dive in at Exciting New Location to Raise Funds for the Swim’s Beneficiary MD Anderson Cancer Center
Swim Across America, a national nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for cancer research through swimming events, is thrilled to announce the 6th annual Swim Across America – Houston open water swim on Saturday, October 5, 2024. This year’s swim will take place at a new location, the popular Margaritaville Lake Conroe in Montgomery, Texas, which also hosted an earlier pool swim in May. Swimmers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate, choosing between a 1/2-mile, 1-mile, or 2-mile swim to support vital cancer research and clinical trials at Swim Across America – Houston’s local beneficiary, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Swimmers and volunteers can register at swimacrossamerica.org/houston or those who wish to donate can do so as well.
Since its founding in 2019, Swim Across America – Houston has raised more than $340,000 for MD Anderson Cancer Center. Each year, the event brings together more than 250 swimmers, volunteers, Olympians, and supporters who join forces to make waves in the fight against cancer.
One of the swim’s most inspiring participants is Rob McLaren, the top fundraiser and leader of the “Shell Smashes Cancer” team. Rob recently completed the impressive 12-mile width of Lake Tahoe in just a speedo, raising funds for MD Anderson to improve treatments for Glioblastoma, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer with a challenging 25% five-year survival rate.
“We hope and pray that MD Anderson can develop an immunotherapy to preclude the use of harsh, less effective treatments such as chemo,” said Rob, who had set a goal to raise $12,000 — or $1,000 for every mile he swam in the frigid waters of Lake Tahoe. To date, Rob has raised an amazing $17,229 this year alone, and has consistently been the top fundraiser in previous years of Swim Across America – Houston events, raising a total of $160,700 throughout the years.
In addition to swimming at the 2024 SAA-Houston open water swim in October, Rob McLaren completed the Lake Tahoe (12-mile width) open water swim.
“One supporter said he would pay $1,000 for my final 12th mile of the Lake Tahoe swim,” said Rob. “That helped me be especially motivated to complete the swim to enforce his side of the deal!”
In addition to his fundraising efforts, Rob has accomplished the extraordinary feat of swimming in all 24 Swim Across America open water swims nationwide between 2021 and 2023, a testament to his dedication to the cause.
“We are excited this year to bring Swim Across America – Houston to Margaritaville Lake Conroe and continue raising crucial funds for cancer research at MD Anderson,” said Rob McLaren, who is also one of the co-event directors this year of the swim. “The passion and commitment of our swimmers, volunteers, and supporters truly make a difference in the lives of those impacted by cancer.”
Local SF-Bay Area Teen and Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige Joins Hundreds to Make Waves to Fight Cancer for the Swim’s Local Beneficiary UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals
The 19th annual Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay open water swim will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, with swimmers, Olympians, volunteers, and supporters all making waves in the fight against cancer. This year’s 1.5-mile point-to-point swim begins at Little Marina Green and finishes in Aquatic Park in San Francisco. The event is expected to raise close to $400,000 for innovative cancer research and patient care at Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay’s local beneficiaries UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, with proceeds supporting the Oakland Research Institute and the Survivors of Childhood Cancer Program at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco. To date, the swim has raised more than $5.5 million for UCSF. Swimmers and land and water volunteers can register at swimacrossamerica.org/sanfrancisco, as well as donate.
One of the standout participants in this year’s swim is 17-year-old Maya Merhige of Berkeley, California, who has participated in the Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay swim for the past nine years. Maya is also a marathon swimmer and recently became one of the youngest athletes in history to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming by successfully swimming the English Channel in July 2024.
17-year-old marathon swimmer, Maya Merhige, recently completed the English Channel swim earning her to coveted Triple Crown.
She joins an elite group of swimmers who have conquered the English Channel, Catalina Channel, and Manhattan 20 Bridges Swim. Maya’s accomplishments extend beyond the Triple Crown: she holds world records as the youngest woman to swim the Catalina Channel and all three major courses of Lake Tahoe, and she is the youngest person to complete the grueling 26-mile Kaiwi Molokai Channel between Molokai and Oahu in 27 hours and 33 minutes, joining the prestigious “24-Hour Club,” with one of the longest non-stop open water swims in history.
Maya’s inspiration to swim to make waves to fight cancer stems from first swimming for her family friend Susan Helmrich, a three-time cancer survivor who recently marked 47 years after being first diagnosed with cancer at the young age of 21. Susan, now 69 years-old, has swum in the Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay open water swim for 17 out of the 19 years and has raised more than a million dollars with her “Team Susan Survives!”
Maya has also faced health challenges of her own. In March 2023, after a ski crash, doctors discovered a benign tumor on her pancreas. Despite multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, and chronic pain, Maya continued to train and swim, demonstrating extraordinary resilience. Her own health battles have deepened her empathy for pediatric cancer patients and strengthened her commitment to raising funds for cancer research.
“I’d especially like to thank Dr. Julie Saba, director of the Swim Across America Research Lab at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, for her continued support throughout my own health challenges. For that, I am forever grateful and inspired to raise even more for Swim Across America and UCSF through my swimming,” noted Maya.
Maya also noted that she is grateful and excited to have completed the English Channel this year. “It’s been an honor to raise more than $120,000 to support UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, and I plan to continue raising awareness and funds for cancer research. Swimming has given me so much, and I want to give back in every way I can.”
In addition to her remarkable swimming feats, Maya serves as the president of the Swim Across America – San Francisco Junior Advisory Board, inspiring other young swimmers to join the cause. Her dedication, both in the water and in her leadership role, has been an inspiration to other teens and adults alike. This year, Maya will be swimming on October 5 with her team, “Chasing Channels,” alongside other Junior Advisory Board members. She also carries on a meaningful tradition of writing the names of friends and family battling cancer on her swim cap — a personal tribute that fuels her resolve.
“We are so proud of Maya’s passion and determination,” said Liz Tung, Maya’s mother. “Her commitment to Swim Across America and raising funds for cancer research is truly inspiring, and we’re excited to see her continue to make an impact.”
In 2024, Julia Brookshire made the leap from pharmaceutical sales rep to Swim Across America National Safety Director signifying a full circle journey. She also celebrated being in deep remission from chronic lymphocytic leukemia. To ensure she didn’t “waste her cancer,” she set out to raise money for Swim Across America through an SAA My Way challenge and a historic cross-continental swim with SwimTrek. Read Julia’s story here and find media highlights below.
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.”
Swim Across America 