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.
Annual Open Water Swim Benefits Cancer Research at University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Swim Across America, the national nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer through charity swims across the U.S., will host its eighth annual Swim Across America – Motor City Mile Open Water Swim on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Belle Isle Beach House, at Oakway and Riverbank Drive, in Detroit. The community swim welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels, from first-time open water swimmers to veteran athletes and master swimmers, even some Olympic swimmers join in, with swim options including a quarter-mile, half-mile, 1-mile and 2-mile swim. For those unable to participate in person, a virtual SAA My Way option is also available. Proceeds benefit cancer research at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, where roughly 500 researchers are working to prevent cancer, improve outcomes for those diagnosed and improve quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. To register to swim, volunteer or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/motorcitymile.
“Swim Across America – Motor City Mile is a powerful and inspiring event that brings together swimmers, volunteers, cancer survivors, families and supporters who all share the same goal: making waves to fight cancer,” said Patrick Weiss, one of the event directors of Swim Across America – Motor City Mile, and a cancer survivor himself. “Since our first Detroit swim in 2019, this community has raised more than $600,000 for the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. Every swimmer, every volunteer and every donor is helping fund research that can lead to better treatments and more hope for patients and families.”
Each year, Swim Across America – Motor City Mile hosts more than 150 swimmers and volunteers, spectators and supporters, as well as Olympians from near and far, for the annual charity swim at Belle Isle Beach.
The impact of the Motor City Mile can be seen in the research it helps seed. Kyoung Lee, Ph.D., with Rogel Cancer Center, went on to receive a $1.4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to study the role of low oxygen supply in pancreatic cancer. Initial funding for this project was granted by Swim Across America – Motor City Mile and Dr. Lee cites Swim Across America as providing the funding to get the research to where it is today.
“This is exactly why Swim Across America matters,” Patrick Weiss noted. “The funds raised here in Detroit help provide early support for promising research, and that early support can lead to larger grants, new discoveries and progress for cancer patients. It is incredibly meaningful to know that our swimmers and supporters are helping move cancer research forward.”
For swimmer Mary Guyette, of Redford Michigan, the Motor City Mile is deeply personal. She is swimming the 1-mile event in loving memory of her mother and in support of the cancer center that has offered hope to her family and close friends.
“I joined Swim Across America – Motor City Mile to help support the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan because they have offered hope and support to family and close friends of mine, including my mom,” Mary Guyette said. “This year, I will be participating in the 1-mile swim event, in loving memory of my mom.”
Swimmer Allison Randall of Livonia, Michigan, first participated in Swim Across America – Motor City Mile in 2019, swimming a half-mile in open water for the first time and raising $800. Since then, she has returned each year, committed to swimming and raising as much as she can. This year, her swim has taken on even greater meaning.
“In March, my boyfriend was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor,” Allison Randall shared. “He underwent surgery to remove it, and we later learned it is ATRT, a rare, grade 4 cancer that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. He and his family are now working with an incredible team of doctors, surgeons, nurses and support staff at the University of Michigan hospital to develop the best possible treatment plan. One of the things I’ve always valued most about the Swim Across America – Motor City Mile swim is that funds raised directly support the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, something that now means even more to me. Their mission has three parts: patient care, research and education. This event plays a role in advancing all three.”
Another longtime Swim Across America – Motor City Mile participant, Kara Wolter (Herzfeld), is a metastatic osteosarcoma survivor and the event’s current No. 1 individual fundraiser, having raised more than $5,300 so far for the 2026 swim. Kara was diagnosed in March 2017 at age 26 with bone cancer that began in her left knee and spread to her lungs. Over three years, she underwent six different chemotherapies, multiple biopsies, procedures and surgeries, ultimately losing her left leg above the knee and having six lung wedge resection surgeries to remove tumors in her lungs. Kara has been given the designation of NED — no evidence of disease — for five years and is now a 35-year-old cancer survivor.
“Swimming is one of the few activities that makes me feel normal now, even with the loss of my leg,” Kara said. Kara began swimming at age 10 and now works as an assistant coach for the same swim team where she learned to swim. She has participated in Swim Across America – Motor City Mile for seven years to support the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. “The money that I raise will support the Rogel Cancer Center to further research and treatment options for all different types of cancers,” Kara noted.
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 eighth annual Swim Across America – Motor City Mile Open Water Swim on July 10, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/motorcitymile.
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.
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 is excited to announce a new affiliate partnership with TRISWIM, the trusted original chlorine-removing hair and body care company. This partnership brings many opportunities for Swim Across America (SAA) supporters to give back through TRISWIM.
The partnership features three components. First, to launch the partnership, Swim Across America and TRISWIM are hosting an Instagram contest, running now through May 5.
The contest is open to all Instagram users and will award two lucky winners with gifts from both organizations. The rules are simple:
Two winners will be selected and contacted via DM from @saaswim. Each winner will receive a TRISWIM Splash Box Gift Box and a cozy Swim Across America hoodie, valued at $125 total.
Second, samples of TRISWIM products will be available at all 27 Swim Across America community events this year. Participants will Make Waves and then head home with must-have skin and hair care products.
Finally, to further demonstrate their commitment to fighting cancer, TRISWIM will give back 10% of each purchase through this link. Additionally, the SAA community can receive a 20% discount at checkout when using the code SAA20.
“We are excited about this partnership with TRISWIM and SBR Sports, Inc. which allows us to continue supporting swimmers in and out of the water, and providing them with the products they need most,” Craig Beardsley, VP of Partnerships with Swim Across America.
TRISWIM products help swimmers concentrate on workout, not the dry, itchies or smell which may come with it. Premium ingredients in the TRISWIM Chlorine Saltwater Removal Line work to gently and effectively neutralize and remove Chlorine, Saltwater, Hard Water Minerals, Bromine and chemical odor from your skin and hair. Moisturizes, soothes and restores with vitamins, botanicals, proteins and Keratin.
SAA is a national nonprofit organization that has raised over $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987, and is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Phoenix community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries at swimacrossamerica.org/phoenix.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Martha’s Vineyard community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries at swimacrossamerica.org/mv.
Established in 2012, Swim Across America – Tampa Bay has raised more than $2.2 million for its local beneficiaries, including Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Each year, the event proudly hosts more than 250 swimmers, volunteers, spectators and supporters, as well as Olympic swimmers for this inspiring community swim.
Swim Across America – Tampa Bay funding is also helping to bring new hope to children and families facing tough cancer diagnoses by advancing promising pediatric immunotherapy research. Dr. Jonathan Metts, a pediatric hematology oncologistat Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Tampa, in partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center, is the first to bring a promising adult trial into the pediatric setting. Supported by Swim Across America since its pre-clinical phase, the 100% philanthropically funded study has enrolled five pediatric patients with very limited remaining treatment options. Four patients have experienced remarkable responses — early results that exceeded expectations for an early phase study and are already helping refine the treatment for future patients.
“This Swim Across America funded research is helping to expand what is possible for these patients – especially when standard therapy options fall short,” noted Dr. Metts. Only 4% of NIH funding is dedicated to pediatric cancer research, so philanthropic funding really plays a critical role in that it allows innovative studies like this one to move forward, adapt quickly, and reach children who urgently need new options. We are forever grateful for this critical support by Swim Across America and thrilled with the promise of using a child’s own immune system to fight cancer.”
The clinical trial uses tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which are immune cells that have been taken from the patient’s own tumor, grown into millions of specialized cells, and infused back into the patient. The goal is to help the immune system more effectively identify and eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
“This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate 15 years of making waves to fight cancer here in Tampa Bay,” said Julia Lamb, event director for Swim Across America. “Every swimmer, volunteer and supporter who joins us is helping fund hope for families facing cancer. We are proud to welcome swimmers of all ages and abilities and to support the incredible work being done at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and especially the promising clinical trial work with Dr. Metts.”
One of the event’s current top fundraisers is Margo Smith, captain of Team MargoRita, who is marking her 15th year swimming with Swim Across America.
Margo Smith and members of Team MargoRita passing out Dash the Dolphin plushies at the SAA-Tampa Bay Swim.
“I have been a part of this event since its very beginning, but this year is especially important to me,” said Margo Smith. “I am swimming in honor of two loved ones close to me who are battling cancer. One of them thankfully has many treatment options, including some fairly new treatments. Swim Across America funds research to find these new treatment options and I have seen the tangible results of these efforts. We are all touched by cancer at some point and need to find new treatments for those dear to us.”
Another inspiring swimmer is Wyatt Deaton, age 15, who is swimming in honor of his mother, Michelle Deaton, a breast cancer survivor. Wyatt has been swimming in the Swim Across America – Tampa Bay swim since he was in elementary school. His mom Michelle was diagnosed in 2018 at age 45 with a rare form of breast cancer called secretory carcinoma, a disease once known as juvenile carcinoma because it was more commonly found in children. Wyatt was just 7 years old at the time his mom was diagnosed.
“I’m swimming with Swim Across America for my mom, who means the world to me,” said Wyatt. “When I was 8 years old, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Watching her fight, stay strong, and never give up changed me forever. Today, she is a breast cancer survivor, and I am so proud to swim in her honor. Swimming has always been a big part of my life, and this swim gives me a way to turn something I love into something that truly matters. Every lap I swim helps fund cancer research, support patients, and brings hope to families just like mine. I swim for her. I swim for hope.”
“‘You have cancer’ are three words you never want to hear – and to have to tell your seven-year-old son that is especially hard,” said Michelle Deaton. “Wyatt was so young when I was diagnosed, but he immediately started thinking about what he could do to help me get better. Raising money for Swim Across America and for pediatric cancer research was the challenge he was looking for — and needed — at that moment.”
Michelle added, “I just love, love, love Swim Across America and all it stands for. I talk about the work that Swim Across America supports everywhere I go and to everyone. I’m Swim Across America’s biggest fan and I love that our family can be a part of such a great event that impacts the lives of so many. I’m a true believer that when you put your mind to something, it might not be easy, but I’m blessed as I have gone through something tough like a cancer diagnosis, and it made me realize even more how miraculous our bodies really are.”
The Tampa Bay swim also includes participants like Chris Liu, who is swimming in memory of his father, whose life was deeply connected to swimming before he sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2024.
“Swimming played an important role throughout my dad’s life, from teaching my brother and me to swim when we were toddlers, to swimming alone every weekend morning before the family was awake,” said Liu. “It was certainly painful for my dad when he realized that his swimming days would be cut short when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I can’t pinpoint one specific reason why I decided to join Swim Across America — maybe it’s to continue his legacy as a swimmer, maybe it’s to raise money for a cause that impacted my family, or maybe it’s to find closure with his passing. Regardless, this event hit home for me on so many levels that it would have felt wrong to pass on the opportunity.”
Swim Across America – Tampa Bay will hold its 15th annual open water swim on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at SPA Beach at the St. Pete Pier, 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, Florida. The event welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels to help make waves to fight pediatric cancer, with proceeds benefitting Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
Participants may choose froma 1/2-mile, 1-mile, or 2-mile swim course and children 8-years-old and younger can participate in a fun Dolphin Dash by swimming a short distance along the beach under supervision. There is also a “SAA My Way,” virtual option for athletes who are unable to participate in-person on May 9th. For registration and volunteer opportunities (land and water), or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/tampa.
Swim Across America 
