Category: Messages of Hope

CSCAA Honors Swim Across America CEO, Rob Butcher, with Richard E. Steadman Award

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Congratulations to Swim Across America President and CEO, Rob Butcher, for receiving the prestigious Richard Steadman Award from the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA).

This recognition honors his exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions to the swimming community and the fight against cancer with Swim Across America.

As the President and CEO of Swim Across America since 2016, Butcher has guided the organization through tremendous growth and success. Under his leadership, Swim Across America has continued to expand its reach, with events across the country raising millions of dollars annually to support cancer research and treatment. His passion for SAA’s mission is deeply personal: both his grandmother and stepmother were cancer survivors, and his mother, whom he calls his hero, lost her battle with appendix cancer in 2007.  

Before joining SAA, Butcher served as Executive Director for U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) for seven years. During his tenure, he transformed USMS into a professionally managed organization, developing the creation of the Masters Coach Certification and Adult Learn-to-Swim programs. Under his leadership, membership grew by more than 50%, and revenue tripled to $3.6 million.  

A Georgia Southern University graduate and competitor in the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials, Butcher has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the sport of swimming.

His leadership at SAA has been instrumental in expanding its impact, with the organization raising over $100 million for cancer research since its inception in 1987.  

“Rob Butcher exemplifies the very spirit of the Steadman Award—leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving others,” said Samantha Barany, Executive Director of the CSCAA. “Through the water, he fights cancer every day, and we are all better off for his dedication to making a difference. Rob has profoundly impacted the swimming community and every community where Swim Across America has a presence. His passion for people and his ability to spread happiness wherever he goes are truly inspiring.”

Rob Butcher resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife Allison and their twin boys. He remains an active advocate for cancer research and a unifying force within the swimming community. His receipt of the Richard Steadman Award highlights not only his professional achievements but also his heartfelt commitment to making a lasting impact in the fight against cancer. For more information about Swim Across America and its mission, visit swimacrossamerica.org.  

SHANNON CARNEY: A SURVIVOR’S JOURNEY TO HONOR LOVED ONES AND MAKE WAVES TO FIGHT CANCER

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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.”

If you are moved to support Shannon, click here.

Shannon Carney

Julia Brookshire 2024 Media Highlights

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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.

SAAswim.com – Swim Across America blog

Julia Brookshire Makes Waves to Fight Cancer in a unique way to celebrate her remission

SwimSwam (Partner feature with SwimTrek) 

4 Iconic Open Water Swim Events – Unique Challenges Across Europe, Asia & The Caribbean     

 

MSN – via WCNC-TV (NBC)

It’s not about me’ | Charlotte woman swimming for cancer research

WCNC-TV (NBC)

It’s not about me’ | Charlotte woman swimming for cancer research

WBTV-TV “QC @ 3”

Charlotte native embarking on world’s oldest open water swim for good cause

WBTV-TV “On Your Side”

Making Waves to Fight Cancer

Axios Charlotte

Charlottean of the day: Julia Brookshire

PR Web

Success! Cancer Survivor Julia Brookshire and Olympic Swimmer Janel Jorgensen McArdle Successfully Swim “World’s Oldest” Hellespont and Dardanelles Open Water Swim

OpenWaterSwimming.com

Cancer Survivor Julia Brookshire and Olympic Swimmer Janel Jorgensen McArdle Successfully Swim Hellespont and Dardanelles Open Water Swim in Turkey

SwimTrek

Hellespont 2024: A Celebration of Life

First-Ever Swim Across America – Louisville Family-Fun Pool Swim to Make Waves in the Fight Against Cancer

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, event directors, Events, Fundraising, louisville, Messages of Hope, Pool Swims, Uncategorized1 Comment

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.”

Hundreds Dive in to Make Waves to Fight Cancer at 14th Annual Swim Across America – Dallas Open Water Swim

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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.

From swimmer to patient to survivor, George Sushkoff Makes Waves to Fight Cancer with Swim Across America – Richmond

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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 donate here.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – LONG ISLAND SOUND IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Long Island Sound, Making Waves With Hope, Messages of Hope, News, Pool Swims, Top Fundraisers, 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 Cancer Center, Cancer Support Team and Weill Cornell Medical Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/long_island.

WCBS-TV (CBS, 2), New York, NY

32nd annual Swim Across America helps raise $1.8 million for cancer research

WPIX-TV (CW, 11), New York, NY

Swimming for a cause at 32nd annual ‘Swim Across America’ event

Young mom, cancer victim honored at Swim Across America event

News 12 Westchester

32nd annual Swim Across America raises money for cancer research

Chappaqua-Mt. Kisco Patch

Swim Across America Holds 8 Pool Swims to Make Waves to Fight Cancer

The Examiner News

Chappaqua Swim Coach Making Waves Raising Money for Cancer

Scarsdale10583

Long Island Sound Swim This Saturday to Raise Funds for Cancer Research

Larchmont-Mamaroneck Patch

Team Gina Turns Devastating Loss into Action through Swimming

$1.8 M Raised at 32nd Annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound

A Summer Swim Across The LI Sound Makes Ripples To Last A Lifetime

AMNY To Do

Swim Across America – Lake Isle Pool Swim

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NANTUCKET IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Making Waves With Hope, Messages of Hope, nantucket, News, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

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.

SAAswim.com – Swim Across America blog

DUNCAN RICHARDSON FINDS HOPE IN HIS CANCER JOURNEY THROUGH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NANTUCKET SUPPORT

Nantucket Current

“I’m Not Supposed To Be Here” Duncan Richardson Swims To Give Hope To Future Cancer Patients

Swim Across America Nantucket Aims For New Fundraising Goal On Saturday

Photo Gallery: Swim Across America Nantucket Raises $825,000 In 12th Year

14 Runners Complete Falmouth Road Race For Swim Across America Nantucket

The Inquirer and Mirror

Swim Across America takes to water Saturday

Photo Gallery: Swim Across America Nantucket

CapeCod.com

Swim Across America Returns To Nantucket’s Jetties Beach This Weekend

Yesterday’s Island Today’s Nantucket

Swim to Fight Cancer

Maya Merhige x Swim Across America Media Highlights

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, Events, Fundraising, Junior Advisory Board, Making Waves With Hope, Messages of Hope, News, san francisco, Top Fundraisers, wave makerTagged , , , , , 1 Comment

Media coverage celebrating Swim Across America – San Francisco participant and marathon swimmer, Maya Merhige. Learn about Maya and her record-breaking marathon swims at swimacrossamerica.org/maya. For media inquiries, email Jeni Howard.

Cook Strait Swim – March 2025

Berkeley High Jacket: “Teen swimmer Maya Merhige makes waves around the world”

Radio New Zealand (RNZ): “Maya swims everything”

SwimSwam: “17-Year-Old Open Water Swimmer Maya Merhige Conquers New Zealand’s Cook Strait”

Swimming World: “Maya Merhige, 17, Adds Crossing of New Zealand’s Cook Strait”

World Open Water Swimming Association: “17-Year-Old Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige Conquers New Zealand’s Cook Strait, Continuing Her Mission to Make Waves to Fight Cancer”

The Sports Column: “Making Waves to Fight Cancer, 17-Year-Old Maya Merhige Conquers New Zealand’s Cook Strait”

KPIX-TV (CBS, 5): “Berkeley high school student completes daunting open water swim in New Zealand”

SAAswim.com: “17-Year-Old Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige Conquers New Zealand’s Cook Strait, Continuing Her Mission to Make Waves to Fight Cancer”

English Channel Swim and Triple Crown – July 2024

NBC News Now: Teen swims English Channel to help fight cancer

People Magazine: “16-Year-Old Successfully Swims the English Channel — Up Next? Her Senior Year of High School”

New York Times: At 17, She’s Already Conquered Some of the World’s Big Swims

The Sports Column: “16-Year-Old Maya Merhige Swims English Channel, Raises +$100,000 to Fight Cancer”

SwimSwam: “16-YEAR-OLD MAYA MERHIGE SUCCESSFULLY SWIMS THE ENGLISH CHANNEL”

Berkeleyside (updated): “Berkeley teen braves sharks and hyperthermia in world record swims. What keeps her going?”

Yahoo! Sport: “16-Year-Old Successfully Swims the English Channel — Up Next? Her Senior Year of High School”

Swimming World: “Maya Merhige Swims English Channel at Age 16 to Complete Open Water Triple Crown”

Outdoor Swimmer: “16-year-old Maya Merhige to swim English Channel”

SwimSwam: “16-Year-Old Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige to Tackle English Channel”

The Sports Column: “Maya Merhige: ‘I Swim for Each and Every Person Who Has Ever Been Touched by Cancer’”

News and Views on the State of Swimming: “MAYA MERHIGE, 16, TO TACKLE ENGLISH CHANNEL & EARN TRIPLE CROWN IN AID OF CANCER RESEARCH”

East Bay Times: In brief: Berkeley girl, 16, swims English Channel, helps fight cancer

SF Gate: California Teen Swimmer Makes History With ‘Triple Crown’

The Mercury News: Berkeley teen swims English Channel, completing Open Water Triple Crown for a greater cause

SwimTrek: ‘The Girl That Does Those Crazy Swims’: Maya Merhige

20 Bridges Swim, Manhattan, NY – July 2023

ABC World News Tonight: “15-YEAR-OLD SWIMMER TAKES A LAP AROUND MANHATTAN”

WABC-TV: “15-YEAR-OLD GIRL SWIMS 28.5 MILES AROUND MANHATTAN TO RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER RESEARCH”

ABC “Good Morning America”: “15-YEAR-OLD MAYA MERHIGE SWAM AROUND THE ISLAND OF MANHATTAN”

ABC News Live: “ABC NEWS PRIME: SEARCH FOR PA FLOOD VICTIMS; AMERICA’S FORGOTTEN IMMIGRANTS; TEEN’S EPIC SWIM LAP”

PEOPLE: “15-YEAR-OLD GIRL TAKES 28.5-MILE SWIM AROUND MANHATTAN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CANCER RESEARCH”

Access Daily Hollywood: “SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – SOCIAL STAR OF THE WEEK”

Swimmer’s Daily: “15-YEAR-OLD GIRL SWIMS 28.5 MILES AROUND MANHATTAN TO RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER RESEARCH”

Breitbart: “CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SWIMS 28.5 MILES AROUND MANHATTAN FOR CANCER RESEARCH”

Upworthy: “TEEN COMPLETES A 28.5-MILE SWIM AROUND MANHATTAN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CANCER RESEARCH”

CNBC “MAKE IT”: “THIS 15-YEAR-OLD SWAM 28.5 MILES AROUND THE ISLAND OF MANHATTAN: ‘I DIDN’T KNOW THAT I WAS BREAKING RECORDS’”

The Sports Column: “TEEN CONQUERS SWIMMING CHALLENGE IN FUNDRAISER FOR CANCER RESEARCH”

Swimming World: “MAYA MERHIGE, 15, COMPLETES 20 BRIDGES SWIM AROUND MANHATTAN FOR CHARITY”

KTVU-TV (FOX, 2): “BERKELEY TEEN MARKS ANOTHER FEAT, BECOMING ONE OF THE YOUNGEST TO FINISH 28.5 MILE SWIM AROUND MANHATTAN”

WQAD-TV (ABC, 8): “15-YEAR-OLD SWIMS AROUND MANHATTAN, UNDER 20 BRIDGES TO RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER”

KTVU FOX2 San Francisco: “BERKELEY TEEN MAKES SWIMMING HISTORY”

Kaiwi (Molokai) Channel Swim – January 2023

SwimSwam: “27 HOURS LATER, 15-YEAR-OLD MAYA MERHIGE BECOMES YOUNGEST TO SWIM 28-MILE KAIWI CHANNEL”

Lake Tahoe – July 2022

KTVU FOX2 San Francisco: “14-YEAR-OLD BREAKS SWIMMING RECORD IN LAKE TAHOE”

Catalina Channel – September 2021

SwimSwam: “14-YEAR-OLD MAYA MERHIGE BECOMES YOUNGEST WOMAN TO SWIM ACROSS CATALINA CHANNEL”

DUNCAN RICHARDSON FINDS HOPE IN HIS CANCER JOURNEY THROUGH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NANTUCKET SUPPORT

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, boston, Making Waves With Hope, Messages of Hope, nantucket, Top Fundraisers, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged , , , , 1 Comment

Swim Across America’s guiding principle is “money raised local, stays local.” It is a model that the organization takes great pride in and helps to deepen participants’ connection to the mission. 

This connection is especially evident in communities like Swim Across America – Nantucket, which supports Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket (PASCON) on the island and Mass General Cancer Center in Boston, MA. The community grants are applied to local hospitals and patient care programs to benefit patients and families within their small, tight-knit island. 

Duncan Richardson, a Newton, MA native, and his family have been seasonal visitors to Nantucket for over 36 years which makes it feel like their second home. Duncan joined the SAA – Nantucket community in 2021, and this year, he is swimming in the event for the first time!

Duncan always admired the organization and its mission which became more personal when he was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer in 2022. Little did he know how vital the organization’s mission would become to his own life.

Duncan Richardson shared his “Why I Swim” story at the 2023 Swim Across America – Nantucket community event.

“I am a bit of a medical miracle,” said Duncan. “Two years ago, after rapidly losing over 30 pounds, I was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer — a cancer with a very poor prognosis.”

Duncan received swift care and a treatment plan from his medical team, which included the immunotherapy drug Opdivo (nivolumab) and biweekly chemotherapy infusions. 

Duncan and his care team at Nantucket Cottage Hospital where he received treatment for stage four esophageal cancer.

Swim Across America community swims granted funds to doctors and researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who implemented clinical trials for nivolumab. The promising results from those trials led to the FDA-approval of Opdivo.

“Without Opdivo — and Swim Across America funding — I wouldn’t be here today. I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to anyone who had a part in bringing this research to fruition,” said Duncan.

And the fact that Duncan was able to receive local, easily accessible medical care had been invaluable. 

“It is hard to overstate in my cancer journey how important to my wellbeing and that of my family the Nantucket Cottage Hospital professionals have been.” Duncan affirms.

“Their compassionate and quality care gives me and hundreds of other residents and visitors the most important thing you can have in battling cancer — HOPE!” 

Duncan is excited for this year’s SAA-Nantucket event, where he will swim the half-mile course with his team, Strokes for Hope. His dedication to Swim Across America is seen with each stroke of his swim.

“That’s why we swim and raise the money for cancer research, the Nantucket Cottage Hospital infusion center and for PASCON. All our strokes are Strokes for Hope!”

If you are moved to support Duncan, click here.

“Without Opdivo — and Swim Across America funding — I wouldn’t be here today. I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to anyone who had a part in bringing this research to fruition,” said Duncan.