The September 14th Open Water Swim at Lake Ray Hubbard Raises Crucial Dollars for Cancer Research Benefiting Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center
The 14th annual Swim Across America – Dallas open water swim, dedicated to making waves to fight cancer by raising funds for crucial cancer research through swimming events, is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Lake Ray Hubbard, located at 2055 Summer Lee Drive in Rockwall, Texas. Swimmers can choose between swimming ½–mile, 1-mile or 2-miles, or participate ini their own way by supporting the organization virtually with SAA My Way. Established in 2011, this family-friendly fun swim has raised more than $3 million for its local beneficiary, the Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, helping to support groundbreaking cancer care in Dallas.
The Dallas swim brings together more than 450 swimmers, volunteers, spectators, and supporters, along with Olympians from near and far, all united in the mission to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The goal for this year’s swim is to raise $200,000, and participants are already rallying around this cause.
Leading the fundraising efforts is Team Fabulous, captained by cancer survivor Robyn Starnes, who has raised an incredible $14,300 so far. Robyn, diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014, has been cancer-free for nearly a decade and is passionate about giving back.
“This is my 3rd year participating in the 1-mile open water swim with Swim Across America, and I’m excited to make an even bigger fundraising SPLASH this year,” noted Robyn. “To celebrate 10 years of being cancer-free, I’m going BIG and hoping to raise $10,000. Everyone sadly knows someone who has been affected by cancer in some way — whether personally, a family member, friend, coworker, or even your favorite bartender. Wouldn’t it be amazing to be part of the generation that turns the corner in the fight? What if, after hearing ‘You have cancer’ — the three scariest words I’ve ever been told — the next three words you hear are, ‘And there’s hope.’”
Another top fundraising team, Team Fast Fins Elite, captained by Cody Lavoie, has raised more than $4,000 so far. Cody joined Swim Across America because he believes in the organization’s mission and wants to help give more families hope. “If you are able, please support Swim Across America by making a donation and help us reach our fundraising goal,” Cody urged.
Those interested in swimming or volunteering (land and water volunteers needed) or donating to support the cause, should visit swimacrossamerica.org/dallas.
This summer, George Sushkoff and his family took a special vacation to Southern California. Why was it so special?
“Our vacation was originally scheduled for last summer, but we had to postpone it because I was in treatment for colon cancer,” said George. “I’m thankful to be in good health this summer and able to share these wonderful memories with my family.”
In April 2023, George was diagnosed with Stage 1 to Stage 2 colon cancer. George had participated in Swim Across America – Richmond since 2019, and was familiar with the organization and its mission. After his diagnosis, he knew exactly who to turn to for support.
“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,” shared George.
“The amount of support I received from my swimming community and from Swim Across America was unbelievable.”
George Sushkoff joins Swim Across America – Richmond as a swimmer and survivor this year.
George met with doctors at Virginia Cancer Institute (VCI) and VCU Massey to discuss treatment options. Though he received treatment at VCI, he felt that both centers were collaborating on his care.
“It was comforting to know I had the support of both VCI and VCU Massey. They weren’t fighting over who got to treat me – though they should have,” George jokes. “They were focused on my health and well-being, and me coming out of this a survivor.”
George Sushkoff, center, at the 2023 SAA-Richmond community swim.
On December 1, 2023, George received his final chemo treatment and on December 23, he had an exam with his surgeon. Scar tissue had formed where the tumor was and George couldn’t have been happier.
“Where the tumor was. The tumor was completely gone! This is considered a full clinical response. I’m not gonna lie, it was an emotional day,” said George.
From that day on, George’s journey is full of joyous and celebratory milestones.
January 8, 2024: George met all the criteria for being considered in remission.
March 25, 2024: The portacath used for chemotherapy treatments was removed.
April 30, 2024: Stopped taking Eliquis, a blood thinner, and the final medication George was prescribed.
May 11, 2024: George competed in the Downriver Rip, a 4.4 mile swim in the James River.
May 26, 2024: George competed in the Reston Lake Swim 1-mile and 2-mile events, placing first in his age group in each event.
June 16, 2024: George competed in the Virginia Beach Lifeguard Association 1-mile swim, placing first in his age group.
June 22, 2024: George participated in the Ocean View Mermaid Festival 2-mile open water swim.
“I was first in my age group for the Mermaid Festival swim, but to be transparent, they did not issue awards. Maybe next year.” joked George.
August 25, 2024: Next up, George will swim in the 6th annual Swim Across America – Richmond community swim at Quest Swimming in Midlothian, Virginia. The community has raised over $320,000 to support their beneficiary, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center since 2019.
Since 2021, George and his team, Team River City, have raised $90,000 and have a goal of raising $30,000 this year.
“Looking back on everything I’ve been through this past year, I’m feeling great. I am completely off medications and survived this awful disease. This year’s SAA-Richmond swim will be even more special in my eyes,” said George.
If you are moved to support George and Team River City, you can donatehere.
Denver residents Sarah Thomas and Garrett Rymer are at two opposite spectrums when it comes to their swimming. Sarah Thomas is an ultra marathon swimmer and world record holder who has swam the English Channel, Lake Champlain, the North Channel, Lake Tahoe and Lake Mead, among other marathon length swims. Garret Rymer is a 17-year-old amateur swimmer who just started swimming a few years ago.
Both however are joined together through a common goal of making waves to fight cancer as they are both cancer survivors. Sarah and Garrett will be joining hundreds of other swimmers at the seventh annual Swim Across America – Denver open water swim on Saturday, August 17. The swim raises crucial cancer research funds for Swim Across America’s local beneficiary Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Sarah Thomas at the 2019 SAA-Denver community swim.
Sarah has supported Swim Across America since 2018, when the inaugural Swim Across America – Denver swim was held in her home community. As a breast cancer survivor, she knows how important it is to raise money for cancer research and bring hope and new treatment options to others.
“I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in 2017 at the age of 35,” said Sarah. “It was a terrifying time and we didn’t know how much my treatments would impact my ability to swim in the future. Being able to partner with Swim Across America combines two of my passions: open water swimming and doing everything I can to fight cancer so that others won’t have to go through what I went through.”
A year after completing treatments, she did the impossible – becoming the first person to complete a four-way crossing of the English Channel. Though Sarah holds many records in open water swimming, in her words, she doesn’t swim to “be the first.” She swims large bodies of water because she loves seeing the beauty in each corner of the world.
“Cancer treatments tested me in a way I never thought possible,” noted Sarah. ”Despite undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy, I never gave up on my dream of doing a swim that most people thought was impossible.”
Last summer, Sarah did it again, becoming the first person to successfully swim the entire length of Lake Mead – 47.5 miles. “After my first visit to the Hoover Dam in 2021, I knew I had to swim across Lake Mead,” said Sarah. Through that swim, Sarah raised close to $10,000 for crucial cancer research.
In 2022, then 15-year-old Garrett Rymer was in a minor bicycle accident that shockingly led to a diagnosis of a rare form of spinal cord cancer. Despite such a life-changing event, Garrett joined Swim Across America – Denver last year for the first time. As an official Children’s Hospital Colorado Swim Across America patient ambassador, this will be Garrett’s second year swimming to make waves to fight cancer with Swim Across America – Denver.
“On December 23, 2022, I was diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cord cancer,” said Garrett Rymer. “Leading up to the diagnosis, I had been involved in a minor bike accident in which I broke my right arm. Though the bone healed quickly, the atrophy from not using my arm progressed for months, despite ongoing physical therapy. Confused by the unchanging weakness, my doctors put me through a series of medical tests, culminating in the MRI at the Children’s Hospital Colorado that led to my diagnosis.”
Garrett Rymer, a 17-year-old cancer survivor, is a patient ambassador for SAA-Denver.
As part of Garrett’s recovery from surgery and treatment, he started swimming. “Garrett has not let his diagnosis hinder his spirit. After undergoing surgery to remove 50 percent of the tumor on his spinal cord, and spending three weeks recovering in the Children’s Hospital rehabilitation center, Garrett was back on his feet and even went climbing the same day he was discharged,” noted Garrett’s dad Andrew Rymer.
“A few weeks after my surgery, I met with a neuro-oncologist to discuss the treatment plan for what remained of my cancer,” noted Garrett. “It was recommended that I participate in a clinical trial with an emerging type of chemotherapy that replaced weekly infusions with a twice-daily pill. The side-effects were less severe than those of conventional chemo, and I was blessed to be able to keep my hair and live my life relatively unhindered by my treatment.”
“Now, two and half years after his cancer diagnosis, we are extremely grateful for Garrett’s progress and prognosis,” noted his father Andrew Rymer. “We are also acutely aware of the importance of pediatric cancer research made possible by Swim Across America’s contributors. Garrett continues to receive quarterly evaluations at Children’s Hospital in Denver with favorable results; his cancerous tumor and kyphosis (spinal curve) remain stable and unchanged since completion of chemotherapy. He also continues to see improvement in his right arm strength following a nerve transfer operation at the Mayo Clinic last year. Garrett’s neuro-oncologist (who is mindful not to convey false hopes) stated that he’d be surprised if this cancer returned. You can imagine just how encouraged and hopeful we are!!”
Andrew also remarked, “We’re equally grateful for Garrett’s high spirits and his unfailing interest in, well just about everything… faith, friends, camping, academics, 4-wheeling, and community service. Garrett finished his junior year at Cherry Creek High School with astounding results, and he has a very ambitious academic outlook for his senior year and beyond. His summer plans are filled with fun and ambitious endeavors— overlanding (formerly known as 4 wheeling), training with the Arapahoe Search and Rescue Patrol, and EMT training, to name a few. We are deeply inspired by Garrett’s commitment to helping others affected by cancer. Garrett continues to serve as a Patient Ambassador for Swim Across America, Make A Wish Foundation, and Shining Stars.”
Garret will be swimming 2-miles this year at the August 17th Swim Across America – Denver swim and will be joined by his father Andrew and his girlfriend, who is also a pediatric cancer survivor.
“We are really excited about this year’s Swim Across America – Denver open water swim and being able to honor and cheer on cancer survivors like Sarah and Garrett. They are the reason why we swim,” said Nicole Vanderpoel, co-event director for Swim Across America – Denver.
To date, the Denver swim has raised $1 million and supports three research projects at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital Colorado. “We are really proud of this work,” said Nicole. “And the fact that money raised locally stays local with our support of Children’s Hospital Colorado.”
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Long Island Sound community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Cancer Center, Cancer Support Team and Weill Cornell Medical Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/long_island.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Nantucket community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket, and Mass General Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/nantucket.
In 1994, Swim Across America – Chicago debuted as a 6-mile relay swim in beautiful Lake Michigan and raised $15,000. Since then, the annual community event has grown to raise more than $5 million for their local beneficiaries.
On Saturday, August 3, hundreds of swimmers, volunteers, and supporters will gather at beautiful Lake Michigan to celebrate 30 years of Making Waves to Fight Cancer! Proceeds from the event support cancer research at Rush Medical Center.
For some swimmers, like 14-year-old Alondra Beening, it will be their first time diving into the lake on a meaningful and inspiring day. For others, like Mary McCullagh and Mary Holloway, the day represents a three decade long commitment to the Swim Across America mission.
“I swam at our first swim in 1994 and I’ve had the privilege of watching the community’s support grow over the years,” shared Mary McCullagh.
Mary credits a community of “doers and givers” for the success and longevity of Swim Across America – Chicago. Her family first became involved not because they had a personal connection to the cause, but because they grew up with a servant leadership mindset.
Mary McCullagh, center, at the inaugural Swim Across America – Chicago event in 1994.
“I have 10 brothers and sisters and we were taught to recognize a need and do something to help. Whether it is time, talent, or effort, we can all do something good in this world,” said Mary M.
“Even when I didn’t live in Chicago, my band of siblings helped to keep our support going. This event has been successful for 30 years thanks to this community of leaders who all want to do good.”
Mary Halloway’s involvement began 29 years ago as a passerby supporting her brother, Russ. Russ was an endurance swimmer who swam at SAA-Chicago and became the resident “event day chef” preparing food and snacks for the swimmers on the morning of the event.
Mary Halloway joins Swim Across America – Chicago for the 12th year this year. She was introduced to the organization by her brother, Russ Haffner.
“I started riding my bike down the lakefront to see him swim, and I would scream ‘Go, Russ!’ every time his arm was raised as he swam,” Mary H. said. “I don’t know how, but somehow he heard me every time, and he’d give me a wave on each stroke.”
Unfortunately, Russ passed away a few months after a lymphoma diagnosis in 2011. The SAA-Chicago leadership team knew they wanted his memory to live on so they created a special award to recognize outstanding community members, named the Russ Haffner Award.
Mary’s connection to SAA-Chicago became more personal when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010. She was treated at Rush with chemotherapy and a hysterectomy, and was given the all-clear in early 2011. Though she wasn’t a natural swimmer, Mary was determined to swim at SAA-Chicago and honor her brother’s memory. This year will be her 12th year participating in the event.
The 30th annual event will also recognize rookie participants – those who are swimming for the first time!
Alondra Beening has watched her dad, Mark Beening, swim at SAA-Chicago for the last 10 years and this year, at 14 years old, she will join him as a 1-mile swimmer. Alondra has been swimming her whole life and on a swim team since she was eight years old. She’s excited to join her dad and honor their loved ones through the community swim.
“She’s always wanted to swim with me since she was younger, and we are so happy to finally have this opportunity – and it is my 10th year swimming so it’s really special” shared Mark. “Unfortunately, we have had friends and family members who have been diagnosed with cancer, some of which we have lost. We want to dedicate this swim to them.”
Swim Across America – Chicago is led by co-event directors, Alyse Mauro Mason and Katie Marchetti. Both have watched not only the community support grow, but also the waves of impact the event has had on the local beneficiaries.
“Our event has supported Rush since 2012 and we’re proud to have donated more than $2 million to the cancer center here in Chicago,” said Alyse.
Co-event director, Alyse Mauro Mason, right, presented the 2023 Russ Haffner Award to Cathi McNamara at the 2023 SAA-Chicago event.
“Swim Across America – Chicago grants early-stage research and helps doctors begin and continue research that may be on the brink of a breakthrough,” Alyse continued. “We often hear that our doctors have received additional grants or NIH funding thanks to the findings and outcomes they have gathered from a project we have funded.”
SAA-Chicago hosted their fourth annual golf outing in June 2024 at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club. The event also raises funds for Rush Medical Center and will celebrate its fifth year on June 16, 2025.
In fact, in 2022, the NIH honored Rush physician scientist Dr. Faraz Bishehsari with the Director’s Transformative Research Award, which includes funding for his innovative pancreatic cancer research. The award, one of the NIH’s most prestigious and exclusive, is given to “exceptionally creative” scientists proposing high-risk, high-impact research. Dr. Bishehsari’s research was also supported by our Swim Across America – Chicago charity swim.
Though the swim course has changed – and the number of participants has grown exponentially – one thing remains: Swim Across America – Chicago is a community dedicated to Making Waves to Fight Cancer year after year.
Register to swim or volunteer at the August 3 Swim Across America – Chicago open water swim, or donate at swimacrossamerica.org/chicago.
Read more stories about Swim Across America – Chicago here.
Media coverage celebrating Swim Across America – San Francisco participant and marathon swimmer, Maya Merhige. Learn about Maya and her record-breaking marathon swims at swimacrossamerica.org/maya. For media inquiries, email Jeni Howard.
SwimSwam: “17-Year-Old Open Water Swimmer Maya Merhige Conquers New Zealand’s Cook Strait”
Swimming World: “Maya Merhige, 17, Adds Crossing of New Zealand’s Cook Strait”
World Open Water Swimming Association: “17-Year-Old Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige Conquers New Zealand’s Cook Strait, Continuing Her Mission to Make Waves to Fight Cancer”
The Sports Column: “Making Waves to Fight Cancer, 17-Year-Old Maya Merhige Conquers New Zealand’s Cook Strait”
KPIX-TV (CBS, 5): “Berkeley high school student completes daunting open water swim in New Zealand”
SAAswim.com: “17-Year-Old Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige Conquers New Zealand’s Cook Strait, Continuing Her Mission to Make Waves to Fight Cancer”
English Channel Swim and Triple Crown – July 2024
NBC News Now: Teen swims English Channel to help fight cancer
People Magazine: “16-Year-Old Successfully Swims the English Channel — Up Next? Her Senior Year of High School”
New York Times: At 17, She’s Already Conquered Some of the World’s Big Swims
The Sports Column: “16-Year-Old Maya Merhige Swims English Channel, Raises +$100,000 to Fight Cancer”
SwimSwam: “16-YEAR-OLD MAYA MERHIGE SUCCESSFULLY SWIMS THE ENGLISH CHANNEL”
Berkeleyside (updated): “Berkeley teen braves sharks and hyperthermia in world record swims. What keeps her going?”
Yahoo! Sport: “16-Year-Old Successfully Swims the English Channel — Up Next? Her Senior Year of High School”
Swimming World: “Maya Merhige Swims English Channel at Age 16 to Complete Open Water Triple Crown”
Outdoor Swimmer: “16-year-old Maya Merhige to swim English Channel”
SwimSwam: “16-Year-Old Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige to Tackle English Channel”
The Sports Column: “Maya Merhige: ‘I Swim for Each and Every Person Who Has Ever Been Touched by Cancer’”
Berkeley, California, Resident Is Now One of the Youngest in History to Complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming and Makes Waves to Fund Cancer Research through Swim Across America
Maya Merhige has done it again! The 16-year-old marathon swimmer has just successfully conquered the English Channel (20.5 miles or 33 km), making her one of the youngest swimmers in history to achieve the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, which includes the English Channel, Catalina Channel and Manhattan 20 Bridges swims. Maya swam the English Channel in just 11 hours and 39 minutes on July 13, 2024. She undertook the iconic English Channel swim and her other marathon swims to make waves to fight cancer and raise funds for the nonprofit Swim Across America, which funds innovative cancer treatments and clinical trials.
Maya Merhige, a 16-year-old marathon swimmer from San Francisco, successfully completed the English Channel swim earning her the prestigious Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.
Maya earned her stripes toward the Triple Crown and broke swimming records in the past by completing the Catalina Channel and Manhattan 20 Bridges swims. In September 2021, at 14 years old, Maya broke the record as the youngest woman in history to successfully swim the 20-mile Catalina Channel, finishing in 10 hours and 48 minutes. In 2023, at 15 years old, Maya was one of the youngest swimmers to successfully complete the 28.5-mile 20 Bridges swim around Manhattan Island, which took her 8 hours and 43 minutes.
“We are beyond proud of Maya and her determination and grit to swim these swims,” said Maya’s mom Liz Tung. “We never imagined Maya, who was just nine years old when she swam her first Swim Across America – San Francisco open water swim, would find such a passion for open water swimming and take her swimming so far. Earning the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming at just 16 years old is just incredible! We are thrilled for her!”
Maya also holds the world record as the youngest woman to swim the 21-mile length, 12-mile width, and 10.8-mile Vikingsholm courses of Lake Tahoe, earning her the Tahoe Triple Crown. She also became the youngest swimmer in the world to successfully swim the grueling 26-mile Kaiwi Molokai Channel, between the Hawaiian Islands of Molokai and Oahu, which she completed in 27 hrs and 33 mins. She also holds a record for the longest duration and joined the ranks of the “24-Hour Club” with the 108th longest non-stop open water swim in history.
Maya Merhige after completing the Catalina Channel swim in September 2021.
“I’m so grateful and excited to have successfully swum the English Channel and completed the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming,” said Maya. “Swimming the English Channel this year was a big goal of mine for many reasons. This year marks my ninth year participating with Swim Across America. With the generous support of family, friends and others, I have been able to raise an incredible $100,000 to fight cancer, which has gone directly to the Swim Across America San Francisco beneficiary UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. This past year, I’ve also endured some health battles of my own, and my personal experience has made me even more inspired and passionate about supporting cancer research and treatments at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. I’m also going to be a senior in high school this fall and next year will look very different for me as I will leave home to start college. So this was the year to swim the English Channel!”
Maya before her record-breaking and grueling 26-mile Kaiwi Molokai Channel swim in January 2023.
Maya’s own medical challenges began in March 2023, when after suffering a ski crash, a benign tumor on her pancreas was discovered. Suffering from chronic pain, surgeries and hospitalizations since, she has a newfound empathy for pediatric cancer patients who endure endless procedures and appointments. Despite these challenges, Maya remains undeterred.
“Due to the pain I was experiencing earlier this year, I didn’t get to train as much as I would have liked leading up to the English Channel swim,” noted Maya. “These past six weeks, after being in the hospital for 10 nights in May, I really had to kick my training into gear. There were points while I was swimming the Channel where I wanted to give up. I swam through schools of jellyfish and had a lot of stomach pain, but I kept thinking that this doesn’t compare to what kids with cancer face. That helped me find the strength to keep going.”
Continues Maya, “The English Channel was cold and the current was really strong. Whenever I stopped swimming to feed, I could feel myself getting pulled backwards. I knew I had to keep swimming hard, no matter how exhausted I was, in order to get past the tidal current and land on the French shore at Cap Gris Nez. But I made it!” After reaching shore and climbing the rocks to dry land, Maya had one of her favorite meals – Chow Mein – waiting for her back on the boat.
“I’m extremely grateful for my family and friends who have supported me in this endeavor. My dad Chris Merhige and friend Kelly Gentry, who is also an accomplished English Channel swimmer, were on the boat (the Sea Leopard) as my crew during the swim, along with the boat captain Stuart Gleeson, co-pilot Sean Marsh, and observer Jon Miell. My mom Liz Tung, sister Lucy, and extended family were back in England cheering me on. A big thank you to all of my friends and supporters who followed my journey and sent words of encouragement that were relayed to me while swimming. I’m exhausted, but very, very happy!”
Maya’s swimming journey began at just nine years old with the Swim Across America – San Francisco open water swim when she joined Team Susan Survives!, for her dear family friend and three-time cancer survivor Susan Helmrich. The San Francisco swim raises funds for pediatric cancer research, supporting the work of Dr. Julie Saba and Dr. Robert Goldsby at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, which has been a leader in pediatric cancer research and treatment for decades, significantly increasing cure rates and improving the future for thousands of patients worldwide. UCSF’s advances in treating leukemia and other cancers have contributed to the overall five-year survival rate for childhood cancer rising to nearly 85% today, up from 10% in the 1970s. Despite this progress, childhood cancer is still a challenge and can have lasting effects on patients and their families. UCSF continues to study these long-term consequences.
Maya Merhige and SAA-San Francisco co-event director, Jackie NeJaime at the 2023 community swim.
The partnership between Swim Across America and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital is essential for advancing cancer research and care.
Maya is also serving her second year as president of the Swim Across America – San Francisco Junior Advisory Board and her goal has been to raise $35,000 this year with the English Channel swim and the San Francisco swim, which will bring the total she has been able to raise to more than $125,000 for Swim Across America to support cancer research for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.
“I’d especially like to thank Dr. Julie Saba, director of the Swim Across America Research Lab at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, for her continued support throughout my own health challenges. For that, I am forever grateful and inspired to raise even more for Swim Across America and UCSF through my swimming,” noted Maya.
Maya also plans to participate in the Swim Across America – San Francisco open water swim on October 5, 2024, swimming with her team Chasing Channels, made up of other Swim Across America – San Francisco Junior Advisory Board members and Bay Area youth. One tradition Maya has is to write the names of friends and family members battling cancer on her swim cap. “I am honored to carry the names of friends and family members affected by cancer on my cap,” she added. “I’m going to keep swimming to raise awareness and funds for fighting cancer until we have a cure.”
To learn more about Maya swimming the English Channel and to make a donation to Swim Across America, visit swimacrossamerica.org/maya.
Swim Across America is a national organization and offers open water and pool swims in 24 communities, from Boston Harbor to under the Golden Gate Bridge. Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has raised more than $100 million in the fight against cancer. Funds raised by Swim Across America and its grants have helped support the research and clinical trials for FDA approved immunotherapy medicines, including Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. Swim Across America is also a grant funder of the successful clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that was published inThe New England Journal of Medicine and showed a 100 percent success rate in treating patients in a phase 2 clinical trial for advanced rectal cancer with dostarlimab. Swim Across America grants support more than 60 projects each year and there are ten named Swim Across America Labs at major institutions including: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, John Hopkins Medicine Baltimore, Rush in Chicago, Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, Infusion Center at Nantucket Cottage Hospital, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and San Francisco, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, The Swim Across America Pediatric Research Lab at Columbia University Medical Center New York, and at Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine.
More than 150 Olympians support Swim Across America, including Kate Douglass, Michael Phelps, Craig Beardsley, Elizabeth Beisel, Missy Franklin, Ryan Held, Gretchen Walsh, Donna de Varona, Rowdy Gaines, Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Bobby Hackett, Ryan Lochte, Glenn Mills, Cristina Teuscher and many more.
Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) raises money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With the help of volunteers, and Olympians, Swim Across America is an innovator and leader in giving hope to those fighting cancer. To learn more visit swimacrossamerica.org, Facebook @SwimAcrossAmerica, and Instagram and Twitter @SAASwim.
Julia Brookshire’s journey with Swim Across America is full of signs and signals. The events leading up to her newest adventure are like an invisible string that ties her to the Swim Across America mission. It’s an adventure that prompted a career change and a cross-continental swim.
“I first found out about Swim Across America because I saw a backpack with the logo laying on the pool deck. I had just finished a swim, saw the logo, and Googled ‘Swim Across America’ when I got home,” said Julia.
When she realized Swim Across America combined swimming and fighting cancer, she was immediately drawn in. Julia’s father passed away in 2005 from glioblastoma and Julia’s neighbor had recently been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She knew she had to be involved, so she gathered up her neighborhood friends and formed a team for the 2019 Swim Across America – Charlotte community swim in her neighbor’s honor.
Fast forward to 2021 and Julia wanted to swim again. This time, she chose the Swim Across America – Tampa event because she had friends in Florida who would come with her to the event.
Julia Brookshire, center, with teammates at the 2019 Swim Across America – Charlotte open water swim.
“Before the start of the swim, I met Vicki Bunke, whose daughter Grace lost her battle to osteosarcoma. Vicki swam in 14 Swim Across America events to honor Grace. As a mother, I immediately felt a connection,” said Julia.
Julia Brookshire and Rob Butcher, Swim Across Ameria CEO, at the 2021 SAA-Tampa community swim.
When Julia finished the course at SAA-Tampa, she met Rob Butcher, Swim Across America chief executive officer. They shared a quick exchange and realized they both lived in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was a sign.
“When we got back to Charlotte, Rob reached out to me, and we met for breakfast. He asked me, ‘What do you do and what are you passionate about?’” said Julia.
Julia said, “I’m a pharmaceutical sales rep and my passion is water safety.” At the time, Julia was working as a pharmaceutical sales rep in the rare-disease space and certifying lifeguards for Mecklenburg County Aquatics. Julia holds several water safety certifications, including training as a Big Wave Risk Assessment Groups water rescue technician, and as a surf responder for the ocean course. After her discussion with Rob Butcher, Julia knew this was the start of something special.
FAMILIAR FACES IN ALL PLACES
Julia had been swimming since she was two years old. She was taught to swim “the old school way” as she puts it. She swam competitively through high school and continued swimming, though in a less competitive way, in college and still swims to this day.
“My mother was terrified of the water. She vowed to make sure her kids knew how to swim and how to be safe around water. So at two years old, she put my brothers and me into the pool and sort of forced us to learn to swim!” said Julia.
Julia’s involvement with Swim Across America quickly grew and her passion for water safety led her to higher-level volunteer positions with Swim Across America. Some of her roles included supervising some of the community events as a national safety liaison. At her first event where she worked with the safety team, she saw a familiar face.
“I looked over and there was Vicki Bunke! First in Tampa and now at Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah. Another sign.”
Julia continued volunteering as a national safety liaison for the next two years.
SWIMMING WITH MY THOUGHTS
It wasn’t until February 2023 when Julia’s connection with Swim Across America became even more important. Julia was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and began a year-long treatment program that included a combination of chemotherapy antineoplastic agent infusions and oral immunotherapy.
“I didn’t tell people that I had cancer. I didn’t want my sons to be constantly reminded I wasn’t well. I wanted to focus on my remission, not my CLL diagnosis. And I didn’t want people to treat me differently,” shared Julia.
Throughout her treatments, Julia swam daily at her local YMCA. Swimming was a form of therapy and helped her maintain a positive outlook. It was so important to her that she scheduled her treatments in the late mornings so she could swim every day at the YMCA at 6 a.m.
“Swimming was where I could be with my thoughts. I could pray, I could meditate, I didn’t have to think about cancer. It kept me centered and grounded. In fact, I had just gotten out of the pool when I got the ‘you have cancer’ call from my doctor. If I had been anywhere else, I would not have been able to handle that call,” said Julia.
Another sign.
Julia Brookshire excitedly rang “the bell” at Levine Cancer Center in March 2024.
Swimming also kept her focused on remission. Thankfully, Julia was given the news that she was in “deep remission” in February 2024. She anxiously went for her last routine scan and visit with Dr. Ryan Jacobs at Levine Cancer Center.
“On March 7, I rang that bell signifying completion of my treatment and I couldn’t have been happier,” said Julia.
“Then I kept thinking, ‘OK, what’s next, what do I do now?’”
What came next was something bigger than Julia had imagined and surprised those closest to her. Before she could tell people about her next adventure, she needed to tell them she was in remission – from a cancer they didn’t know she had.
MAKING WAVES WITH A CROSS-CONTINENTAL SWIM
Julia’s big plan was realized when Swim Across America announced a new partnership with SwimTrek, the world’s leading provider of open water swimming trips. It was a sign.
“I started by telling people that I was doing something crazy, swimming from one continent to another, and I was raising money for Swim Across America. When they asked why, I told them it was to celebrate my remission of CLL,” said Julia.
“The amount of love, kindness, and support I received was unbelievable. Well, not completely unbelievable, because I know I have an incredible support system. But it was overwhelming and I’m so grateful.”
So what IS next? In February 2024, Julia signed up as a Swim Across America SAA My Way virtual participant. This allows her to design and complete her own challenge and raise funds for Swim Across America.
In July 2024, she made an even bigger move and left her career in pharmaceutical sales to officially join Swim Across America as a full-time national safety director!
Now onto Julia’s next adventure and My Way fundraiser: Thanks to the partnership between Swim Across America and SwimTrek, Julia was awarded an entry into the Hellespont and Dardanelles Swim, known as the world’s oldest swim. In August 2024, Julia will travel to Turkey and swim the Hellespont and Dardanelles swim on August 30.
The course is a cross-continental swim from Europe to Asia in Turkey and is through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The shipping lane is closed during the race, so swimmers must adhere to a strict course time. The course is 4.5 kilometers and must be completed in 90 minutes.
“It’s intimidating and I’m training for it! I am a good swimmer and am building up my stamina. I am thankful that I’m feeling healthy and strong,” shared Julia.
“I think back to that backpack on the pool deck and look to where it’s led me. I am working with an organization that is making an incredible impact in communities across the country. I swam my way through cancer treatment. And now I get to swim one of the oldest swimming courses in the world and raise money for cancer research while I do it. There were signs all over the place.”
Julia will have some company and moral support in the water as she makes her cross-continental trek. Julia will be joined by Janel Jorgensen McArdle, a former Olympic swimmer and Swim Across America chief operating officer.
“Julia and I have been close friends for a while and I’m so happy she has been given this opportunity to celebrate her year-long journey,” Janel shared. “This is so special and I’m happy to swim alongside her. Now I need to start training!” Janel joked.
Julia hopes to make waves to fight cancer by raising $60,000 for Swim Across America – and is so close to meeting her goal! If you are moved to support her swim, visit swimacrossamerica.org/jb.
Find media highlights from Julia’s adventure here.
Eleni Bowden watched many family members go through their own battles with cancer. Then at 41 years old, she faced her own battle, and emerged a survivor thanks to early detection and treatment.
“My godfather and my dad’s best friend, Sam Tsakiris, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2018. He passed away just 5 weeks later; our family was devastated,” shared Eleni.
Shortly after her godfather’s passing, Eleni spotted a flier at Meadowbrook Swim Club in Baltimore, Maryland, promoting the upcoming Swim Across America – Baltimore open water and pool swims. Eleni quickly registered for a pool swim as a way to honor her godfather.
“Although it had been quite some time since I had participated in organized swimming, I felt compelled to take part in this event that raised money for cancer research, a cause so close to my heart.”
It had been years since Eleni swam in a pool, so she joined SAA-Baltimore’s “learn to swim” program to ensure she was prepared for the pool swim.
“I was on a swim team from ages 8 to 12, so it was more of a ‘re-learn to swim’ for me,” Eleni jokes.
Eleni Bowden, a breast cancer survivor, during an SAA-Baltimore learn-to-swim session.
Since 2018, Eleni has participated in four pool swims and has raised more than $7,100. This year, she has taken the lead on organizing her own pool swim at L’Hirondelle Club in Towson, Maryland to support the SAA-Baltimore community. The pool swim raised more than $9,000. Eleni’s involvement with Swim Across America continues to be a source of support while her family faced difficult times.
“In May 2023, my father, Bill Popomaronis, lost his battle with prostate cancer after fighting for over 13 years.”
Eleni Bowden, center, and her family have supported Swim Across America – Baltimore since 2018.
Watching her dad approach each medical treatment with faith, courage and perseverance inspired her own battle to come.
In January 2024, Eleni noticed a dimple with a lump behind it on the side of her right breast. Though she wasn’t due for a mammogram until July, she immediately called her physician who referred her for imaging.
“I started with mammograms at 36 due to our strong family history. And in early February 2024, I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer.” said Eleni.
“At that time, I also completed genetic testing and learned I was Chek-2+, the same as my father and sister. This gene is linked to an increased risk of breast, prostate and colon cancer and identifying it can be helpful to other patients seeking early detection and diagnosis,” said Eleni.
After a biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, Eleni was scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore in late March.
Thankfully, Eleni’s surgery went well and she was home after a one-night stay in the hospital. She credits her incredible support team for helping her through this fight.
“It takes a village! My husband has been with me every step of the way, and I am so thankful for my family and friends who helped us during my recovery.”
A couple weeks after her surgery, Eleni was moved to tears when she received the best news possible after her initial diagnosis. Pathology results showed clear margins and no lymph node involvement. In her words, it was the “best-case scenario for something you’d hope never to face.”
Eleni Bowden, center, at the Bolton Hill Swim Club SAA-Baltimore pool swim with Marina Caminis (left) & Katie Bacon (right).
Though recurrence is possible, Eleni is focused on staying positive and remains grateful to her family, friends and medical care team for their support and swift care. Under her doctor’s direction, Eleni will continue oral and injectable chemotherapy treatment for several years.
“I am doing my best to stay positive and focus on my two wonderful children, who have been the absolute best distraction!” said Eleni.
Eleni’s “Why I Swim” flag shows the loved ones she honors through her involvement with SAA-Baltimore.
“I have been using the word ‘grateful’ when I share my experience. I am grateful for contacting my doctor when I did, as this could have been a very different outcome had I waited until my next scheduled mammogram in July. I’m grateful for my village and those who have supported me throughout this journey. And I’m grateful for Swim Across America who is helping advance cancer research and early detection techniques through community swim events.”
Swim Across America 