Making Waves to Fight Cancer since 1987
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.
High School Students Plan Fundraising Swim for Cancer Support
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.
High School Students Plan Fundraising Swim for Cancer Support
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!
“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.
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.”
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.
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.
The American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) has announced that Swim Across America will again sponsor a scholarship for a deserving coach to attend the 2026 ASCA World Clinic, scheduled for September 9–12 in Orlando, Florida.
The Swim Across America Scholarship provides full registration for the ASCA World Clinic, hotel accommodations during the event, and up to $500 in travel assistance. The opportunity is open to all domestic ASCA-member coaches.
Interested coaches can apply here. Applications are due April 15, with the recipient to be announced by April 29, 2026.
Now entering its 59th year, the ASCA World Clinic is the largest annual gathering of swim coaches in the sport. The four-day event brings together approximately 50 speakers covering topics ranging from training methodology and technique to leadership, athlete development, and program management.
In addition to educational sessions, the clinic features a vibrant exhibit hall, coaching demonstrations in an Endless Pool, and numerous networking opportunities including social events, meet-ups, and facilitated discussions among coaches from across the United States and around the world.
“This scholarship reflects Swim Across America’s ongoing commitment to supporting the coaching community while advancing our broader mission to raise funds for cancer research,” shared Craig Beardsley, VP of Partnerships for Swim Across America.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Swim Across America for continuing to invest in the professional growth of coaches,” said ASCA CEO Jennifer LaMont. “This scholarship gives a coach the opportunity to experience the energy, ideas, and connections that make the World Clinic such a powerful and often life-changing event.”
More information about the 2026 ASCA World Clinic can be found at www.ascaworldclinic.com.
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.
Swim Across America event returns to the Queen City
Swim Across America event returns to the Queen City (Yahoo! via WSCO)
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
Hundreds to swim in Lake Wylie for cancer treatment and research fundraiser
15-year-old Paralympian to swim for charity
How Providence Day swimmer Drennan Shall has turned pain into purpose
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.
From Heartbreak to Hope: Team Gina Makes Waves to Fight Cancer
Swim Across America – Long Island Sound Open Water Swim Makes Waves to Fight Cancer
33rd Annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound
‘Swim Across America’ for a good cause
Swim Across America raises almost $2.1 million toward cancer research
Greenwich man swims across Long Island Sound to raise money to fight cancer
Swim Across America raises almost $2.1 million toward cancer research
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
Team John Surpasses $2 Million raised for Cancer Research
Video: Swim Across America Long Island Sound
Photos: Swim Across America Long Island Sound
Rye’s Adam Coe Completes 10K Swim Across Long Island Sound for Charity Event
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.
Natalie Thompson Makes Waves: How One Nantucket Family Lives the Swim Across America Mission
“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
Swim Across America returns to Jetties Beach Saturday
Nighttime News Update: Swim Across America – Nantucket
Making Waves: Natalie Thompson’s Mission to Fight Cancer, One Stroke at a Time
Charity swim returns to Nantucket’s Jetties Beach this weekend
When 13-year-old leukemia survivor Jane Hatch dives into one of this summer’s Swim Across America – Long Island Sound pool swims at Westchester County Country Club on July 12, she’ll be carrying on a family legacy that began more than three decades ago. Her grandfather, Frank Webers, helped launch the very first SAA – Long Island Sound charity swim in 1992 after sadly losing his wife, Kathleen “Kathy” Webers, to brain cancer at just 42. Only 17 swimmers took to the water that inaugural year. Today the event draws 800+ participants and is the largest Swim Across America event in the country, raising millions for cancer research and patient care.
Jane’s mother, June, is one of three daughters of Frank and Kathy Webers – April, May and June. While cancer has thankfully skipped her mother’s generation, Jane was diagnosed with leukemia at just six years old. Throughout the past seven years and through her treatment years, Jane has participated in supporting SAA – Long Island Sound any way she could – by selling lemonade and bake sales, and in 2019, her Mom June swam in her honor.
This year, Jane will swim in the Westchester Country Club pool swim on July 12. Her family has been comforted in knowing that a portion of the funds raised through SAA – Long Island Sound are going directly to Memorial Sloan Kettering, where Jane was treated.
“Jane is thriving because of breakthrough science and compassionate care, some of which has been funded directly through Swim Across America,” said June Hatch, Jane’s mother and member of Team Jane. “We swim, volunteer and donate to fund the next breakthroughs — especially for children who still face cancer with far fewer treatment options than adults.”
Only 4% of federal cancer-research dollars target childhood cancers. Swim Across America – Long Island Sound is hoping to change that and is directing 20% of proceeds from its open water and eight pool swims this year to pediatric-cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Kids and NewYork-Presbyterian Children’s Hospital through its KIDS Swimming FOR KIDS program.
To raise awareness and inspire young swimmers, Swim Across America will be offering a fun buy-one, give-one campaign offering supporters a chance to get a Dash the Dolphin, Swim Across America’s mascot’s plush toy for a $30 donation — for each plush toy purchased, a second plush toy will be gifted to a pediatric cancer patient at Memorial Sloan Kettering Kids and NewYork-Presbyterian Children’s Hospital through the swim’s KIDS Swimming FOR KIDS program.
Swimming a one-mile open water swim is challenging, but swimming a one-mile open water swim with cancer is nothing short of remarkable. David Lemley is one of those remarkable people.
David, 65, first participated in Swim Across America – Seattle in 2021 supporting his wife, Janie’s, team “InMemory”, named for the loved ones she lost to cancer. Over the years, their team has raised more than $8,000. It wasn’t until this year that David’s understanding of cancer became very personal.
“Last year, I really struggled to finish the swim,” said David. “The reason being, unbeknownst to us at the time, that I was fighting plasma cell leukemia, a very rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.”
This may seem like a rare occurrence, but often Swim Across America participants become fighters of their own cancer battles, giving their involvement a new meaning and a sense of urgency.
“Swim Across America is extremely important to help fund urgent and necessary research in order to help more people become cancer survivors. SAA gives hope to those, like myself, who are fighting the cancer battle right now,” shared David.
Swim Across America’s guiding principle is that money raised local stays in each community. In Seattle, all proceeds from community events support immunotherapy clinical trials and cancer research at Fred Hutch Cancer Center.
Participants that fundraise know that the funds they raise will support their community to help people they may know, or in David’s case, his own treatment. Despite being a fundraiser year after year, David never imagined he would become a direct recipient of the treatment himself and hundreds of other swimmers help support.
After receiving his diagnosis in November 2024, David was thrown into a new world of hospital visits and chemotherapy treatment. As he prepared for his double stem cell transplant at the VA Medical Center near his hometown, David had his first visit to Fred Hutch Cancer Center (FHCC).
“I was at the VA for 13 days and then headed to Fred Hutch for the incredible procedure of Apheresis, where they harvest 17 million of my stem cells. Janie and I wore our Swim Across America t-shirts to commemorate this very special day,” said David.
“On Monday, May 5th, I celebrated my new ‘birthday’ with the first transplant of approx. 8.5 million of my own stem cells,” said David.
After 16 days in the hospital following the procedure, David was released to go home to rest and recover before his second stem cell procedure on June 9.
For the Lemley family, participating in this year’s SAA-Seattle has a deeper meaning.
“Now, more than ever, we are committed to raising money for our amazing Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center!” said David.
If you’re inspired to support David and Team InMemory, give here.
Swim Across America