Category: Top Fundraisers

“IT’S AMAZING WHAT SWIMMING TO RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER RESEARCH CAN REALLY DO!”

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, Fundraising, Motor City Mile, SAA My Way, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , 1 Comment

Julie Brabbs
Swim Across America – Motor City Mile
5 years supporting Swim Across America
Age: 56

Julie Brabbs has a few important connections to Swim Across America and its mission.

Julie is the chief administrative officer at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. She has a unique perspective on cancer as she supports the cancer center and its many missions daily.

In 2015, her job became much more meaningful when she was diagnosed with cancer. Being in the cancer field, Julie knew that innovative new treatments are the key to successfully treating the disease.

“Swim Across America’s grants to support clinical research and investigators are so, so important,” said Julie. “Cancer research funding is often hard to come by and the Swim Across America grants are necessary for making progress in breakthroughs like immunotherapy.”

Julie first attended the Swim Across America – Motor City Mile event in 2019, its inaugural year. She did so in honor of a friend who sadly had passed away from glioblastoma (brain cancer).

“At that time, I myself had cancer in 2015, but after standard treatment, I was in remission. Now, participating in the upcoming Swim Across America – Motor City Mile event has even more meaning as I am once again a cancer patient. My cancer came back in 2022 and I am currently taking Keytruda (an immunotherapy drug) as part of my treatment regimen, an option that wasn’t available in 2015 when I was first diagnosed.”

Julie thanks Swim Across America and its early-stage funding of Keytruda, which is now available to treat more than 30 different types of cancer, including Julie’s.

“Thanks to the hard work of Swim Across America, Keytruda was amazingly created in a Swim Across America lab. It’s amazing what swimming to raise money for cancer research can really do!”

This year, Julie is participating as a volunteer and SAA My Way participant, which means instead of swimming, she is doing other activities to raise funds to fight cancer. If you are moved to support Julie and Team Rogel, 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.

TEAM CAROLYN HONORS ONE OF THEIR OWN IN NASSAU/SUFFOLK-SOUND TO COVE

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Fundraising, Nassau/Suffolk - Sound to Cove, Top Fundraisers, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged , , 1 Comment

Steve Chestler gives new meaning to the phrase Swim Across America “champion.”

“The 2022 Nassau/Suffolk-Sound to Cove charity swim was the most amazing event I have ever been to. Hearing doctors and researchers speak about the work they are doing to find a cure for this devastating disease is something my children and I will never forget. It’s what keeps Team Carolyn so focused and determined on fundraising as much as possible.”

This year is Steve and Team Carolyn’s second year supporting Swim Across America and they have made a remarkable impact in those two years raising over $400,000 combined. In 2022, Team Carolyn was the number two fundraising team for Swim Across America.

The team is named in memory of Steve’s wife, Carolyn Jaenisch, who was diagnosed with Terminal Adenocarcinoma in July 2021 and passed away just six months later. Carolyn and Steve have a daughter, Caitlin, and a son, Gregory. Carolyn was an avid swimmer who swam with Long Island Masters and Excel Swim Club for 21 years on Long Island. Read more about the Chestler family here.

“After Carolyn’s passing, getting involved with Swim Across America felt like the most meaningful way our family and friends could honor her and keep her spirit alive,” said Steve.

“The community we have found in Swim Across America is unbelievable. We all want to help and do something for our loved ones, and we are all fighting for a cure. We have a huge extended family here and we are in this together.”

To further this feeling of “extended family,” this year, Team Carolyn is fundraising in support of one of their own team members, Derrick Edwin. Derrick is a seasoned triathlete who unknowingly competed in an Iron Man competition in September 2021 while having colon cancer.

Though Derrick’s Stage 4 diagnosis was shocking, he maintains a positive attitude and upbeat spirit throughout his immunotherapy treatment. And when his friend, Steve, asked him to join Team Carolyn, it was a no-brainer.

“Swim Across America has provided me with an unbeatable support system. I hope to spread hope and positivity to all my cancer warriors fighting this disease. We can beat this!” said Derrick.

If you are moved to support Team Carolyn, 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.

TEAM HOPE MARKS 20th ANNIVERSARY OF MAKING WAVES TO FIGHT CANCER

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , Leave a comment

When you hear Mike Ford talk about TEAM HOPE, one word comes up over and over again – family. In fact, the word is a part of their “rallying cry.”

“We are swimmers, we are friends, we are families…We are TEAM HOPE!”

Mike was inspired to create TEAM HOPE in 2004 in honor of three close friends who were battling cancer. [Read the full history here.] This year marks TEAM HOPE’s 20th year participating in Swim Across America events and the team has goal of raising $100,000. Since their first event, the team has raised a remarkable $1.4 million to support local beneficiaries.

“We’ve been together a long time. We’ve accomplished a lot over the years,” said Mike. “And, in so doing, we have become one big family.”

Joining TEAM HOPE becomes a bit of a family tradition for its ever-growing roster of members. Many of whom join because they have a loved one who is fighting cancer and they want to take action to help them in some way.  

“If you look at a picture from our very first year, you’ll see some of the same faces in a picture from 2022. You’ll see even more faces because as everyone grows up and grows their families, they become members of TEAM HOPE.”

This “family history” is captured each year in the dedication board Mike has at the events.

“We all write down who we are swimming for, who we are honoring. The younger team members write down, ‘Grandpa’ or ‘Aunt Judy,’ and being a part of TEAM HOPE makes them feel like they are doing something important to help their family members. It makes them feel like they are making a difference.”

Over the years, members of TEAM HOPE have honored many, including Mike’s wife, Patti, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 and passed in 2016 after a courageous decade-long battle.

“Unfortunately, we aren’t unique. Everyone is fighting for someone. What makes us special is that we do it as a family.”

If you are moved to support TEAM HOPE to help them reach their $100,000 goal, you can donate here. Want to become part of the TEAM HOPE family? Join the team here.

Finding a Lifeline in the Swim Across America Community

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, college swimming, Fundraising, Messages of Hope, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , 2 Comments

Dalton Sousa
Swim Across America – Boston
Hometown: Carver, MA
5 years supporting Swim Across America
Age: 23

Dalton Sousa is no stranger to swimming or Swim Across America. He is a long-time supporter of Team Roethke at Swim Across America – Nantucket and swam with the Roger Williams University swim team at Swim Across America – Rhode Island.

“The mission to ‘End Cancer’ is something I have felt connected to for years. My hometown and many of my closest friends have been personally affected by cancer. I remember crying in class after hearing that one of my friends and classmates had passed away from cancer in 2015. He fought bravely at Dana-Farber Medical Center.”

It wasn’t until this year that he had an even more personal reason to dive in. In January 2023, Dalton’s mother, Toni, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“Now, Swim Across America is so much more than just a worthy cause for me. It has become a lifeline, a community of friends and family, who have rallied around a similar goal to end cancer.”

Dalton set out to raise funds in honor of his mom, who is being treated at Beth Israel Hospital-Plymouth. He created Team Sousa in January and in a few weeks, they raised over $11,000.

Toni’s spirits are high and it’s clear this tight-knit family is in the fight together and keeping a positive outlook.

“My mom has been one of the biggest influences on my life that has allowed me to be as successful as I have been. Swimming has been a huge part of my life. Whether it was as a swim parent, a New England official, or a fan my mom always tried to support everyone. She taught me to make the best out of difficult situations.”

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 PARTNER GILL TO AWARD COMMUNITY CHAMPION IN EVERY CITY

Posted on Posted in Corporate Partners, News, Top FundraisersTagged , , Leave a comment

Swim Across America (SAA) is proud to announce a partnership with Gill, a leading marine apparel brand, for 2023. This year, each Community Champion will receive a SAA-branded Gill Aqua Parka. The Community Champion will be the top individual fundraiser in each city.

Waterproof, windproof and breathable, the Aqua Parka changing robe was engineered for explorers. The parka is intentionally oversized and designed to be loose enough for you to pull your arms inside for changing. It’s perfect for paddle sports and open water swimmers. Available in graphite, eggshell/ash and dark navy/blue jay.

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, SAA 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 or Twitter @SAASwim.

About Gill

Founded by a desire for better, Gill has been at the forefront of marine apparel for over 45 years. Creating the most technical sailing clothing to protect people from the elements while out on the water. Giving them the confidence to go anywhere, in any condition and accomplish their goals.

Water is what connects us to everything we do. From our beginnings as a brand, to the products we create. It’s always been about empowering people through engineered, technical clothing and equipment so they can experience moments and tell stories of their achievements. Gill’s love of all things water has led them to diversify their product offering in recent years to cater for broader water activities, such as SUP, canoeing, kayaking and open water swimming.

35 Stories of Impact: Team Carolyn of SAA-Nassau/Suffolk

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Fundraising, Nassau/Suffolk - Sound to Cove, Top FundraisersTagged , , , , 1 Comment
Carolyn Jaenisch, Caitlin Chestler, Gregory Chestler & Steve Chestler
Swim Across America – Nassau/Suffolk
1 year with Swim Across America
Steve 65; Raised over $100,000 with Team Carolyn

“We are looking forward to joining a community dedicated to fighting cancer, the disease that took Carolyn Jaenisch from us, while simultaneously doing something she loved : swimming.”

Carolyn Jaenisch’s diagnosis of Terminal Adenocarcinoma in July 2021 came as a shock to the entire family. She was an avid swimmer who swam with Long Island masters and Excel Swim Club for the past 21 years on Long Island. When she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer and had her first back operation she was told she would be swimming again in 2 months. Carolyn was all about family and swimming.  

So when her family went looking for a charity event, they saw the SAA-Sound to Cove swim at Pryibil Beach on July 31, 2022, and got in touch with Swim Across America CEO Rob Butcher and local event chair Kevin Shine to learn more and make a plan to participate. Carolyn was so excited to get involved with Swim Across America.

Carolyn sadly passed away in November of 2021, just 4 months after her diagnosis, and before she could witness her family swimming in her honor. Carolyn’s passing left behind her husband, Steven Chestler, 24-year old son Gregory and 19-year old daughter Caitlin; and they are the founders of Team Carolyn for Swim Across America.

This July will be Team Carolyn’s first year participating in a Swim Across America event. “We are looking forward to joining a community dedicated to fighting cancer, the disease that took Carolyn Jaenisch from us, while simultaneously doing something she loved : swimming” says Steve Chestler.  Steve, Caitlin, Gregory and other members of Team Carolyn have rallied together to raise an amazing $100,000 (and counting) to support cancer research and clinical trials. 

“We know she would be honored that she has been supported and loved so much.”

Swim Across America is celebrating 35 years of impact in 2022. SAA 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.

2020 Swim Across America Highlights: Tyler Roethke and Grant Wentworth Swim the Vineyard Sound and Raise over $100,000

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Events, Fundraising, SAA Pride, Top Fundraisers, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

In 2020, Swim Across America transitioned from open water swims to fun and exciting virtual challenges in each city. We’re highlighting some of the best ‘Making Waves to Fight Cancer’ stories with Swim Across America this year!

On August 8th, 2020, Swim Across America Nantucket participants Tyler Roethke and Grant Wentworth took their personal challenge to a whole new level by swimming a 10K crossing of the Vineyard Sound! These two accomplished this challenging swim in just under 2 hours and together have raised over $100,000 to support Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Palliative & Supportive Care of Nantucket – simply AMAZING! Way to go Grant and Tyler! Check out these awesome shots captured by photographer Tom Olcott! If you’d like to support these two outstanding SAA swimmers you can do so by going to swimacrossamerica.org/goto/GrantWentworth & swimacrossamerica.org/goto/TylerRoethke.

Fundraise for SAA When You Make Affiliate Partner Purchases

Posted on Posted in Corporate Partners, Fundraising, Top Fundraisers, wave makerTagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Our generous Affiliate Partners support the Swim Across America mission year-round. When you make purchases through these stores and portals, SAA receives a percentage of each sale back. You can learn more about how each affiliate partner works below.

If you would like to become an affiliate partner of Swim Across America, contact us at info@swimacrossamerica.org.

SwimOutlet.com/SAA

download (7)

Visit SAA’s updated official store at SwimOutlet.com/SAA to get your wetsuit, goggles and swimming gear. First-time customers get an extra 10% off – PLUS a portion of your sale from the official store is donated to                                                          Swim Across America.

AmazonSmile

amazon-smile copy

When first visiting AmazonSmile, customers are prompted to select a charitable organization from over one million eligible organizations. In order to browse or shop at AmazonSmile, customers must first select a charitable organization. For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the customer’s selected charitable organization. Make sure you bookmark the AmazonSmile page as your homepage so all purchases are recorded to give back to Swim Across America!

PayPal Giving Fund

paypal copy

  1. Search for the charity you would like to support, including Swim Across America! Your gift goes to PayPal Giving Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity. PayPal covers all transaction fees.
  2. PayPal will deliver 100% of your donation to your chosen charity.
  3. PayPal Giving Fund will issue your donation receipt. PayPal will share your name and email with the charity you help, so they can thank you. Or you can remain anonymous if you choose.

Orca

1200px-Orca_wetsuits_(logo).svg

You can further support Orca and Swim Across America by using the code SAA10 at orca.com to save 10% on wetsuits, gear and more. Now through June 30th, all purchases with this code will result in 10% being donated back to Swim Across America!

Giving Assistant

download (6)

Members can choose to automatically donate any amount or percentage of their cash back to the charity of their choice.

1. Shop and Save – Get coupons and up to 2x cash back at 2,497 top brands.

  1. Raise Cash Back Donations – Opt-in to donate 1% to 100% of the cash back you earn to Swim Across America!

Humble Bundle

humblepic copy

Simply navigate to the Humble Store (video games) and then choose the “Charity” tab towards the top of the page. From there you can search and choose which charity you’d like to support through your Humble Store purchases. You can choose which charity you’d like to support, including Swim Across America, with the PayPal Giving Fund!

Ebay for Charity

Screen Shot 2022-02-22 at 2.35.31 PM

Simply decide what causes or charities you want to support—then sell and shop with a purpose. eBay for Charity has partnered with the PayPal Giving Fund to make it easy for sellers to donate 10% to 100% of your item’s final sale price to a certified charity.

1. SELECT CHARITY

  • Seller picks the charity and the donation percentage when listing an item.
2. SELL & SHIP
  • Item sells
  • Buyer pays full amount to seller
  • Seller ships item to the buyer
3. DONATE
  • After the transaction is complete (approx. 21 days), PayPal Giving Fund will automatically collect the donation from the seller’s PayPal account*.
  • Once a month PayPal Giving Fund will combine and deliver 100% of all donations collected for that charity.

IMG_0007

Updated Swim Across America Fundraising Messages for 2020

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, covid-19, Events, Fundraising, Grant, News, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , Leave a comment

There have been many requests for sample messages to use in your fundraising efforts during the uncertainty of the current pandemic. Here are some messages created by Swim Across America staff and leading participants that you can share via email, text message, social media, the SAA fundraising app and other formats. 

Message #1

Every 15 min, 50 Americans are diagnosed with cancer. Even during a pandemic, people continue to hear the terrible words ‘you have cancer’. I have joined the Swim Across America family so that I can continue to give cancer patients hope by raising funds to support cutting edge cancer research. If you are able, please support me and my swim by making a donation to my personal fundraising page. Every bit helps and will make an impact in the fight to find a cure. 

Message #2

Most of us know someone who is dealing with cancer, and how devastating it can be both for the person who is ill and for the family.  Cancer touches everyone, and unfortunately during these crazy times, cancer isn’t going into quarantine. That is why I’m STILL making waves to fight cancer with Swim Across America. Since we can’t be together right now, would you instead ‘buy me a drink’ or ‘take me out to dinner’ by making a donation to my Swim Across America swim. The money you give will go toward cutting edge cancer research and make an impact in the fight to find a cure. 

Message #3

The past few weeks have definitely been a challenge for us all, which is why I wanted to send you a quick note to see how you were doing and to share with you on something I am looking forward to. This summer, when we are all hopefully able to come together again, I will be swimming 1 mile in open water with Swim Across America to raise funds to support cancer research. When you have a moment, check out my personal fundraising page to learn more about the event and what the funds will support. I’d love to catch up and hear what you are up to as well. Hopefully you have some fun plans to look forward to later this year too. 

Message #4

I hope you are doing ok in this crazy time. I wanted to reach out to thank you again for supporting my participation in Swim Across America. It really made me smile and feel just a little bit closer during all this isolation. Did you know that you might be able to double your donation by getting a matching gift from your employer? Check with your HR department to see what forms need to be completed or search here to see if your company is eligible for matching gifts. Every bit helps, so thank you for checking with your employer for a match! 

Message #5

I’ve been thinking about you and your family during this difficult time and wanted to reach out to see how you were doing. I’ve signed up to participate and fundraise to support cancer research with Swim Across America this year and they’ve been sharing these inspiring stories about dealing with uncertainty right now that I thought you might enjoy.  I hope this brings a little hope to your world right now. I can’t wait until we can get together again soon.

If you have any great messages you think other SAA participants can benefit from using, you can share with us at info@swimacrossamerica.org

2015 Swim Across America event, Day 2 - Nantasket Beach.

 

SAA Partner Orca Announces Wetsuit to Be Awarded to Community Champion in Every City

Posted on Posted in Corporate Partners, Fundraising, Top Fundraisers, wave makerTagged , , , Leave a comment

OrcaIG copySAA Partner Orca is supporting Swim Across America in 2020 by rewarding a COMMUNITY CHAMPION in every city! The winner will be determined by selecting a participant that leads our community in recruiting, fundraising and creativity! The winner will be gifted a brand new TRN openwater wetsuit.

Remember to save 15% on any purchases at orca.com by using the code SAAPARTICIPANT15 at orca.com and all purchases with this code will result in 10% being donated back to SAA!

The Orca TRN wetsuit is the ideal choice for those athletes who are taking their first steps in the open water or triathlon world. This wetsuit provides a mixture of buoyancy and flexibility, keeping you comfortable and safe in your first competitions.