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 at swimacrossamerica.org/ns.
From a young age, Kelly Lennon was always driven to make an impact in her community. In high school, Kelly swam with her school team and joined Swim Across America – Nassau/Suffolk. Nearly a decade later, Kelly returned to Swim Across America as a coach and helped raise more than $40,000.
“In December 2016, I was honored for my fundraising efforts with a Proclamation from the Town of Huntington, New York, by Legislator Susan Berland,” shared Kelly. “After I graduated high school, I knew I’d come back to Swim Across America because it was that important to me.”
Kelly may have physically “left” for college, but her passion for Swim Across America still tugged at her heart. It wasn’t until eight years later that Kelly found her way back to Swim Across America to rejoin the fight to cure cancer.
“I graduated from college and took a job at the Huntington YMCA coaching an age group team called the Bluefish,” shared Kelly. “I couldn’t wait to bring my joy for SAA to this new bunch of kids in our community.”
With the help of the SAA National and SAA-Nassau/Suffolk local committee, Kelly started the Huntington Y Bluefish SAA Pool Swim. Together, the team quickly exceeded their original $10,000 goal and raised over $40,000 for their beneficiaries: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Feinstein Institute at Northwell Health, MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, and SHARE Cancer Support.
“What a full circle moment for me! Supporting this organization as an adult, with my team of young swimmers, brought back so many memories,” said Kelly.
The fight to find a cure never changed, but Kelly’s personal growth over eight years fed her passion and fueled her fire to fight cancer.
“I support Swim Across America because cancer has deeply affected my family. Some of my loved ones have survived, while others have, sadly, passed away,” shared Kelly.
“I swim in memory of those we’ve lost and in support of those still fighting. This cause is personal to me—every stroke is a tribute to their strength, courage, and the hope that, through continued research, we can find better treatments and ultimately a cure. That’s what motivates me to raise funds and be part of this incredible community.”
Swim Across America grants have had incredible success, particularly at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, one of the SAA-Nassau/Suffolk beneficiaries. The community is a grant funder of MSK’s landmark clinical trial that achieved a 100% success rate treating advanced rectal cancer patients with dostarlimab; as well as a funder of the most recent Phase II clinical trial at MSK just published in The New England Journal of Medicine that showed an 80% success rate in treating patients with several types of MMRd cancers who were treated with immunotherapy and did not require surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy after six months of treatment with immunotherapy alone. SAA awarded the grants for the early-stage research and continues to award grants for the ongoing clinical trial.
Seeing the impact SAA has on cancer research is what drives Kelly to continue to support the mission.
“Swim Across America makes a real impact by funding innovative cancer research and clinical trials that give patients hope and save lives,” said Kelly.
“It’s important to me and my family because it turns grief into action and brings people together to fight for a future without cancer.”
If you are moved to support Kelly and Huntington Y Bluefish, click here.
The Promising Study Found that 80% of Patients with Mismatch Repair-Deficient (MMRd) Solid Tumors Treated with Immunotherapy Avoided Surgery
The New England Journal of Medicinepublished a paper on April 27, 2025, that presents exciting new results from a clinical trial led by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) gastrointestinal oncologists Andrea Cercek, MD, and Luis Diaz Jr., MD, that demonstrates how immunotherapy alone can help patients with MMRd cancers avoid surgery and preserve their quality of life. The results, presented simultaneously at the 2025 American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, showed that 80% of patients with several types of cancer treated with immunotherapy did not require surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy after six months of treatment with immunotherapy alone. Swim Across America awarded grants for the early-stage research and continues to award grants for the ongoing clinical trial.
Andrea Cercek, M.D., gastrointestinal oncologist and co-director of the Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Mismatch repair deficiency (MMRd) in cancer refers to a situation where tumor cells have defective mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, essential for correcting DNA errors during cell replication. This deficiency leads to the accumulation of mutations, including microsatellite instability (MSI), making tumors more prone to be recognized by the immune system. MMRd status is a significant factor in cancer treatment, particularly for immunotherapy, as it can predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
The standard of care for many cancers that have this specific MMRd genetic mutation has been surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Still, the patients who responded positively to this clinical trial did not require surgery to remove an organ and did not experience chemotherapy or radiation, which improved their quality of life. This trial is the first time that immunotherapy has been shown to replace surgery for a variety of solid tumors.
“This study shows that immunotherapy can replace surgery, radiation and chemotherapy for mismatch repair-deficient solid tumors, which could help patients preserve their organs and avoid the harsh side effects of chemo and radiation,” said Andrea Cercek, M.D., gastrointestinal oncologist and co-director of the Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “Preserving a patient’s quality of life, while also successfully achieving positive results in eliminating their cancer, is the best possible outcome. They can return to their daily routines and maintain their independence.”
Luis Diaz, M.D., gastrointestinal oncologist and Head of the Division of Solid Tumor Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
This phase 2 trial is an extension of a groundbreaking study, also funded in part by Swim Across America, in which all rectal cancer patients treated with the immunotherapy dostarlimab experienced a complete clinical response, meaning their tumors disappeared. This was the first time ever that a clinical trial had a 100% positive response rate.
The updated trial included 103 patients with stage 1-3 cancer; 49 with rectal cancer; and 54 with non-rectal cancers, including gastroesophageal, hepatobiliary, colon, genitourinary, and gynecologic. Drs. Cercek and Diaz noted that the 80% response rate in this expanded clinical trial is very exciting for these types of cancer.
“Grants provided by Swim Across America were critical to our initial study and advancing this trial to phase 2,” said Luis Diaz, M.D., gastrointestinal oncologist and Head of the Division of Solid Tumor Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has raised more than $100 million to fight cancer. In its 38 years of making waves, thousands of volunteers and Olympians have swum the circumference of the earth three times uniting a movement to fight cancer that has created a groundswell of support spanning all generations. Today, more than 24 communities across the U.S. hold charity swims each year, which support innovative cancer research, detection, and patient programs.
Drs. Andrea Cercek and Luis Diaz spoke at the 2024 Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim
Swim Across America’s funding of clinical trials on a national level has helped contribute to four FDA-approved life-saving immunotherapy cancer treatments: Yervoy, Opdivo, Tecentriq, and Keytruda. Swim Across America awards grant to more than 60 projects each year and there are ten named Swim Across America Labs at major institutions.
In addition to Swim Across America grants, this trial received funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Haystack Oncology, and Stand Up To Cancer. MSK also acknowledges support from GSK, whose PD-1 blockade Jemperli (dostarlimab), represents a promising advancement in the treatment of patients.
For more information and to inquire about eligibility for this clinical trial, talk to your oncologist or call MSK at 646-888-4189. You may also reach to info@swimacrossamerica.org and we will help guide you.
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 at swimacrossamerica.org/ns.
On Saturday, August 3, hundreds of swimmers, volunteers, and supporters will come together to Make Waves to Fight Cancer at the 24th annual Swim Across America – Nassau/Suffolk open water swim.
The community swim will be held at Pryibil Beach in Glen Cove, NY and offers multiple distance options for swimmers, as well as land and water volunteer roles. Swimmers of all ages can Make Waves to Fight Cancer by joining the Family Fun Swim.
“The Swim Across America – Nassau/Suffolk community swims are a great opportunity for our friends, neighbors, and family to come together and make a real impact in the fight against cancer. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the years,” said Swim Across America – Nassau/Suffolk event director and Swim Across America board member, Kevin Shine.
Dr. Jedd Wolchok, of Weill Cornell Cancer Center, spoke at the 2023 SAA-Nassau/Suffolk open water swim.
Since its inception, the SAA-Nassau/Suffolk open water and pool swims have raised over $12 million for their beneficiaries. Proceeds from the 2024 events benefit cancer research, clinical trials, and cancer care programs at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Feinstein Institute at Northwell Health, MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, and SHARE Cancer Support.
“We were grateful to extend our support to Weill Cornell Medicine in 2023 and support the Swim Across Research Laboratory at Weill Cornell Cancer Center, led by Dr. Taha Merghoub,” noted Kevin.
Grants from the SAA-Nassau/Suffolk community swims have had an incredible impact on cancer research and breakthroughs. A current rectal cancer clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center led by Dr. Luis Diaz and Dr. Andrea Cercek saw the first 100% remission rate in the history of cancer.
Additionally, SAA-Nassau-Suffolk is proud to host the two top fundraising teams across all Swim Across America national events: Team Stacey and Team Carolyn. In 2023, the two teams raised over $560,000 combined.
Team Stacey, named in honor of Stacey Leondis, has raised over $2.5 million since their first event in 2008.
“We’ve grown from a team of 13 to over 85 team members, ranging in age from 6 months to 99 years old! This truly reflects Stacey’s ability to always connect and bring people together for a cause,” said Ellen Leondis, Stacey’s mother and captain of the team.
Team Stacey, Swim Across America’s top fundraising team of 2023, at the 2023 SAA-Nassau/Suffolk open water swim.
Team Carolyn has raised over $500,000 since their first event in 2022. Steven Chestler, the team’s captain, joined Swim Across America to honor his wife, Carolyn Jaenisch.
Team Carolyn, Swim Across America’s number two top fundraising team, at the 2023 SAA-Nassau/Suffolk open water swim.
“We started the team in honor of my wife, Carolyn Jaenisch, who was a marathon swimmer and beloved member of our community. The best way to honor her memory is to continue fighting this terrible disease while doing something she loved: swimming,” said Steven.
Swim Across America – Nassau-Suffolk open water swim offers a Family Fun Swim, ½-mile, 1-mile, 2-mile, 5K, and 10K course options for swimmers. Land and water volunteers are welcome to register to support the event. The community is also invited to join one of the many pool swims in New York. Find more info on the event page: swimacrossamerica.org/ns.
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.
Steve Chestler gives new meaning to the phrase Swim Across America “champion.”
“The 2022 Nassau/Suffolk-Sound to Cove charity swim was the most amazing event I have ever been to. Hearing doctors and researchers speak about the work they are doing to find a cure for this devastating disease is something my children and I will never forget. It’s what keeps Team Carolyn so focused and determined on fundraising as much as possible.”
This year is Steve and Team Carolyn’s second year supporting Swim Across America and they have made a remarkable impact in those two years raising over $400,000 combined. In 2022, Team Carolyn was the number two fundraising team for Swim Across America.
The team is named in memory of Steve’s wife, Carolyn Jaenisch, who was diagnosed with Terminal Adenocarcinoma in July 2021 and passed away just six months later. Carolyn and Steve have a daughter, Caitlin, and a son, Gregory. Carolyn was an avid swimmer who swam with Long Island Masters and Excel Swim Club for 21 years on Long Island. Read more about the Chestler family here.
“After Carolyn’s passing, getting involved with Swim Across America felt like the most meaningful way our family and friends could honor her and keep her spirit alive,” said Steve.
“The community we have found in Swim Across America is unbelievable. We all want to help and do something for our loved ones, and we are all fighting for a cure. We have a huge extended family here and we are in this together.”
To further this feeling of “extended family,” this year, Team Carolyn is fundraising in support of one of their own team members, Derrick Edwin. Derrick is a seasoned triathlete who unknowingly competed in an Iron Man competition in September 2021 while having colon cancer.
Though Derrick’s Stage 4 diagnosis was shocking, he maintains a positive attitude and upbeat spirit throughout his immunotherapy treatment. And when his friend, Steve, asked him to join Team Carolyn, it was a no-brainer.
“Swim Across America has provided me with an unbeatable support system. I hope to spread hope and positivity to all my cancer warriors fighting this disease. We can beat this!” said Derrick.
If you are moved to support Team Carolyn, 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.
Carolyn Jaenisch, Caitlin Chestler, Gregory Chestler & Steve Chestler Swim Across America – Nassau/Suffolk 1 year with Swim Across America Steve 65; Raised over $100,000 with Team Carolyn
“We are looking forward to joining a community dedicated to fighting cancer, the disease that took Carolyn Jaenisch from us, while simultaneously doing something she loved : swimming.”
Carolyn Jaenisch’s diagnosis of Terminal Adenocarcinoma in July 2021 came as a shock to the entire family. She was an avid swimmer who swam with Long Island masters and Excel Swim Club for the past 21 years on Long Island. When she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer and had her first back operation she was told she would be swimming again in 2 months. Carolyn was all about family and swimming.
So when her family went looking for a charity event, they saw the SAA-Sound to Cove swim at Pryibil Beach on July 31, 2022, and got in touch with Swim Across America CEO Rob Butcher and local event chair Kevin Shine to learn more and make a plan to participate. Carolyn was so excited to get involved with Swim Across America.
Carolyn sadly passed away in November of 2021, just 4 months after her diagnosis, and before she could witness her family swimming in her honor. Carolyn’s passing left behind her husband, Steven Chestler, 24-year old son Gregory and 19-year old daughter Caitlin; and they are the founders of Team Carolyn for Swim Across America.
This July will be Team Carolyn’s first year participating in a Swim Across America event. “We are looking forward to joining a community dedicated to fighting cancer, the disease that took Carolyn Jaenisch from us, while simultaneously doing something she loved : swimming” says Steve Chestler. Steve, Caitlin, Gregory and other members of Team Carolyn have rallied together to raise an amazing $100,000 (and counting) to support cancer research and clinical trials.
“We know she would be honored that she has been supported and loved so much.”
Swim Across America is celebrating 35 years of impact in 2022. SAA 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 