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.
At 37, Shannon Carney received a diagnosis that would alter the course of her life — a breast cancer diagnosis that has shaped her journey for over two decades.
Shannon Carney, a breast cancer survivor, swam at the 2023 SAA-Charlotte open water swim.
“It changes a person to their core,” Shannon says as she reflects on the battles fought not only by herself but by those she loves. “Cancer has taken a lot from me, including my mother to pancreatic cancer and my father to prostate cancer.”
Now, Shannon is celebrating 21 years of being cancer free and her second year supporting Swim Across America – Charlotte. She joins SAA-Charlotte event director and good friend, Patty Waldron, on team MSA Team Out of My Box.
This year, her participation in SAA-Charlotte carries a deeply personal dedication. She swims in memory of Rob DiFrank, a dear friend who passed away last November.
“Rob’s life was tragically cut short by a rare blood cancer at the age of 40. His loss is felt not only by his friends but also by his surviving wife Lauren, herself a cancer survivor, and their miraculous four-year-old son, James,” shared Shannon.
The pain of losing loved ones to cancer is a familiar one. Over her 18 years of involvement in the cancer support community, she witnessed firsthand the devastation cancer can bring to both young and old.
Shannon and her friend, Rob DiFrank, who lost his battle with a rare blood cancer in November 2023.
“The research support that Swim Across America provides is an important path to reducing the pain and suffering that cancer can bring,” she says, emphasizing the critical role that the organization plays in the fight against cancer.
Shannon smiling through cancer treatments!
Shannon’s commitment to cancer survivors extends beyond swimming with Swim Across America. She and her husband, Dave Pschirer, co-founded Wind River Services, a cancer wellness program that operated for 17 years, offering free support to cancer survivors. Prior to operating Wind River Services, Shannon was a corporate lawyer.
”I’m grateful to the team of dedicated and caring professionals that helped our community during the toughest fight. This program became a lifeline for many, providing hope and healing without any financial burden,” said Shannon.
Shannon retired in January of this year, and she reflects on the impact her team had on the lives it touched.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to join Swim Across America and continue to give back to a community that has given me so much.”
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.
The September 14th Open Water Swim at Lake Ray Hubbard Raises Crucial Dollars for Cancer Research Benefiting Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center
The 14th annual Swim Across America – Dallas open water swim, dedicated to making waves to fight cancer by raising funds for crucial cancer research through swimming events, is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Lake Ray Hubbard, located at 2055 Summer Lee Drive in Rockwall, Texas. Swimmers can choose between swimming ½–mile, 1-mile or 2-miles, or participate ini their own way by supporting the organization virtually with SAA My Way. Established in 2011, this family-friendly fun swim has raised more than $3 million for its local beneficiary, the Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, helping to support groundbreaking cancer care in Dallas.
The Dallas swim brings together more than 450 swimmers, volunteers, spectators, and supporters, along with Olympians from near and far, all united in the mission to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The goal for this year’s swim is to raise $200,000, and participants are already rallying around this cause.
Leading the fundraising efforts is Team Fabulous, captained by cancer survivor Robyn Starnes, who has raised an incredible $14,300 so far. Robyn, diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014, has been cancer-free for nearly a decade and is passionate about giving back.
“This is my 3rd year participating in the 1-mile open water swim with Swim Across America, and I’m excited to make an even bigger fundraising SPLASH this year,” noted Robyn. “To celebrate 10 years of being cancer-free, I’m going BIG and hoping to raise $10,000. Everyone sadly knows someone who has been affected by cancer in some way — whether personally, a family member, friend, coworker, or even your favorite bartender. Wouldn’t it be amazing to be part of the generation that turns the corner in the fight? What if, after hearing ‘You have cancer’ — the three scariest words I’ve ever been told — the next three words you hear are, ‘And there’s hope.’”
Another top fundraising team, Team Fast Fins Elite, captained by Cody Lavoie, has raised more than $4,000 so far. Cody joined Swim Across America because he believes in the organization’s mission and wants to help give more families hope. “If you are able, please support Swim Across America by making a donation and help us reach our fundraising goal,” Cody urged.
Those interested in swimming or volunteering (land and water volunteers needed) or donating to support the cause, should visit swimacrossamerica.org/dallas.
This summer, George Sushkoff and his family took a special vacation to Southern California. Why was it so special?
“Our vacation was originally scheduled for last summer, but we had to postpone it because I was in treatment for colon cancer,” said George. “I’m thankful to be in good health this summer and able to share these wonderful memories with my family.”
In April 2023, George was diagnosed with Stage 1 to Stage 2 colon cancer. George had participated in Swim Across America – Richmond since 2019, and was familiar with the organization and its mission. After his diagnosis, he knew exactly who to turn to for support.
“One of my close friends contacted Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America, and told him my story. By lunchtime that day, I had received a call from Rob to discuss my diagnosis and next steps. By dinnertime the following day, I received a call from a nurse liaison at VCU Massey Cancer Center, who said they wanted to help,” shared George.
“The amount of support I received from my swimming community and from Swim Across America was unbelievable.”
George Sushkoff joins Swim Across America – Richmond as a swimmer and survivor this year.
George met with doctors at Virginia Cancer Institute (VCI) and VCU Massey to discuss treatment options. Though he received treatment at VCI, he felt that both centers were collaborating on his care.
“It was comforting to know I had the support of both VCI and VCU Massey. They weren’t fighting over who got to treat me – though they should have,” George jokes. “They were focused on my health and well-being, and me coming out of this a survivor.”
George Sushkoff, center, at the 2023 SAA-Richmond community swim.
On December 1, 2023, George received his final chemo treatment and on December 23, he had an exam with his surgeon. Scar tissue had formed where the tumor was and George couldn’t have been happier.
“Where the tumor was. The tumor was completely gone! This is considered a full clinical response. I’m not gonna lie, it was an emotional day,” said George.
From that day on, George’s journey is full of joyous and celebratory milestones.
January 8, 2024: George met all the criteria for being considered in remission.
March 25, 2024: The portacath used for chemotherapy treatments was removed.
April 30, 2024: Stopped taking Eliquis, a blood thinner, and the final medication George was prescribed.
May 11, 2024: George competed in the Downriver Rip, a 4.4 mile swim in the James River.
May 26, 2024: George competed in the Reston Lake Swim 1-mile and 2-mile events, placing first in his age group in each event.
June 16, 2024: George competed in the Virginia Beach Lifeguard Association 1-mile swim, placing first in his age group.
June 22, 2024: George participated in the Ocean View Mermaid Festival 2-mile open water swim.
“I was first in my age group for the Mermaid Festival swim, but to be transparent, they did not issue awards. Maybe next year.” joked George.
August 25, 2024: Next up, George will swim in the 6th annual Swim Across America – Richmond community swim at Quest Swimming in Midlothian, Virginia. The community has raised over $320,000 to support their beneficiary, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center since 2019.
Since 2021, George and his team, Team River City, have raised $90,000 and have a goal of raising $30,000 this year.
“Looking back on everything I’ve been through this past year, I’m feeling great. I am completely off medications and survived this awful disease. This year’s SAA-Richmond swim will be even more special in my eyes,” said George.
If you are moved to support George and Team River City, you can donatehere.
Denver residents Sarah Thomas and Garrett Rymer are at two opposite spectrums when it comes to their swimming. Sarah Thomas is an ultra marathon swimmer and world record holder who has swam the English Channel, Lake Champlain, the North Channel, Lake Tahoe and Lake Mead, among other marathon length swims. Garret Rymer is a 17-year-old amateur swimmer who just started swimming a few years ago.
Both however are joined together through a common goal of making waves to fight cancer as they are both cancer survivors. Sarah and Garrett will be joining hundreds of other swimmers at the seventh annual Swim Across America – Denver open water swim on Saturday, August 17. The swim raises crucial cancer research funds for Swim Across America’s local beneficiary Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Sarah Thomas at the 2019 SAA-Denver community swim.
Sarah has supported Swim Across America since 2018, when the inaugural Swim Across America – Denver swim was held in her home community. As a breast cancer survivor, she knows how important it is to raise money for cancer research and bring hope and new treatment options to others.
“I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in 2017 at the age of 35,” said Sarah. “It was a terrifying time and we didn’t know how much my treatments would impact my ability to swim in the future. Being able to partner with Swim Across America combines two of my passions: open water swimming and doing everything I can to fight cancer so that others won’t have to go through what I went through.”
A year after completing treatments, she did the impossible – becoming the first person to complete a four-way crossing of the English Channel. Though Sarah holds many records in open water swimming, in her words, she doesn’t swim to “be the first.” She swims large bodies of water because she loves seeing the beauty in each corner of the world.
“Cancer treatments tested me in a way I never thought possible,” noted Sarah. ”Despite undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy, I never gave up on my dream of doing a swim that most people thought was impossible.”
Last summer, Sarah did it again, becoming the first person to successfully swim the entire length of Lake Mead – 47.5 miles. “After my first visit to the Hoover Dam in 2021, I knew I had to swim across Lake Mead,” said Sarah. Through that swim, Sarah raised close to $10,000 for crucial cancer research.
In 2022, then 15-year-old Garrett Rymer was in a minor bicycle accident that shockingly led to a diagnosis of a rare form of spinal cord cancer. Despite such a life-changing event, Garrett joined Swim Across America – Denver last year for the first time. As an official Children’s Hospital Colorado Swim Across America patient ambassador, this will be Garrett’s second year swimming to make waves to fight cancer with Swim Across America – Denver.
“On December 23, 2022, I was diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cord cancer,” said Garrett Rymer. “Leading up to the diagnosis, I had been involved in a minor bike accident in which I broke my right arm. Though the bone healed quickly, the atrophy from not using my arm progressed for months, despite ongoing physical therapy. Confused by the unchanging weakness, my doctors put me through a series of medical tests, culminating in the MRI at the Children’s Hospital Colorado that led to my diagnosis.”
Garrett Rymer, a 17-year-old cancer survivor, is a patient ambassador for SAA-Denver.
As part of Garrett’s recovery from surgery and treatment, he started swimming. “Garrett has not let his diagnosis hinder his spirit. After undergoing surgery to remove 50 percent of the tumor on his spinal cord, and spending three weeks recovering in the Children’s Hospital rehabilitation center, Garrett was back on his feet and even went climbing the same day he was discharged,” noted Garrett’s dad Andrew Rymer.
“A few weeks after my surgery, I met with a neuro-oncologist to discuss the treatment plan for what remained of my cancer,” noted Garrett. “It was recommended that I participate in a clinical trial with an emerging type of chemotherapy that replaced weekly infusions with a twice-daily pill. The side-effects were less severe than those of conventional chemo, and I was blessed to be able to keep my hair and live my life relatively unhindered by my treatment.”
“Now, two and half years after his cancer diagnosis, we are extremely grateful for Garrett’s progress and prognosis,” noted his father Andrew Rymer. “We are also acutely aware of the importance of pediatric cancer research made possible by Swim Across America’s contributors. Garrett continues to receive quarterly evaluations at Children’s Hospital in Denver with favorable results; his cancerous tumor and kyphosis (spinal curve) remain stable and unchanged since completion of chemotherapy. He also continues to see improvement in his right arm strength following a nerve transfer operation at the Mayo Clinic last year. Garrett’s neuro-oncologist (who is mindful not to convey false hopes) stated that he’d be surprised if this cancer returned. You can imagine just how encouraged and hopeful we are!!”
Andrew also remarked, “We’re equally grateful for Garrett’s high spirits and his unfailing interest in, well just about everything… faith, friends, camping, academics, 4-wheeling, and community service. Garrett finished his junior year at Cherry Creek High School with astounding results, and he has a very ambitious academic outlook for his senior year and beyond. His summer plans are filled with fun and ambitious endeavors— overlanding (formerly known as 4 wheeling), training with the Arapahoe Search and Rescue Patrol, and EMT training, to name a few. We are deeply inspired by Garrett’s commitment to helping others affected by cancer. Garrett continues to serve as a Patient Ambassador for Swim Across America, Make A Wish Foundation, and Shining Stars.”
Garret will be swimming 2-miles this year at the August 17th Swim Across America – Denver swim and will be joined by his father Andrew and his girlfriend, who is also a pediatric cancer survivor.
“We are really excited about this year’s Swim Across America – Denver open water swim and being able to honor and cheer on cancer survivors like Sarah and Garrett. They are the reason why we swim,” said Nicole Vanderpoel, co-event director for Swim Across America – Denver.
To date, the Denver swim has raised $1 million and supports three research projects at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital Colorado. “We are really proud of this work,” said Nicole. “And the fact that money raised locally stays local with our support of Children’s Hospital Colorado.”
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.
Swim Across America 