TEAM KiDS HONORS COMMUNITY MEMBERS THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN ALL EIGHT SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – LONG ISLAND SOUND POOL SWIMS

Posted on June 20, 2024July 30, 2024 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Long Island Sound, Making Waves With Hope, Pool Swims, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged cancer, fundraising, media, swim across america, swimmingLeave a comment

Dan Levy, of Chappaqua, NY, has participated in Swim Across America – Long Island Sound community swims since 2008, when his sister, Karen Marcum, passed away after a long battle with colon cancer. Swim Across America events gave Dan an opportunity to honor his sister’s memory while raising funds for cancer research.

“I have swam my whole life and I was a coach at the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club for 25 years, so supporting Swim Across America is the best way to honor my sister while doing something I love,” said Dan.

Swim Across America – Long Island Sound is Swim Across America’s largest and longest-running open water swim raising more than $25 million since 1992.

On July 27, the community will hold its 32nd annual event at the Larchmont Yacht Club and welcome more than 700 swimmers and volunteers. The community swim benefits Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Cancer Support Team, and Weill Cornell Medicine.

In addition to the annual open water swim, SAA-Long Island Sound hosts many pool swims in the Westchester, NY area. And this year, Dan will swim in all eight of them!

*Dan Levy with his sister, Karen Marcum, who passed after a long battle with colon cancer.*

“I’m really excited because 2024 is my 8th year participating in all SAA-Long Island Sound pool swims, and thanks to the addition of the same-day pool swim at the Larchmont Shore Club, there are eight swims!” shared Dan.

Dan’s tour of pool swims started in 2016 and he has upheld the tradition ever since. In addition to the pool swims, he swam in the SAA-Long Island Sound open water swim in 2021.

*Dan Levy in 2018 after completing all of the Swim Across America – Long Island Sound pool swims.*

“In 2016, my Westchester Masters teammate, Carrie Dillon, and I completed the mile swim at all of the SAA-Long Island Sound pool events,” said Dan.

“I feel so proud, honored, and fortunate to use my lifelong love of swimming to help raise funds for research and treatment to support and make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer now or in the future.”

This year, Dan is swimming as captain of Team KiDS, an acronym created in memory of loved ones and community members who have fought cancer. The team has more than 20 members participating in various pool swims.

In total, Dan and his teams have raised close to $500,000 for Swim Across America – Long Island Sound.

Dan started Team Karen after his sister passed in 2008. Shortly after, the team name was changed to Team Karen and David to honor David Simon, a member of the swimming community.

“A year before my sister passed away, David Simon lost his battle with cancer,” shared Dan.

“David was the father of two members on our summer swim team, the husband of the then-Board President, and our team’s unofficial photographer.”

The team name evolved again in 2019 to honor a young swimmer, Scarlett Chwatko. Dan’s swim team also found a unique way to ensure Scarlett’s memory lives on.

“In 2019, one of our youngest team members, 8-year-old Scarlett Chwatko, lost her fight against brain cancer. Scarlett was an inspiration to all who knew her,” said Dan.

“Her courage and perseverance were the impetus for the creation of the swim team’s Brave Bunny Award. This award is given to the swim team member who exhibits those same qualities each season.”

After she passed, Scarlett’s brother, Max, created Team BB (Brave Bunny) and the two teams have come together to form Team KiDS.

*Dan Levy with Max and Scarlett Chwatko.*

“The acronym is for the first names of these three remarkable individuals. Placed together, it is also for the amazing kids and their friends and families who come together every year to show how their love for swimming can make a difference in the ongoing fight against all forms of cancer,” explained Dan.

In addition to Karen, Dave, and Scarlett, Dan also swims for Masters teammates, Jason Troiano and John Needham, and his brother, Alan.

“Alan developed renal cancer and had surgery in Fall 2023. The tumor was malignant, but fortunately, the cancer had not yet metastasized and he remains cancer free to this day. I’m thankful to all the doctors and researchers who work tirelessly towards a cure to this awful disease.”

If you are moved to support Dan Levy and Team KiDS, click here.

RICK OSTERBERG SHARES HIS REMARKABLE JOURNEY AND DEEPENED COMMITMENT TO SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – BOSTON

Posted on June 4, 2024August 19, 2024 Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, baltimore, beneficiaries, boston, Fundraising, Labs, Messages of Hope, News, Pool Swims, UncategorizedTagged cancer, cancer research, News, swim across america1 Comment

Rick Osterberg’s connection to Swim Across America was initiated similarly to that of so many other members of the Swim Across America community. It’s his journey over the last six years that sets him apart from many other participants.

Rick and his wife, Jessica Stokes, are lifelong swimmers, both swimming competitively in college and continuing to swim as USMS masters swimmers. They met during Masters workouts at Harvard University nearly 25 years ago. Their involvement with Swim Across America began about 15 years ago when they heard about the organization and knew many people involved in the Swim Across America – Boston community swim.

Although he admits that Jessica is the more dedicated swimmer, Rick has played several roles over the years eventually leading to a role on the local leadership committee for Swim Across America – Boston.

“I was an occasional walk-up volunteer for the Swim Across America – Nantasket swim whenever Jess was swimming it,” said Rick.

“I got much more involved when we launched the Swim Across America – Boston Relay Challenge at Harvard in 2012, acting as the emcee, DJ, and scoreboard person.”

*Jessica Stokes and Rick Osterberg at the 2023 Swim Across America – Boston open water swim.*

Rick remained a volunteer with Swim Across America – Boston for several years and took on an official role on the local committee in 2018. Jessica is also on the committee and leads their relationship with their beneficiaries, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and MassGeneral Children’s Cancer Center.

Their involvement took on more purpose in 2018, when Rick received a diagnosis of stage three colon cancer. While this deepened their connection to the Swim Across America mission, Rick didn’t see anything particularly extraordinary about his treatment plan.

*Rick Osterberg with Pam Ryan, Swim Across America Board Chair, and Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Olympian and Swim Across America COO at the 2018 Swim Across America – Boston pool swim.*

“In 2018, my perspective and Jess’ perspective on Swim Across America changed when I was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. Suddenly, I was a patient. In 2018, I felt a much deeper connection to the overall mission of SAA, but not necessarily to any particular SAA beneficiary,” said Rick.

Rick’s diagnosis was, in his words, rather traditional though he was moved by the amount of support within his SAA-Boston community that year.

“It was deeply humbling to attend the 2018 Boston pool relay, during chemotherapy, and see so many people who were swimming for me,” said Rick.

“That event in 2018 remains one of the most moving experiences of my cancer journey. It was a huge boost to me, and a huge boost to Jess, during one of the harder phases of that treatment process. It also helped to turn a difficult experience into a hopeful direction through fundraising.”

Rick spent 2018 battling cancer with Jess at his side. He went through chemotherapy, chemo-radiation therapy, and finally surgery, and was in full remission by the end of the year.

They both looked forward to the April 2019 Swim Across America – Boston pool relay with Rick resuming his usual responsibilities as emcee and DJ. He added another “role” to his list that day – cancer success story.

*Team Rick at the 2018 Swim Across America – Boston pool swim.*

“I had beaten it, which was a great reason for many people to come and swim. It was an incredibly moving day and special because it ended up being our last pool relay before COVID,” said Rick.

The COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person events for 2020, which meant Rick and Jessica would miss out on the SAA-Boston event. Rick kept up with his routine scans and in June 2020, scans detected a small growth on a lymph node indicating his cancer had returned. Fortunately for Rick, FDA approval of a new immunotherapy drug had just been announced and it seemed like Rick was a great candidate for this new treatment.

Rick Osterberg and Jessica Stokes at the 2018 Swim across America – Boston pool swim. “I was in the middle of cycle 6 (of 8) of pretty hard chemotherapy. But we still found opportunities for joy, and the 2018 pool relay was one of those days of joy for both of us,” Rick shared.

“Suddenly, I was a candidate for Keytruda,” said Rick. “And the KEYNOTE-177 clinical trial results changed my cancer trajectory.”

“At this point, I’m now a Keytruda patient. I have virtually zero side-effects, and I have an incredibly high quality of life.”

Thanks to this new immunotherapy treatment, Rick’s cancer is virtually eliminated. He has avoided further surgical intervention that could carry significant risk of serious side effects or lower quality of life.

Rick’s commitment to Swim Across America was deepened when he realized the connection between the organization and the clinical trials that led to Keytruda’s FDA approval. The Swim Across America – Baltimore community swim benefits Johns Hopkins Medicine and grants from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 events funded groundbreaking research in immunotherapies, specifically PD-1 inhibitors. This research led to the FDA approval of Keytruda.

“After being part of an organization for so long, I was now a direct beneficiary of the research funded by SAA. I am one of a cohort of cancer patients who has experienced the necessary awfulness of chemotherapy, and the dramatically different journey on immunotherapy therapies,” shared Rick.

“I have been on my cancer journey for more than 6 years now, and in that short time, I have seen so many breakthroughs in treatment, but I also see so many cases where better options are needed for friends whose treatment paths are much more difficult than mine has been.”

Rick feels incredibly fortunate to be where he is on his cancer journey, thanks in part to research funded by Swim Across America. He feels hopeful about the next big breakthrough that will give hope to more patients and their families.

When reflecting on the vast differences between how his cancer was treated, Rick underscores his remarkably high quality of life, and why he and Jessica continue to support Swim Across America.

*Rick served as emcee for the 2022 Swim Across America – Boston open water swim.*

“Due in large part to research funded by Swim Across America, my cancer journey right now is not much more than an appointment on the calendar. My quality of life in treatment is virtually 100%,” said Rick.

“Perhaps more importantly our cancer journey (including Jess) is no big deal right now. Our quality of shared life is virtually 100%. That’s difficult to appreciate unless you’ve been through chemotherapy, or have been a close supporter of someone going through chemotherapy.”

Combined and over the years, Rick and Jessica have raised over $156,000 for Swim Across America.

If you are moved to support Rick and Jessica, click here.

BRYAN STROINSKI HONORS TEAMMATE AND FRIEND THROUGH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NASHVILLE

Posted on March 4, 2024April 25, 2024 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Nashville, Pool Swims, UncategorizedTagged cancer, fundraising, media, swim across america, swimming1 Comment

For the third year in a row, swimmer Bryan Stroinski, is participating in the Swim Across America – Nashville community charity swim with his team “Bryan’s Battlin’ Blue Waves.” Bryan and his teammates are swimming in honor of one of Bryan’s best friends Zac Cain, who sadly lost his battle with colorectal cancer at just 19 years of age.

“When I first heard about Swim Across America, I knew that it combined two of my main interests – swimming and cancer research,” said Bryan.

“I feel like everyone is impacted by cancer in some way, and that is true for me as well. Ten years ago I lost one of my best friends, Zac Cain, to colorectal cancer. Zac was diagnosed during his senior year of high school in 2012, during our swim season together. I had swam with Zac for many years previously and we developed a great friendship.”

*Bryan Stroinski and his friend, Zac Cain, who battled colorectal cancer while in high school.*

“Zac was always someone that anyone could go to for anything. He was a great training partner, teammate, and overall amazing friend. Zac was a phenomenal swimmer who had planned on swimming Division 1 with sights set on the Olympics. Zac was still competing at his highest level right up until his diagnosis, so losing someone so young to cancer was hard – and it was a complete shock to all of us who knew him.”

*Bryan is swimming in this year’s SAA-Nashville charity swim to honor 10 years since Zac’s passing.*

Bryan shared that Zac had been in and out of remission from his diagnosis in 2012 until his passing in March 2014. During this time, Zac had also been a participant in a couple clinical trials for cancer research drugs.

“Because of Zac’s illness and participation in clinical trials, I feel a strong personal connection to Swim Across America’s mission,” said Bryan.

“Funding for clinical trials is so important in cancer research and having that be the main goal for Swim Across America makes me want to support the organization in any way I can. Swim Across America’s mission to unite communities and support those affected by cancer resonates deeply with me and my family, as we believe in the power of collective action to drive positive change in the fight against this disease.”

*Bryan and his team at the 2023 Swim Across America – Nashville community charity swim.*

“My participation this year is important because it is the 10 year anniversary of Zac’s passing, as well as the one year anniversary of my Mom’s death. While I did not lose my Mom to cancer, she always knew how important Swim Across America and Zac were to me. I always feel my Mom’s continued support in anything I do, so my motivation to support Swim Across America this year is higher than ever, and I am excited to see what the Nashville Community can do for Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center.”

To support Bryan and his team, Bryan’s Battlin’ Blue Waves, click here.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE INAUGURAL SWIM ACROSS AMERICA COLLEGE CUP

Posted on February 7, 2024 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, atlanta, Carolina, college swimming, Fundraising, Pool Swims, rhode island, UncategorizedTagged cancer, cancer research, college cup, olympians, swim across america, swimmingLeave a comment

Swim Across America (SAA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 SAA College Cup. Nearly 40 collegiate, club, and alumni teams and over 1,200 participants all united to make waves in the fight against cancer through swimming and friendly competition.

Swim Across America awarded the top three fundraising teams, top three fundraising individuals, as well as a bonus team chosen at random.

The top three fundraising teams are:

1st Place: Emory Swim and Dive
Captain: William Kerscher; Susan Mumford
Amount Raised: $70,381
Number of Team Members: 71

2nd Place: Providence College Swimming & Diving
Captain: John O’Neil
Amount Raised: $56,115
Number of Team Members: 101

3rd Place: Team Tar Heel
Captain: Sue Walsh
Amount Raised: $54,904
Numbers of Team Members: 20

*The Emory Swim and Dive team is the winner of the Swim Across America College Cup. Congrats!*

The Emory Swim and Dive team had supported Swim Across America in the past, and pointed out that the College Cup made their experience even more exciting. Funds raised by Emory Swim and Dive supported Swim Across America – Atlanta open water swim.

“As a team, we are elated to be the first-ever Swim Across America College Cup champions and to have had the opportunity to make such a tremendous positive impact in our community. Each of us is passionate about the SAA mission and thankful for the good it has done for so many. We look forward to participating in the College Cup for years to come and helping in the fight against cancer!”

*Olympian Sue Walsh, captain of Team Tar Heel, is the College Cup’s top individual fundraiser.*

The top fundraising individuals are:

1st Place: Sue Walsh
Amount Raised: $36,485

2nd Place: Chris Weissman
Amount Raised: $16,679

3rd Place: Bob Hackett
Amount Raised: $11,887

For Olympian and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alum, Sue Walsh, Swim Across America’s mission is deeply personal.

“I have witnessed the sadness in friends’ eyes when they’ve been told they have cancer. I want to honor those who have lost their battle and to help provide better treatment options for those still in the fight,” said Sue.

“My involvement became even more personal when I heard the words myself, ‘You have metastatic colon cancer.’ As someone who spent most of her life committed to the sport of swimming, it made perfect sense to partner with SAA in the fight against cancer, including my own.”

Funds raised by Sue and Team Tar Heel supported the Swim Across America – Carolina community.

SAA also recognized a collegiate team chosen through a random drawing: Western New England University (WNEU) Swim Team in Springfield, Massachusetts. The team of eight swimmers raised nearly $3,500 and were awarded a Vasa Trainer Pro. Funds raised by the team from WNEU supported Swim Across America – Rhode Island.

*Western New England University Swim Team took home the bonus prize: a Vasa Trainer Pro!*

The Swim Across America College Cup was announced in 2023 and invited college teams, athletes, and alumni to join the organization’s mission of funding cancer research, clinical trials, and patient care programs through community charity swims. Teams participated by registering for one of Swim Across America’s open water charity swims, joining or starting a pool swim, or participating virtually through the SAA My Way program. Participants affiliated with a U.S-based college or university were eligible to compete in the College Cup. Teams consisted of current college students, alumni, or a mix of both, and could be small as one person.

The Swim Across America College Cup was supported through partnerships with CSCAA, Vasa, and GoSwim.

About Swim Across America

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention, and treatment through swimming-related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, Swim Across America is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more visit swimacrossamerica.org or follow on Facebook @SwimAcrossAmerica or on Instagram @SAASwim.

About CSCAA

Founded in 1922, the CSCAA is the nation’s first professional coaching association for intercollegiate athletics. The CSCAA boasts more than 2,000 member coaches and assistant coaches, recognizes All-American swimmers and divers, NCAA record-breakers and Scholar All-America athletes and teams, as well as outstanding coaches and contributors, and helps oversee the welfare of collegiate swimming and diving. Learn more about CSCAA at cscaa.org.

About Vasa

Vasa empowers swimmers, surfers, and triathletes to become stronger, better, faster in sports, fitness, and injury rehab. Vasa offers specific equipment such as swim ergometers, trainers, sport benches and other accessories to provide athletes with safe, effective training methods. Founded by Rob Sleamaker, an acclaimed exercise physiologist and author, who has worked with Olympians, biathletes, and triathletes as well as some of the world’s most respected swim coaches to reinvent their training practices. Learn more about Vasa at vasatrainer.com.

About GoSwim

GoSwim creates content that helps people of all ages and backgrounds to swim better and reach their full potential in the sport. GoSwim’s videos are acclaimed and unsurpassed for clarity of filming and clarity of content and commentary. GoSwim was founded in 2002 by Olympian Glenn Mills and business colleague Barbara Hummel. Learn more at goswim.tv.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – CAROLINA IN THE NEWS

Posted on October 2, 2023October 1, 2024 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Carolina, college swimming, event directors, olympians, Pool Swims, UncategorizedTagged cancer, media, News, swim across americaLeave a comment

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Carolina community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/carolina.

Swim Legend Sue Walsh Makes Waves with Swim Across America – Carolina and in Cancer Fight

Posted on September 11, 2023October 2, 2023 Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Carolina, college swimming, olympians, Pool Swims, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged cancer, media, News, olympians, swim across america1 Comment

Sue Walsh
Swim Across America – Carolina
Age: 61

Swimming and philanthropy go hand-in-hand for Sue Walsh. She was first introduced to Swim Across America through her 1980 U.S. Olympic teammate Craig Beardsley, and she has always felt that the organization’s mission of funding life-saving cancer treatments was a meaningful way to give back.

*Sue and her daughter, Sarah, with two of Sue’s grandsons, Jayden and Carter at the 2022 SAA-Carolina pool swim.*

“Over the years, swimming has given me so much joy. It made perfect sense to partner with Swim Across America to direct my passion towards finding a cure for cancer – which has affected so many people in my life,” Sue noted.

Sue has had an illustrious swimming career, and many consider her a legend in the swimming world. She was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, won two medals at the 1982 World Aquatic Championships, and while swimming at the University of North Carolina, became a 10-time national champion and three-time Most Outstanding Swimmer at the ACC Championships.

In 2003, she was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Throughout the last 20 years, she still competed in swimming in the master’s category, setting six world records in her age group at the 2007 United States Masters’ Swimming Championships.

In 2010, Sue’s mother Joan, lost her fight to melanoma. Then, in 2019, Sue was diagnosed with colon cancer making her support of Swim Across America that much more personal. Sue shared this news with Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America and Sue’s close friend through their master’s swimming association.

“Rob invited me to speak at the 2021 Swim Across America – Charlotte charity swim. I was incredibly proud to share my story with the crowd of supporters.”

*Rob Butcher, Sue Walsh, UNC Head Coach Mark Gangloff, his wife Ashley and their daughter, and Bailey Burt, Sue’s team’s co-captain, pictured at the 2022 SAA-Carolina pool swim.*

Of course, Sue did more than speak at the event. She also dove in to help make waves to fight cancer – and at the same time, conquered her fear of swimming in open water!

“Although I had a fear of swimming in anything except a pool, I couldn’t stand on the shore and watch others doing their part to raise money for the incredible researchers at the Levine Cancer Institute,” said Sue.

After Sue’s initial cancer diagnosis, she had surgery and was declared cancer free. In 2022, a scan revealed new lesions had formed.

Now, Sue is receiving treatment for stage IV colon cancer at the Levine Cancer Institute, with which she was diagnosed in 2022.

*Sue and Eric Montross, a friend and former UNC men’s basketball player*.

“I receive incredible care there. And I have watched some very good friends begin their cancer journey and others succumb to the disease this past year. That made me motivated to invest even more of my time and energy in an amazing organization such as SAA,” noted Sue.

Sue’s cancer fight and connection to swimming and Swim Across America inspired her to propose a pool swim at a familiar place.

“That is when I began discussing with Rob Butcher and Carolina Head Swimming and Diving Coach, Mark Gangloff, the possibility of a pool swim at The University of North Carolina’s Koury Natatorium.”

“In 2022, our first year, we raised more than $90,000 for UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the home of one of my oncologists. This year, we are on target to surpass that level of fundraising,” said Sue.

Sue is determined to raise funds for cancer research through her own cancer battle. Her determination speaks to her selfless nature. Over the years, Sue has raised over $30,000 for Swim Across America.

*Sue and Jenny Strickland Mangum, a cancer survivor and Sue’s UNC roommate and teammate*

“I don’t know if any of the research being done at Levine Cancer Institute or Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center will directly impact my quality of life or my life span, but I want to do all I can to “Make Waves to Fight Cancer.”

Sue’s accolades continue to pour in. In August 2023, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) dedicated its pool to her – a much deserved honor.

“We are honored that your name, in perpetuity, will be associated with our university and our aquatics center,” UNCP Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings said during the dedication ceremony. “To you, Sue, your family and your friends, please know that UNC Pembroke is excited, we’re honored, and we are inspired to honor such a great legend.”

If you are moved to support Sue, you can donate here.

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.

SAA-Richmond Swimmer, George Sushkoff, Finds His “Favorite Things” in Swim Across America Community

Posted on July 21, 2023August 28, 2023 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Pool Swims, richmond, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged cancer, cancer research, fundraising, media, News, swim across america, swimming1 Comment

George Sushkoff was introduced to Swim Across America through an eye-opening, and humbling, conversation with a friend.

“I saw a picture of my friend at a Swim Across America event and he had a microphone in his hand. Jokingly, I asked if he was looking for his 15 minutes of fame. He told me he had recovered from cancer and was sharing his story at the event. After I removed my foot from my mouth, I asked for some more details.”

Through this conversation, George learned that Swim Across America was rooted in two of his favorite things: swimming and raising money for cancer research. George swam in college, competed in the U.S. Masters Swimming, and met some of his closest friends through swimming.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, George participated in 2020’s SAA-Richmond virtual challenge. Participants logged hours of activity or volunteer efforts and raised funds for the community.

It wasn’t until 2021, when George had the opportunity to join with a team and in-person, that the Swim Across America community came to life.

“A friend asked me if I would form a team for the Richmond event. We called ourselves Team River City after our hometown. I work for a software company, so I enjoyed setting up the team page – another one of my favorite things. Amazingly, our team exceeded our fundraising goal of $15,000,” said George.

The following year, George set up the same team, and brought his son along as a safety and water volunteer making SAA a family affair. Again, the team exceeded their fundraising goal and raised $26,000.

In 2023, George’s participation in SAA-Richmond took on a more profound meaning when he was diagnosed with Stage 1 to Stage 2 colon cancer. Fortunately, he knew just who to turn to.

“One of my close friends contacted Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America, and told him my story. By lunchtime that day, I had received a call from Rob to discuss my diagnosis and next steps. By dinnertime the following day, I received a call from a nurse liaison at VCU Massey Cancer Center, who said they wanted to help. It’s unbelievable the amount of support I’ve received from my swimming community and from Swim Across America.”

George met with doctors at Virginia Cancer Institute (VCI) and VCU Massey to discuss treatment options. Though he receives treatment at VCI, he feels that both centers are collaborating on his care.

“It’s comforting to know that I have the support of both VCI and VCU Massey. They aren’t fighting over who gets to treat me – though they should,” George jokes. “They are focused on my health and well-being, and me coming out of this a survivor.”

George has been fortunate to have minimal side effects from his treatments and he’s able to focus on more of his favorite things: biking, water polo and family time. He credits his active lifestyle and his sense of humor for helping him get through this tough time.

“I plan to be a cancer survivor. Swim Across America has already done so much for me and continues to support me through this. I know they will help countless more people in their battles against cancer.”

If you are moved to support George and Team River City, you can donate here.

HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMERS COMPLETE STRAIT OF MESSINA SWIM TO RAISE FUNDS FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH

Posted on June 28, 2023June 29, 2023 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, Fundraising, Pool Swims, SAA My Way, UncategorizedTagged fundraise, Pool Swims, swim across americaLeave a comment

Imagine swimming two miles from Punta Faro in Sicily to Cannitello, Calabria on the Boot of the Italian Peninsula. Three high school swimmers from Cincinnati, Ohio did just that on June 27, 2023, to raise funds for pediatric cancer research.

The route, known as the Strait of Messina, earned them the moniker, the Marlins in Messina. “Marlins” being a nod to their local club swim team, the Cincinnati Marlins.

For Sydney Herr, Natalie Gockerman and Chloe Otten, each 17 years old, the challenge in the Mediterranean Sea tested the physical and mental stamina required to cross the waters. However, they know that many other young people have a much tougher battle.

Chloe Otten, Nathalie Gockerman and Sydney Herr

“Distance swimming in open water is nothing compared to the fight against cancer that some families endure,” said Sydney.

Swimming, and a passion for positively impacting their community, bind the three together. The trio became teammates in 2018 as members of Ohio’s state Zone Team. Last August they hosted a Swim Across America pool swim which raised over $15,000. This year, they registered as SAA My Way participants and committed to expand their support for Swim Across America.

Each swimmer has a personal connection to Swim Across America’s mission to raise funds for cancer research through swimming.

“I am incredibly passionate about making a difference in the world. Every child deserves the opportunity to live cancer free and I am committed to giving any child battling cancer hope,” said Sydney.

“I am swimming in honor of my grandmother who successfully battled stage 4 breast cancer,” explained Natalie. “I’m thankful to the doctors and nurses who provided her with the best treatment and care.”

“Unfortunately, I lost my grandmother to pancreatic cancer in 2016 and my cousin recently to heart failure. My cousin was very young and he motivates me every day to live to the fullest,” said Chloe. “It breaks my heart to know that other families also struggle through these kinds of tragedies. I want to raise money to support the research Swim Across America funds.”

In addition to their team fundraising page, the trio designed and sold customized t-shirts for their Messina event and secured a financial contribution for Swim Across America from the Kendra Scott Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the national jewelry company.

If you are moved to support the Marlins in Messina, you can donate here.

Michael Phelps Returns to Pool To Support Ms. Cathy and Swim Across America

Posted on October 30, 2019 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, Events, Grant, News, olympians, Pool Swims, UncategorizedTagged allison schmidt, arizona state swimming, bob bowman, Johns Hopkins, johns hopkins medicine, michael phelps, michael phelps foundationLeave a comment

Swim Across America partnered with the Michael Phelps Foundation for an inspiring charity swim honoring Michael’s learn-to-swim coach and cancer survivor, Cathy Bennett. The event in Mesa, Arizona raised over $55,000 that will fund a cancer research project at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore.

Bennett, whom Phelps affectionately refers to as Ms. Cathy, is the Program Director of the Michael Phelps Foundation where she oversees the Foundation’s signature program – IM – which provides learn-to-swim, recreational aquatic activities, organized swim instruction, as well as health, wellness, and goal-setting programming.

Phelps, the most decorated swimmer in World Championships history and 28-time Olympic medalist, retired from competitive swimming in 2016.

Notable attendees included Dr. Bill Nelson, chief of the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, three-time Olympian Allison Schmitt (2008, 2012, 2016), 2016 Olympic head coach and Arizona State University head coach Bob Bowman, and members of the ASU swim team.

PHOTOS FROM THE SWIM ACROSS AMERICA / MICHAEL PHELPS FOUNDATION POOL SWIM

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MEDIA COVERAGE

USA TODAY

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SAA On the Scene – November 2018

Posted on November 28, 2018November 28, 2018 Posted in olympians, Pool Swims, SAA on the Scene, san francisco, UncategorizedTagged golden goggles, maya dirado, open water swimming, SAA on the Scene, swim across america, wowsaLeave a comment

As the 2018 Open Water season comes to an end, SAA National members have been at some great events around the country spreading the SAA mission. Check them out and contact us if you have an event you’d like to have featured!

Golden Goggles Award Ceremony (New York, NY – November 19, 2018)

Swim Across America’s own and Olympian Craig Beardsley represented SAA at the 2018 Golden Goggles Awards in New York. Craig along with 4-time Olympic Medalist Maya Dirado, presented the Coach of the Year Award!

World Open Water Swimming Association Conference (San Francisco, CA – November 10, 2018)

SAA’s Director of Events Megan Melgaard and San Francisco Bay Swim Co-Event Director Susan Helmrich presented “Swimming for Good” and “Why I Swim” on behalf of Swim Across America at the WOWSA Conference held at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.

Santa Barbara Pool Swim (Santa Barbara, CA – November 4, 2018)

The inaugural “SB Swims for a Cure” pool swim was held at the Los Banos del Mar Pool in Santa Barbara, California. The event doubled their fundraising goal in just it’s first year, raising over $11,400! SAA’s own Megan Melgaard and Craig Beardsley were able to attend the event and give some pointers to the swimmers! If you’re interesting in starting a pool swim contact Craig Beardsley!

Swim Across America blog – saaswim.com

GoHeels.com (UNC News)

The Buffalo News

SwimSwam

97.9 The Hill WCHL

Swimming World – 2023

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