Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America – Fairfield County community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, at swimacrossamerica.org/fc.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Nashville community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/nashville.
When Mark Monson first participated in Swim Across America – Dallas in 2016, he joined because he loved to swim and wanted to support a cause that had impacted family and friends affected by cancer.
What began as a way to give back became deeply personal in January 2022 when Mark was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer.
“Before my diagnosis, I supported Swim Across America because of the people in my life who had fought cancer,” said Mark. “After my diagnosis, the swim became much more personal.”
Now 49 and living in Frisco, Texas, Mark is celebrating a milestone that once seemed uncertain: he currently has no evidence of disease.
Mark Munson, Swim Across America – Dallas participant and cancer survivor.
Over the past 10 years, Mark has raised approximately $15,000 for Swim Across America – Dallas. This year, he will once again take part in the annual open water swim on Saturday, September 19 at Lake Rockwall, benefiting Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center.
His experience as both a participant and survivor fuels his commitment to the cause.
“I am motivated to continue raising money because I know precisely where the money goes, and I can see progress being made,” Mark said.
Proceeds from the SAA-Dallas community event are granted to the Texas Cancer Interception Institute (TCII) within Baylor Scott & White. The TCII brings together advanced technology, research and care teams to help detect cancer at its earliest stages — when it is most treatable.
Swim Across America – Dallas community at their event in 2025.
“Fifteen years ago, my diagnosis was a death sentence. At the time I’m writing this, I have no evidence of disease. I want that for everyone who is diagnosed with cancer.”
For Mark, Swim Across America is about more than fundraising. The annual event motivates him to stay active and provides an opportunity to connect with a community united by a common purpose.
“Swim Across America motivates me to keep pushing to be able to swim each year,” he said. “I also enjoy seeing friends there, both old and new.”
As Mark prepares for another Swim Across America – Dallas event, he hopes his story serves as a reminder that every dollar raised helps move cancer research forward and brings hope to patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis.
Swim Across America Founder Matt Vossler, Team Darien YMCA Piranhas and Darien Blue Wave Swimmers Highlight Darien’s Deep Ties to June 20 Cancer Benefit Swim
From the founder of Swim Across America to the next generation of young swimmers diving in to fight cancer, Darien will be well represented at the 20th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim on Saturday, June 20, at Dolphin Cove in Stamford.
The annual swim benefits Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, headquartered in Stamford and the nation’s only nonprofit dedicated to funding cancer cell and gene therapy. Established in 2007, Swim Across America – Fairfield County has raised more than $8.2 million for cancer research, supporting ACGT grants advancing better treatments and clinical trials for brain cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, solid tumors and, this year, ovarian cancer.
For Darien resident Matt Vossler, the Fairfield County swim is part of a much larger story that began nearly four decades ago. Vossler co-founded Swim Across America in 1987 after he and a small group of friends first ran across America, and then decided that more can swim than run, so in 1987, he and a group of swimmers, including some notable Olympians at that time, crossed Long Island Sound to raise money for cancer research. Since then, Swim Across America has grown into a national nonprofit holding open water and pool swims across the country – in 27 communities across America! Vossler remains a constant presence at Swim Across America – Fairfield County, helping lead the safety team and standing on the beach each year to count swimmers down as they enter the water and his family has been involved every year as well, swimming, volunteering, paddle boarding and boating.
Matt Vossler, Swim Across America founder, at the SAA-Fairfield County open water swim.
“Matt Vossler helped create a movement that has changed the landscape of cancer research philanthropy,” said Nancy Carr, event director of Swim Across America – Fairfield County and a two-time cancer survivor. “He is still inspiring the next generation to make waves to fight cancer. It is incredibly special to have that legacy rooted right here in Darien and Fairfield County.”
That next generation includes Shep Jennings, a Darien swimmer and team captain of Team Darien YMCA Piranhas. Shep swims year-round with the Darien YMCA Piranhas and has already made a major impact as a young fundraiser for Swim Across America – Fairfield County. After first joining the swim in 2024, he quickly became one of the event’s top young fundraisers, raising thousands of dollars for cancer research and inspiring teammates, friends and family to get involved.
One of Shep’s YMCA Piranhas teammates is Jedd Gallagher, whose family’s story underscores why cancer research funding matters.
Jedd swims in honor of his grandmother, Mary Jo Re, who passed away in 2024 from glioblastoma, and his father, John Gallagher, a survivor of stage 4 metastatic melanoma. John was diagnosed at age 30, on his birthday, June 20, and battled cancer for eight years. His treatment journey included surgery to remove the original tumor, a vaccine trial, surgeries to remove lung metastases, biochemotherapy, high-dose IL-2, removal of his left lung, six brain surgeries, three rounds of radiation to the brain, oral chemotherapy and interferon shots.
John was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and was cared for by Jedd Wolchok, MD, Ph.D., a physician-scientist whose work helped establish immunotherapy as a standard approach to cancer treatment. Jedd Gallagher is named in honor of Dr. Wolchok, who helped save his father’s life.
“I swim in honor of my grandmother, Mary Jo Re, who bravely fought and finally succumbed to glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, and for my dad John Gallagher, a survivor of stage 4 metastatic melanoma,” said Jedd Gallagher. “Swim Across America is important to my family as we believe in funding those doctors and researchers who are trying to find cures for some of the most devastating cancers such as those that have impacted my family. I am very proud to be named in honor of Dr. Jedd Wolchok, who saved my dad’s life.”
Darien’s connection to Swim Across America – Fairfield County also extends to the high school swim community. The Darien Blue Wave Swim and Dive team, under longtime coach Marj Trifone and now captained by Caroline Gies and Heili Jalakas, has been a longtime participant in the Fairfield County swim, bringing generations of Darien swimmers into the mission of making waves to fight cancer. Together with Team Darien YMCA Piranhas, Darien’s young swimmers are helping carry forward Swim Across America’s tradition of combining athleticism, teamwork and service to support lifesaving cancer research.
Kids’ Splash participants after swimming along the shore.
The 20th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County open water swim will take place Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Dolphin Cove, 96 Cummings Point Road, in Stamford, on the Greenwich/Stamford border. The event welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels to help make waves to fight cancer. Participants may choose from a half-mile, 1.5-mile or 3-mile swim course, and children ages 11 and younger can participate in a fun Kids’ Splash along the shore. A virtual SAA My Way option is also available. For registration, volunteer opportunities, or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/fc.
“For this 20th year of making waves to fight cancer, we are celebrating the individuals and families who have built this swim and the young swimmers who are carrying it forward,” Nancy Carr said. “From Matt Vossler, who helped launch Swim Across America, to Shep Jennings, Jedd Gallagher, Team Darien YMCA Piranhas and the Darien Blue Wave swimmers, Darien represents the full circle of this mission: swimming with purpose, raising money for research and helping give cancer patients and families hope.”
Participants at SAA-Fairfield County.
Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to the FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. The organization also recently awarded two first-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, advancing novel CRISPR gene and base editing techniques used in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and cellular therapies. Swim Across America supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.
For those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating to the 20th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County open water swim on Saturday, June 20, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/fc.
Swim Across America is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.
On Saturday, July 25, hundreds of supporters will Make Waves to Fight Cancer at Jetties Beach for the annual Swim Across America – Nantucket open water swim. Many of those supporters have a personal connection to the Swim Across America mission. They may be cheering on a swimmer, sharing their own cancer journey, or volunteering in honor of a loved one.
For Jeff Schneider, that connection became deeply personal when he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. For many years, Jeff cheered on his daughter, Rachel, as she swam at the event. Now he also cheers on his grandchildren who participate in the kids’ splash along the shore.
Jeff has been his family’s loudest cheerleader, and he saw that support return back to him when he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2023.
Photo of Jeff sharing his story at SAA-Nantucket’s open water swim in 2024.
“At age 56 I was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. A hell of a thing to be told you have three to five years to live,” shared Jeff.
Jeff quickly sought treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a long-time beneficiary of Swim Across America funding through the Boston community. He underwent surgery, radiation and hormone therapy.
“I like to say they threw everything including the kitchen sink at me,” joked Jeff.
After a two-year fight, Jeff was declared in remission and he has remained in good health ever since. Jeff is grateful to organizations like Swim Across America, which funds groundbreaking immunotherapy treatment in communities across the country.
Proceeds from the Swim Across America – Nantucket community swim support cancer treatment and patient care at Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket, and cancer research at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. Through the efforts of these organizations and the support of SAA – Nantucket, residents and visitors alike can receive outstanding cancer treatment and support on the island.
“This is why I am so committed to doing whatever I can to support the important work Swim Across America makes possible,” shared Jeff.
“My wife, children, six grandchildren, and my friends all are grateful for the part Swim Across America played in keeping me – and so many other patients – around much longer than three to five years.”
Jeff’s daughter, Rachel, her husband, and their four daughters swim each year as part of Team Jeff, continuing to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.
Photo of ‘Team Jeff’, excited to support SAA-Nantucket.
Now that Jeff is on the other side of his two-year battle, he reflects on what kept him going through the darkest times.
“Throughout my battle with stage 4 prostate cancer I had hope,” shared Jeff.
“I had hope and kept it close. Hope got me through the worst of times. Hope helped me bear the surgery, radiation and the nasty hormone therapy drug I had to take for two years.”
“Hope eased the fear and dried the tears that came whether I wanted them or not.”
This hope is what keeps Jeff and his family dedicated to Swim Across America. If you are moved to support Team Jeff and SAA-Nantucket, click here.
Team Relay at Ensworth Natatorium to Benefit Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Swim Across America, the nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer by holding charity swims across the nation, will host the 5th annual Swim Across America – Nashville Pool Swim on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Ensworth Natatorium, 7401 Tennessee Highway 100, in Nashville. The community charity swim is a Team Relay event that welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels who are passionate about fighting cancer. Proceeds benefit Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, with a 2026 goal of raising $100,000 to support cancer care and research in Nashville. For registration and volunteer opportunities, or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/nashville.
Established in 2022, Swim Across America – Nashville has raised more than $375,000 for Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, helping support cancer research, care and hope for individuals and families facing cancer.
For 23-year-old Aly Corb, an associate board member with Swim Across America and one of the planning committee members for the Nashville swim, the event is deeply personal. Aly, who currently lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been part of Swim Across America since she was just 8 years old and is now participating for her 16th year with the organization. One of the factors in her decision to attend college in Tennessee was the opportunity to help bring Swim Across America to the state. This year, she is diving in again to help organize the Nashville event at the Ensworth Natatorium.
Aly swims in memory of her brother, Michael, who sadly passed away from mixed lineage leukemia when he was just 9 months old. This past March, Aly and her family celebrated what would have been Michael’s 20th birthday; this December will mark 20 years without him.
“Although he lost his battle with cancer when he was only 9 months old, his memory is the reason this cause has meant so much to me and why Swim Across America has become such an important part of my life,” said Aly. “Every year when I swim, I do it in his honor, with the hope that together we can create a different future, one without cancer.”
Aly originally set her 2026 fundraising goal at $20,000 in honor of Michael’s 20th birthday. After quickly surpassing that goal and raising more than $25,000, she increased her goal to $30,000 — a threshold she has never reached before. Throughout the past 15 years with Swim Across America, Aly has raised more than $230,000 for cancer research, including $140,000 benefitting another Swim Across America beneficiary, Johns Hopkins Medicine, where Michael was treated.
“No matter where I swim, the money will still be going to help those fighting for their lives,” said Aly. “Whether you swim, donate or volunteer, you are helping to make a difference and save the lives of current and future cancer patients.”
Aly’s connection to cancer extends beyond her brother. She also swims in memory of her great-aunt Alison, her uncle Michael, and former teammate Garrett Brown, and in honor of family members and friends who have faced cancer.
“To me, this event is not just about raising money to find a cure; it’s to honor and remember those who fought their battle and prevent other parents, siblings and families from going through the loss of a loved one,” noted Aly Corb. “That’s why I want to do everything I can so other families won’t go through what my family and I have gone through.”
Another swimmer, Tara Helmer, who lives in Nashville, also brings a deeply personal connection to the event. For Helmer, Swim Across America combines three important parts of her life: swimming, research, and her own experience as a cancer patient at Vanderbilt.
“I swim because Swim Across America combines three very important aspects of my life,” noted Tara. “My husband and daughter are very involved in the swim community. In fact, my husband is a former swimmer and current high school coach, and my daughter is a competitive swimmer.
Tara has also worked in research administration at Vanderbilt for about 20 years, supporting researchers across the institution. She also has been a cancer patient at Vanderbilt since 2016, when she was initially diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. In 2023, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to work with brilliant and passionate researchers across the institution over the years,” said Tara. “I am truly blessed and thankful for Dr. Park and all of the other incredible cancer researchers. I know far too many who have been diagnosed with cancer and have lost their lives to it. We’ve come such a long way, but still have a long way to go. Organizations like Swim Across America that support cancer research definitely help move the needle in the right direction. I also know that cancer patients like myself are always buying time until the next treatment or a cure is available. Having an organization dedicated to advancing cancer research is critical, and it gives cancer patients hope. If sharing my story helps even just one patient feel less scared, it is worth it.”
Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to the FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. The organization also recently awarded two first-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, advancing novel CRISPR gene and base editing techniques used in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and cellular therapies. Swim Across America supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.
For those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating to the 5th annual Swim Across America – Nashville Pool Swim on June 14, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/nashville.
Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Hollings Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/charleston.
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 Brigham Cancer Institute, at swimacrossamerica.org/nantucket.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America – Tampa community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, at swimacrossamerica.org/tampa.
Presenting the 2025 Impact Report for Swim Across America.
We are proud to present our 2025 impact report, a high-level overview of Swim Across America, its communities, events, and beneficiary programs. The generosity, dedication, and support from events in 2025 strengthen our commitment to awarding grants to innovative cancer research, clinical trials, detection, and patient programs through charity swims that unite communities in the fight against cancer.
A letter from Rob Butcher, the CEO of Swim Across America:
Dear Swim Across America Community,
We began with a simple yet bold belief, that a community united in purpose can turn hope into action by innovating new cancer treatments and improving quality of life. Because of you, that belief is becoming a reality.
Coast-to-coast and all year long, survivors, advocates, and partners raised critical funds that directly support innovative research, advance detection, and improved patient programs. Every dollar granted is action towards breakthroughs and support for families navigating the unimaginable. We are unique that the funds raised in each community stay local, strengthening relationships with academic and community partners, and ensuring donors know the impact of their generosity.
We celebrate progress because families continue to hear the words, “You have cancer” and deserve to hear, “There is Hope.” We are committed to sharing our impact and inspiring generations to Make Waves to Fight Cancer with Swim Across America.
Swim Across America 