Category: #MakingWavesToFightCancer

Swim Across America? Team JCT Swim Strong Accepts the Challenge to Honor Loved One

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, nantucket, san francisco, st. louis, tampaTagged , , , 1 Comment

Team JCT Swim Strong
Swim Across America – St. Louis

At Swim Across America, many people ask us, “Are you really swimming across America?” For one team in St. Louis, the answer is, “YES!”

This year, Team JCT Swim Strong will participate in five Swim Across America events, from Nantucket to San Francisco. The swims are in honor of John C. Traube, who passed away five years ago from brain cancer.

Team JCT Swim Strong at the 2023 SAA-Charleston-Kiawah event

The challenge was presented by John’s brother, Steve, to John’s wife, Jen as an opportunity to honor John by doing something he loved – swimming. Jen, and other family members, happily accepted the challenge.

The team started in Tampa, then traveled to Charleston-Kiawah, and then to Nantucket. On August 26, they will swim in the Swim Across America – St. Louis event, and on September 30, they will finish their tour in San Francisco.

Each swim has offered a unique experience for Team JCT Swim Strong, and they are proud to return to their “home base” in the middle of their tour.

“Swimming in the open ocean in Tampa, Charleston-Kiawah and Nantucket was so different from swimming in our own Alpine Lake,” said Jen Traube. “We are Midwesterners, and while the ocean swims were beautiful and really special, there is nothing like swimming in fresh lake water and doing it in your own community.”

Team JCT Swim Strong at the 2023 SAA-Nantucket event
Meredith, Emily and John Traube and Sam Heveroh at the 2017 SAA-St. Louis event.

During his battle with cancer, John raised thousands of dollars for Swim Across America – St. Louis as their top fundraiser. He completed the 2.4-mile swim successfully alongside his family and several high school and college teammates only two days before his second brain surgery.

“John was a master swimmer who found his love of swimming in his community pool in Red Bud, Illinois,” said Jen.

“He continued training and competing as part of his local swim teams throughout his childhood.  and then John attended Clarion University in Pennsylvania, where he was a ten-time All American and team captain for the Division II National Swimming Championships all four years. By his senior season, his team ranked second in the country.  Swimming was in his blood and he loved Swim Across America.”

Team JCT Swim Strong is led by Steve and Jess, Jen, Meredith, and Emily Traube. Together, the team has a fundraising goal of $30,000.

If you are moved to support Team JCT Swim Strong, you can donate here.

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.

Cancer Survivor’s Journey Comes Full Circle with Participation in Swim Across America – Dallas

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, dallas, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged , , , , 3 Comments

Robyn Starnes
Swim Across America – Dallas
2 years supporting Swim Across America
Age: 45

When Robyn Starnes was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014, the news hit her like a freight train. 

“Even though I knew that it was a possibility, it still turned my world upside down. I felt broken, like something was wrong with me. I’d never known anyone my age that had battled cancer,” said Robyn.  

Robyn Starnes

Now, nine years later, Robyn is a cancer survivor and has found a new home and strong community of supporters in Swim Across America. And she wears her surgery scar like a badge of honor. 

“After my surgery, I couldn’t talk for a month, I gained a lot of weight, and I felt depressed. Knowing that my life would forever look different is what got me back into swimming; something I hadn’t done in decades but would eventually lead me to SAA. The scar I was so worried about in 2014 is my badge of honor in 2023.”

Robyn’s visit with a specialist was prompted by her primary doctor, who felt nodules during a routine exam. She feels lucky to have received thorough medical care and quick treatment for her thyroid cancer – one of the most treatable cancers.

Wearing her “survivor” badge, Robyn sought a way to get involved in activities that raised money for cancer research and survivorship support. A conversation with a friend introduced her to Swim Across America – Dallas. 

Robyn after her thyroidectomy surgery

“Thanksgiving in 2021, I was talking with a friend’s sister about how we both grew up swimming competitively. She told me about “this thing called Swim Across America” and asked if I’d heard of it. As she explained what it was, I was floored because I felt like it combined everything I loved – swimming, community, and raising money for cancer research. I’m pretty sure I signed up for the 2022 Dallas open water swim the next day!” explains Robyn.

The rest is history. Robyn started asking friends, family members, and anyone in town to support her Swim Across America efforts. She quickly exceeded each fundraising goal she set, raising $4,500 ahead of her swim. Her journey felt as if it came full circle on event day.

“My first SAA swim was also the 8-year anniversary to the day of my thyroidectomy surgery. If that’s not fate telling me that I’d found my home, I don’t know what is.”

That day was particularly emotional for Robyn, as she felt the strength of the SAA community firsthand and listened to the doctors who are funded by the SAA-Dallas event.

“Over the years, I’d participated in local charities that raise funds for the cancer community, but I was moved to tears at my first SAA-Dallas event. Everyone there had a story and they wanted to share it with you. To me, it felt like a groundswell. That THIS was the group that was going to make things happen. Whether I was talking to a fellow swimmer, supporter, volunteer, Olympian, researcher, doctor, sponsor, or donor…everyone knew we were all part of the same mission.”  

If you are moved to support Robyn Starnes, you can donate here.

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NASSAU/SUFFOLK IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Nassau/Suffolk - Sound to Cove, News, UncategorizedTagged , , Leave a comment

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Nassau/Suffolk community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Feinstein Institute of Northwell Health, MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, SHARE Cancer Support, and Weill Cornell Medicine at swimacrossamerica.org/ns.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA BLOG – SAASWIM.COM

TEAM CAROLYN HONORS ONE OF THEIR OWN IN NASSAU/SUFFOLK-SOUND TO COVE

WPIX-TV 11

Swimmers support cancer charity on Long Island

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory News

Swim Across America and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Make Waves for Cancer Research

LI Herald

Lynbrook’s 14th annual Swim Across America

Patch – Glen Cove

‘Make Waves To Fight Cancer’ Open Swim Planned For Sunday In Glen Cove

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – LONG ISLAND SOUND IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Long Island Sound, News, UncategorizedTagged , Leave a comment

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 Medical Center, Cancer Support Team, and Weill Cornell Medicine, at swimacrossamerica.org/longisland.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA BLOG – SAASWIM.COM

TEAM JOHN MAKES WAVES ON LONG ISLAND SOUND FOR BELOVED SWIMMER AND TEAMMATE

News 12 Westchester

Larchmont’s Swim Across America nears $25M mark in overall donations for cancer research

Patch – Chappaqua

Chappaqua Swim & Tennis Raises $32K For Swim Across America

Patch – Larchmont-Mamaroneck

Team John Helps Make Waves at July 29 Swim Across America Event

Scarsdale Inquirer

Scarsdale’s Team John (Needham) to swim to fight cancer

St. Joseph News-Press

Larchmont’s Swim Across America nears $25M mark in overall donations for cancer research

Prime Publishers

Larchmont’s Swim Across America nears $25M mark in overall donations for cancer research

Lohud – Journal News

Over 500 swimmers take part in Swim Across America in Larchmont

Patch – Larchmont-Mamaroneck

Team John Helps Make Waves at July 29 Swim Across America Event

Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journal

Swim Across America

Chappaqua’s Hamlet Hub

Swim Across America at Chappaqua Swim & Tennis Club

Scarsdale10583

Swimmers to Honor John Needham

The Examiner News

Local Swim Across America Events Helping Young Cancer Patients

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NANTUCKET IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, nantucket, News, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , Leave a comment

Read or listen to local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Nantucket community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Nantucket Cottage Hospital, PASCON, and Mass General Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/nantucket.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA BLOG – SAASWIM.COM

NANTUCKET NURSE RECALLS “PIVOTAL TIME” IN ADMINISTERING HOSPITAL’S FIRST IMMUNOTHERAPY TREATMENT

CCB Media – CapeCod.com; WQRC – 99.9 The Q; WKPE – Cape Country 104; WFCC – Classical 107.5; WOCN – Ocean 104.7

LISTEN: Swim Across America Nantucket Returns Saturday

CCB Media – CapeCod.com; WQRC – 99.9 The Q; WKPE – Cape Country 104; WFCC – Classical 107.5; WOCN – Ocean 104.7

PHOTOS: Swim Across America Nantucket

Nantucket Current

For Nantucket Nurse, Saturday’s 11th Swim Across America Is Personal

The Inquirer & Mirror

Swim Across America returns Saturday

Yesterday’s Island Today’s Nantucket

SWIMMING TO BENEFIT ON-ISLAND CANCER CARE

CAI – Cape, Coast & Islands (NPR stations 90.1, 91.1, 94.3)

A huge splash on Nantucket for local cancer care

SAA-Richmond Swimmer, George Sushkoff, Finds His “Favorite Things” in Swim Across America Community

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Pool Swims, richmond, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , 1 Comment

George Sushkoff was introduced to Swim Across America through an eye-opening, and humbling, conversation with a friend. 

“I saw a picture of my friend at a Swim Across America event and he had a microphone in his hand. Jokingly, I asked if he was looking for his 15 minutes of fame. He told me he had recovered from cancer and was sharing his story at the event. After I removed my foot from my mouth, I asked for some more details.”

Through this conversation, George learned that Swim Across America was rooted in two of his favorite things: swimming and raising money for cancer research. George swam in college, competed in the U.S. Masters Swimming, and met some of his closest friends through swimming.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, George participated in 2020’s SAA-Richmond virtual challenge. Participants logged hours of activity or volunteer efforts and raised funds for the community. 

It wasn’t until 2021, when George had the opportunity to join with a team and in-person, that the Swim Across America community came to life.

“A friend asked me if I would form a team for the Richmond event. We called ourselves Team River City after our hometown. I work for a software company, so I enjoyed setting up the team page – another one of my favorite things. Amazingly, our team exceeded our fundraising goal of $15,000,” said George.

The following year, George set up the same team, and brought his son along as a safety and water volunteer making SAA a family affair. Again, the team exceeded their fundraising goal and raised $26,000.

In 2023, George’s participation in SAA-Richmond took on a more profound meaning when he was diagnosed with Stage 1 to Stage 2 colon cancer. Fortunately, he knew just who to turn to.

“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. It’s unbelievable the amount of support I’ve received from my swimming community and from Swim Across America.”

George met with doctors at Virginia Cancer Institute (VCI) and VCU Massey to discuss treatment options. Though he receives treatment at VCI, he feels that both centers are collaborating on his care.

“It’s comforting to know that I have the support of both VCI and VCU Massey. They aren’t fighting over who gets to treat me – though they should,” George jokes. “They are focused on my health and well-being, and me coming out of this a survivor.”

George has been fortunate to have minimal side effects from his treatments and he’s able to focus on more of his favorite things: biking, water polo and family time. He credits his active lifestyle and his sense of humor for helping him get through this tough time. 

“I plan to be a cancer survivor. Swim Across America has already done so much for me and continues to support me through this. I know they will help countless more people in their battles against cancer.”

If you are moved to support George and Team River City, you can donate here.

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.

Denver Teen Triumphs Over Rare Spinal Cord Cancer Diagnosis and Serves Community as SAA Patient Ambassador

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, denver, Fundraising, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , 1 Comment

Garrett Rymer
Swim Across America – Denver
Age: 16

Close to a year ago, 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 will join hundreds of swimmers on Sunday, August 20, when he dives in to make waves to fight cancer in the 6th annual Swim Across America – Denver open water swim, in support of Children’s Hospital Colorado.

As an official Children’s Hospital Colorado Swim Across America patient ambassador, this will be Garrett’s first time participating in the open water swim.

“On December 23rd, 2022, I was diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cord cancer,” said Garrett.

“Leading up to the diagnosis, I had 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 sent me through a series of medical tests, culminating in the MRI at the Children’s Hospital Colorado that led to my diagnosis.”

Garrett, now 16 years old, 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.

Just a few weeks ago, he participated in one of SAA-Denver’s pool swims with the MESA Swim Team in Broomfield, CO.

Garrett has now been off chemo for six months and is grateful that his tumor has remained unchanged since. Though he is not yet cancer-free and has a long road ahead to restore lost function in his arm, his positive prognosis motivates him towards his bright future.

“Fighting cancer hasn’t been easy for me, nor my family or friends, and yet so many blessings have come out of it,” said Garrett.

“My family and I have been surrounded by an incredible number of friends and doctors supporting us, and my treatment has led me to new relationships that will last a lifetime. I’m thankful to have become a part of several organizations who bring light into the lives of pediatric cancer patients, such as Swim Across America.”

If you are moved to support Garrett and Team Rymer & Friends, you can donate here.

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.

Team John Makes Waves on Long Island Sound for Beloved Swimmer and Teammate

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Fundraising, Long Island Sound, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , 1 Comment

Team John
Swim Across America – Long Island Sound
31 years supporting Swim Across America

At the end July, nearly 60 teams will participate in the 31st annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim. One of those teams – and perhaps one with the most longevity – is Team John.

 The 18 members of Team John are swimming in honor of beloved swimmer John Needham, who sadly lost his battle with cancer on June 1, 2023, just shy of his 70th birthday.

“John will always be remembered as a beloved husband to Leanne and devoted father to his two children, Daniel and Caitlin, of whom he was always so proud and called his greatest joy, and his sister Sarah Needham,” said Joseph Kaufman, co-captain of Team John.

John Needham

“His teammates and swimming family at Westchester Masters Swim Association and the Scarsdale Town Pool keep his memory alive each time we dive into the water.”

Growing up, John was an All-American swimmer at Hamilton College in upstate New York. After attending Boston University Law School, he found his true calling and joined the Legal Aid Society in Manhattan and, ultimately, in the Bronx, working tirelessly to defend the underprivileged and marginalized.

Josh Glantz, Joel Talish, and Joe Kaufman, members of Team John

“John was loved by many in the broader Westchester swimming community,” said team co-captain Josh Glantz. “John participated in Swim Across America every year to raise money for cancer research. His friends from the pool now miss his laid-back nature, incredible and subtle sense of humor and supreme care for everyone in his swimming community.”

John Needham was also Josh Glantz’s Scarsdale neighbor. This year, John’s son Dan will be swimming the 10k alongside teammates, Josh, Joe Kaufman and Joel Talish, at the July 29 open water swim together in memory of their beloved father and friend.

Some members of Team John have been with the swim since its inception in 1992, including co-captain Josh Glantz. Every year, the team changes its name to reflect who they are swimming for – whether it is someone courageously battling cancer, or someone dear they have recently lost. The team is one of the top fundraising teams in the history of the Long Island Sound swim.

John Needham, Josh Glantz, and Eldad Blaustein, members of Team John

If you are moved to support Team John, you can donate here.

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.

Making Waves – in the Water and on the Road – Across America in Honor of Loved Ones Battling Cancer

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, chicago, Fundraising, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , 2 Comments

Patty Brummet
Swim Across America – Chicago
20 years supporting Swim Across America
Age: 77

When you talk to Patty Brummet, she brings up many numbers that all have significant meaning. 

197,000: Dollars she has raised for Swim Across America during her many years of supporting the nonprofit organization.

750: Miles she will bike from New York City to Raleigh, North Carolina, on Sept. 18 – Oct. 4. This is her 9th bike trek across the country.

294: Number of names she will wear on her swim cap and cycling jersey – each in honor or memory of a loved one or friend who battled cancer.

21.5: Miles she has swam in Lake Michigan at the Swim Across America Chicago open water swim.

20: Years she has swam and 10 years biked to fund a cure.

12: August 12th Swim Across America Chicago open water swim – and Patty’s 20th year she will be participating!

And when talking about her 20th year, another number comes up.

“This year I dedicate my ride and swim for five very special friends – in honor of Eileen, Leslie, Dave and Steve, who are currently battling cancer, and in memory of Berta.”

Patty feels gratitude and appreciation for every single person who has donated to her and her team, Team Life, over the years. Those friends and family members, co-workers and sometimes even strangers, are the ones who keep her motivated to bike and swim her way across the country.

“Every dollar allows research to continue to find the next miracle drug or treatment for patients like my friends,” said Patty “The money you donate today ensures that cancer research will continue, and lives will be saved. My four friends are alive today because of donors to our cause.”

Patty says it has been her lifelong dream to bike across the country and she’s found a sense of purpose in each mile. To do so for Swim Across America is even more poignant, as the organization was founded in 1987 with its very first swim, but before swimming became the mechanism to raise funds for cancer research, the founders of the organization, Matt Vossler and Jeff Keith, ran across the country.

When asked why these bike treks and swims are so meaningful to her and why she continues after all these years, Patty shares a simple response.

“Thirteen years after my dad’s death I still honor the promise I made to him the night he died – to bike across America,” noted Patty. “We never discussed the route I would take so I kept riding.”

Patty shares stories about each of her friends and their personal battles with cancer on her personal fundraising page. Read their stories and donate to Patty and Team Life here.

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.

HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMERS COMPLETE STRAIT OF MESSINA SWIM TO RAISE FUNDS FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, Fundraising, Pool Swims, SAA My Way, UncategorizedTagged , , Leave a comment

Imagine swimming two miles from Punta Faro in Sicily to Cannitello, Calabria on the Boot of the Italian Peninsula. Three high school swimmers from Cincinnati, Ohio did just that on June 27, 2023, to raise funds for pediatric cancer research.

The route, known as the Strait of Messina, earned them the moniker, the Marlins in Messina. “Marlins” being a nod to their local club swim team, the Cincinnati Marlins.

For Sydney Herr, Natalie Gockerman and Chloe Otten, each 17 years old, the challenge in the Mediterranean Sea tested the physical and mental stamina required to cross the waters. However, they know that many other young people have a much tougher battle.

Chloe Otten, Nathalie Gockerman and Sydney Herr

“Distance swimming in open water is nothing compared to the fight against cancer that some families endure,” said Sydney.

Swimming, and a passion for positively impacting their community, bind the three together. The trio became teammates in 2018 as members of Ohio’s state Zone Team. Last August they hosted a Swim Across America pool swim which raised over $15,000. This year, they registered as SAA My Way participants and committed to expand their support for Swim Across America.

Each swimmer has a personal connection to Swim Across America’s mission to raise funds for cancer research through swimming.

“I am incredibly passionate about making a difference in the world. Every child deserves the opportunity to live cancer free and I am committed to giving any child battling cancer hope,” said Sydney.

“I am swimming in honor of my grandmother who successfully battled stage 4 breast cancer,” explained Natalie. “I’m thankful to the doctors and nurses who provided her with the best treatment and care.”

“Unfortunately, I lost my grandmother to pancreatic cancer in 2016 and my cousin recently to heart failure. My cousin was very young and he motivates me every day to live to the fullest,” said Chloe. “It breaks my heart to know that other families also struggle through these kinds of tragedies. I want to raise money to support the research Swim Across America funds.”

In addition to their team fundraising page, the trio designed and sold customized t-shirts for their Messina event and secured a financial contribution for Swim Across America from the Kendra Scott Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the national jewelry company.

If you are moved to support the Marlins in Messina, you can donate here.

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.