Making Waves to Fight Cancer since 1987
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.
High School Students Plan Fundraising Swim for Cancer Support
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.
High School Students Plan Fundraising Swim for Cancer Support
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 oncologist at 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.
“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 from a 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.
For co-event director Glenn Latham, a cancer survivor himself, and his wife and co-event director Susan, holding the Swim Across America event in the Florida Keys is especially poignant to them. “We’ve known so many family members and friends whose lives have been touched by cancer,” noted Glenn. “By swimming, we can make a difference and hopefully play a part in helping fund better and more effective treatments.” The 5th annual Swim Across America – Florida Keys event will be held Saturday, April 18, on the beautiful key of Islamorada.
Latham was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 53 in 2008. Although the diagnosis came in his early 50s, cancer had already touched his family deeply. Both of his parents and two of his three siblings battled cancer. His father also had prostate cancer, and his mother passed away at the young age of 48 from breast cancer, a disease that also affected two of his sisters — one who passed from the disease and one who, like Glenn, is a survivor. Today, after undergoing four years of treatment, Glenn is celebrating 18 years of being cancer-free.
“As a cancer survivor, I was involved in several cancer causes prior to moving to The Keys. My love of swimming led to the chance meeting with a local swimmer and long time Swim Across America supporter, Bob Coakley, who shared the mission of Swim Across America. My wife Susan and I were immediately interested, and together we decided to organize a Swim Across America open water swim in the Florida Keys. I believe we need to expand cancer research – and the funding that Swim Across America and our swim generates is of huge value. It is particularly gratifying to meet and work with key members of the local medical research institution, Swim Across America staff, swim Olympians and local community supporters. I encourage everyone of all ages to please come out and join us on April 18th! It’s fun for everyone!”
Some of the top fundraising teams, like Team Baker, formed by siblings Chip and Mary Baker, are swimming in memory of loved ones lost to cancer, like Chip and Mary’s Mom. Team “The Importers” was formed by childhood best friends Casey and Bree, who were united by both having parents who underwent a cancer battle and are today survivors, or currently battling. “This year both our families got news we never expected to hear, but despite the road bumps in our paths, Miami Cancer Institute has been there to help with treatment, support, and give us Hope in the darkest times. This is why we want to support them by participating with Swim Across America – Florida Keys,” noted Breeanna Prince, team captain. There are also the young teammates who have formed the Florida Keys Swim Club Team. “No one fights cancer alone,” noted Stella Hodder, team captain. “Our team joined Swim Across America because we believe in their mission and want to help give more families hope.” Even Bob Coakley’s dog, Rona, swims in the event and is a top fundraiser!
“Our Swim Across America – Florida Keys open water swim is one of the most beautiful swims in the world,” noted Susan Latham, co-event director. “Sometimes we get lucky and a few dolphins decide to join us and swim alongside us. The sun is usually always shining, and the beauty of the beach, along with the passion of the swimmers, helps make the day unforgettable and inspiring. The gathering of so many families and so many individuals is incredible — whether they are currently battling it out, are survivors or have lost someone. To hear the stories and to learn about those whom cancer has touched and to experience that the outpouring of support is just amazing. The feeling of wanting to make a change and to do something for those who have experienced cancer is huge.”
The 5th annual Swim Across America – Florida Keys open water swim will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Founders Park, 87000 Overseas Highway, on the Florida key of Islamorada. The swim raises funds for critical cancer research and supports its local beneficiary Miami Cancer Institute. Since its first Florida Keys swim in 2022, Swim Across America – Florida Keys has raised more than $450,000 to fight cancer. This event proudly welcomes swimmers, volunteers (land and water), spectators, supporters and Olympians from near and far for this inspiring community swim. Swim lengths are ½-mile, 1-mile or 2-miles. There is also a fun Kids’ Splash and Mermaid Swim! Those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating can learn more at swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys or follow on Facebook or Instagram @saafloridakeys or email glenn@swimacrossamerica.org.
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.
Hundreds of swimmers and volunteers are getting ready to dive in and make waves to fight cancer at the 10th annual Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Night Heron Park, on Kiawah Island in South Carolina. The event raises crucial funds for cancer research at the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. Swimmers of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part in the annual Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim. Participants can swim a 1/2-mile or 1.5-mile open water swim, or participate in a same-day pool swim. For those not able to be there in-person, a SAA My Way virtual option is available. For registration and volunteer opportunities (volunteer on the land or water), or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/charleston.
Established in 2017, Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah has raised more than $600,000 for its beneficiary, Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. Each year, the event proudly hosts more than 150 swimmers, volunteers, spectators and supporters, as well as Olympians from near and far, for this inspiring community swim.
“The Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim is one of the most inspiring events you will ever attend,” said Jana Chanthabane, event director of the Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim. “The gathering of so many families and individuals who are honoring those who have been touched by cancer, whether they are survivors, currently battling, or have lost someone, is truly incredible. The feeling of wanting to make a change and to do something for those who have experienced cancer is huge.”
Chanthabane knows firsthand the impact of raising funds for cancer research. She is a breast cancer survivor who has been cancer-free for 13 years. She was diagnosed in 2013 at the young age of 35 while raising three young children. Her personal journey is one of the reasons she has remained deeply committed to Swim Across America and its mission.
To support Jana, her family is swimming and volunteering with Team Chanthabanes Cheating Cancer. Jana’s daughter Ella Chanthabane notes that 2026 represents a powerful milestone.
“2026 marks Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah’s 10-year anniversary, and for me and my mom, that means 10 years of commitment to the mission,” said Ella Chanthabane. “Commitment to fighting cancer, making waves, and honoring those we’ve lost, as well as survivors like my mom, is really incredible. We got involved because, like everyone, we had been touched by cancer. We stayed because we believe in the Swim Across America mission and the work being done to support MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, where my mom was treated for breast cancer.”
Among this year’s participants is John Rhodes with Team Axes Endurance Club, who participates in memory of his father and in honor of many others affected by cancer. “I am passionate about Swim Across America and dedicate my time in memory of my father, John Rhodes, who was diagnosed with skin, prostate and thyroid cancer,” said John Rhodes. “In 2001, I began getting skin cancer screenings due to my father’s extensive skin cancer diagnosis and was found to have a basal cell carcinoma, which was successfully removed. Many other friends and family have been diagnosed with cancer, and Swim Across America’s goal of beating cancer through advancements in treatments has already resulted in the saving of many lives around the world. Without Swim Across America’s early-stage funding, researchers are not able to conduct trials that can lead to breakthroughs that save lives.”
Another returning swimmer is Ellen Sullivan with the team Pawleys Island Freestylers, who is taking part in her fourth Swim Across America event. “My journey with Swim Across America began four years ago when my high school swim coach and Olympic swimmer, Craig Beardsley, invited me to support the Kiawah event,” said Ellen Sullivan. “Since then, I have lost both my beloved mother and father to cancer. A close friend has bravely battled and triumphed over her own diagnosis, and my dear colleague continues to fight courageously against recurring cancer. These personal experiences have given me even more reason to swim. I swim to make a difference.”
Sullivan’s teammate Stefanie Whitmire, also with Team Pawleys Island Freestylers, is swimming as both a survivor and an advocate for others facing the disease. “I joined Swim Across America for so many reasons,” said Stefanie Whitmire. “I have many friends who have fought cancer, and this year, I am also swimming for myself. I have never been as scared as when I found out I had cancer — especially when it was a rare cancer. The news was unexpected and came right before Christmas. My surgeons and doctors were amazing. They saw me through two major surgeries, six months of chemotherapy and continued monitoring. I learned so much about my inner strength, my faith and my determination. I want to give back and support the research that will fight cancer. I want others to see there is hope and life in the darkness.”
Irene Row with Team West Ashley Whales is also swimming for a loved one. Her husband, Michael, was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in 2017 and continues to fight the disease. “My husband, Michael, was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in 2017, and he has been fighting this disease ever since,” said Row. “We both have family members and friends with other forms of cancer, and some of them have passed away. Michael found out about Swim Across America in 2018 and we both love that it raises money for a worthy cause — funding much-needed cancer research.”
Another standout returning team is Team Baucom, led by Barry Baucom of Kiawah, along with his wife Louise and son Ryan, who happens to be vice president of marketing for Swim Across America. The family has raised more than $60,000 over the past ten years to support cancer research and clinical trials at Hollings Cancer Center.
The funds raised by Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah support cancer research and clinical trials at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, with funds currently supporting both the Ferreira Lab, dedicated to designing and developing engineered immune cell therapies for autoimmune disease, cancer and aging, as well as a pediatric brain cancer grant.
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 at the 10th annual Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim on June 6, 2026, visit swimacrossamerica.org/charleston, or follow on Instagram and Facebook @saacharlestonkiawah.
The American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) has announced that Swim Across America will again sponsor a scholarship for a deserving coach to attend the 2026 ASCA World Clinic, scheduled for September 9–12 in Orlando, Florida.
The Swim Across America Scholarship provides full registration for the ASCA World Clinic, hotel accommodations during the event, and up to $500 in travel assistance. The opportunity is open to all domestic ASCA-member coaches.
Interested coaches can apply here. Applications are due April 15, with the recipient to be announced by April 29, 2026.
Now entering its 59th year, the ASCA World Clinic is the largest annual gathering of swim coaches in the sport. The four-day event brings together approximately 50 speakers covering topics ranging from training methodology and technique to leadership, athlete development, and program management.
In addition to educational sessions, the clinic features a vibrant exhibit hall, coaching demonstrations in an Endless Pool, and numerous networking opportunities including social events, meet-ups, and facilitated discussions among coaches from across the United States and around the world.
“This scholarship reflects Swim Across America’s ongoing commitment to supporting the coaching community while advancing our broader mission to raise funds for cancer research,” shared Craig Beardsley, VP of Partnerships for Swim Across America.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Swim Across America for continuing to invest in the professional growth of coaches,” said ASCA CEO Jennifer LaMont. “This scholarship gives a coach the opportunity to experience the energy, ideas, and connections that make the World Clinic such a powerful and often life-changing event.”
More information about the 2026 ASCA World Clinic can be found at www.ascaworldclinic.com.
1-Mile Swim and 100M Dolphin Dash Take Place December 7 at Daytona International Speedway
CLASH Endurance® and Swim Across America are thrilled to announce a new charity swim in Lake Lloyd, located in the infield of the iconic Daytona International Speedway® on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Participants of all ages will have the opportunity to swim alongside notable Olympians in an inspirational one-mile swim or a 100-meter Dolphin Dash with fundraising for critical cancer research as their top priority. Funds raised will support Swim Across America’s breakthrough pediatric cancer grants with its beneficiaries and CLASH Endurance’s philanthropic partner The NASCAR Foundation.
Swim Across America, founded in 1987, hosts 24 annual open-water swims from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge, and hundreds and pool swims each year that fund cancer research and patient programs, raising more than $100M to date. Swim Across America has funded transformative trials that led to the FDA-approved immunotherapy cancer medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. The organization has also supported Memorial Sloan Kettering’s landmark trials including the recent Phase II clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine showing an 80% success rate treating MMRd cancers with immunotherapy alone. Swim Across America also recently awarded the first-of-their-kind gene editing innovation grants to Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to advance safer, more effective targeted treatments.
“Swim Across America, CLASH Endurance and The NASCAR Foundation joining together makes so much sense as The NASCAR Foundation helps so many kids who are battling cancer,” commented Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America. “To have a Swim Across America charity event in Daytona on the CLASH Endurance Family Weekend means we will make even bigger waves together in the fight against cancer.”
The NASCAR Foundation is a leading charity that works to improve the lives of children who need it most in NASCAR racing communities through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund and the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. Serving as a designated 4-Star Charity by Charity Navigator for its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency, it has contributed more than $50 Million to impact the lives of more than 1.7 million children nationwide since 2006.
“We are excited to be a part of the new Swim Across America swim during the CLASH Endurance weekend at Daytona International Speedway. We truly appreciate the many years of support from our friends at CLASH, and it is a privilege to team up again to help improve the health and well-being of kids across the country and in our race communities,” said Nichole Krieger, vice president and executive director of The NASCAR Foundation.
On December 7, when hundreds of swimmers and volunteers dive into Lake Lloyd, one-mile swimmers will be required to raise at least $400 by event day; swimmers under 18 will raise a minimum of $200; Dolphin Dash participants can register for $50 and have no fundraising minimum. To register as a swimmer or a volunteer, visit swimacrossamerica.org/daytona.
CLASH Endurance CEO Bill Christy says, “We are proud to collaborate with Swim Across America which continues to make a lasting impact in the cancer community. This is a cause that has touched all our lives, and we are honored to further support the fight at one of our flagship event weekends.”
Each December when much of the country battles snow, more than 3,000 participants ranging in age from four to 80+ will take on the speedway through a variety of events including a 5K, kids’ triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, triathlons, Test Track and Redline Relay. CLASH Endurance strives to provide a festival-style weekend, which in addition to free activities for spectators and athletes alike, include a wellness expo, food trucks, beer/wine garden and much more. The weekend kicks off with a festive “Jingle Jog 5K” on Friday evening with a start and finish at ONEDaytona. Participants, including those in jogging strollers, will experience Florida’s “Magic of Lights” holiday display taking them under the iconic grandstands of the speedway. The Swim Across America 1-mile swim and Dolphin Dash will help cap-off the weekend on Sunday, December 7.
“We have swum in some incredible venues and Daytona International Speedway is certainly one of the most iconic,” noted Olympic swimmer and Swim Across America Ambassador Rowdy Gaines. “To have a Swim Across America charity swim in Daytona is going to be extra special – I will definitely be there!”
CLASH Endurance® is an innovative endurance event company led by athletes with a passion to provide exceptional race experiences at iconic speedways across the U.S. CLASH embraces inclusion and welcomes athletes of all ages and abilities, from elite professionals to first-time participants. The popular CLASH Endurance DAYTONA event is held at the Daytona International Speedway®, home of ‘The Great American Race”- the Daytona 500, and has been featured on NBC and Fox Sports 1/2. Each February, the Daytona Beach Half Marathon & 5K takes athletes on a scenic tour of Daytona and its numerous landmarks and attractions. In addition, CLASH Endurance Miami in March continues to draw a decorated pro field, collegiate athletes from dozens of prestigious universities and weekend warriors for a challenging course at the historic Homestead-Miami Speedway®. Follow The NASCAR Foundation on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NASCARFoundation or on X at @NASCAR_FDN. For more information visit clashendurance.com.
Swim Across America hosts open water and pool swims in numerous communities nationwide, from Nantucket to under San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. More than 150 Olympians swim with the organization, including Michael Phelps, Kate Douglass, and Missy Franklin. The organization supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually and has ten named Swim Across America Labs at major institutions nationwide. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org or follow on social media @SwimAcrossAmerica on Facebook and @SAASwim on Instagram.
Swim Across America is proud to announce a partnership with the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) to sponsor a scholarship for a deserving coach to attend the 2025 ASCA World Clinic in Reno, Nevada, September 2-5.
The Swim Across America Scholarship provides full registration for the ASCA World Clinic and covers accommodation at the Peppermill Reno hotel and up to $500 for travel.
The ASCA World Clinic, now in its 58th year, is the largest and most comprehensive annual gathering in the sport of swimming. The event features 50 speakers covering a wide range of topics, an expansive exhibition hall, coaching demonstration at an Endless Pool, and numerous socials and networking opportunities.
This initiative is part of SAA’s commitment to supporting ASCA advancing the sport of swimming and the professional growth of dedicated coaches across the nation.
Applicants must be ASCA members who have never attended a World Clinic. Interested candidates are encouraged to complete the online application by February 28, 2025. The scholarship recipient will be notified by March 31, 2025.
“We deeply appreciate Swim Across America for their generosity and dedication to supporting the coaching community,” said ASCA CEO Jennifer LaMont. “This scholarship underscores their acknowledgment of the critical role coaches play in developing athletes and teams. We can’t wait to welcome the scholarship recipient to Reno this September.”
For more information about the ASCA World Clinic and the Swim Across America scholarship, and to apply, go to www.ascaworldclinic.com.
About Swim Across America
Swim Across America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for cancer research through swimming-related events. Since its inception in 1987, Swim Across America has raised over $100M to fund groundbreaking cancer research and clinical trials. Learn more at www.swimacrossamerica.org.
About ASCA
The American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) is the professional association for swim coaches dedicated to inspiring, supporting, and advocating for coaches in the US and worldwide. Through education, certification, and professional development, ASCA empowers coaches to lead swimmers toward excellence while advancing the sport of swimming. Learn more at www.swimmingcoach.org.
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.
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.
Julia Brookshire Makes Waves to Fight Cancer in a unique way to celebrate her remission
4 Iconic Open Water Swim Events – Unique Challenges Across Europe, Asia & The Caribbean
It’s not about me’ | Charlotte woman swimming for cancer research
It’s not about me’ | Charlotte woman swimming for cancer research
Charlotte native embarking on world’s oldest open water swim for good cause
Charlottean of the day: Julia Brookshire
Swim Across America