Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Chicago community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Rush Medical Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/chicago.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Motor City Mile community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Rogel Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/detroit.
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.”
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Denver community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Children’s Hospital Colorado, at swimacrossamerica.org/denver.
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.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Hollings Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/charleston.
Swim Across America’s guiding principle is “money raised local, stays local.” It is a model that the organization takes great pride in and helps to deepen participants’ connection to the mission.
This connection is especially evident in communities like Swim Across America – Nantucket, which supports Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket (PASCON) on the island and Mass General Cancer Center in Boston, MA. The community grants are applied to local hospitals and patient care programs to benefit patients and families within their small, tight-knit island.
Duncan Richardson, a Newton, MA native, and his family have been seasonal visitors to Nantucket for over 36 years which makes it feel like their second home. Duncan joined the SAA – Nantucket community in 2021, and this year, he is swimming in the event for the first time!
Duncan always admired the organization and its mission which became more personal when he was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer in 2022. Little did he know how vital the organization’s mission would become to his own life.
Duncan Richardson shared his “Why I Swim” story at the 2023 Swim Across America – Nantucket community event.
“I am a bit of a medical miracle,” said Duncan. “Two years ago, after rapidly losing over 30 pounds, I was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer — a cancer with a very poor prognosis.”
Duncan received swift care and a treatment plan from his medical team, which included the immunotherapy drug Opdivo (nivolumab) and biweekly chemotherapy infusions.
Duncan and his care team at Nantucket Cottage Hospital where he received treatment for stage four esophageal cancer.
Swim Across America community swims granted funds to doctors and researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who implemented clinical trials for nivolumab. The promising results from those trials led to the FDA-approval of Opdivo.
“Without Opdivo — and Swim Across America funding — I wouldn’t be here today. I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to anyone who had a part in bringing this research to fruition,” said Duncan.
And the fact that Duncan was able to receive local, easily accessible medical care had been invaluable.
“It is hard to overstate in my cancer journey how important to my wellbeing and that of my family the Nantucket Cottage Hospital professionals have been.” Duncan affirms.
“Their compassionate and quality care gives me and hundreds of other residents and visitors the most important thing you can have in battling cancer — HOPE!”
Duncan is excited for this year’s SAA-Nantucket event, where he will swim the half-mile course with his team, Strokes for Hope. His dedication to Swim Across America is seen with each stroke of his swim.
“That’s why we swim and raise the money for cancer research, the Nantucket Cottage Hospital infusion center and for PASCON. All our strokes are Strokes for Hope!”
“Without Opdivo — and Swim Across America funding — I wouldn’t be here today. I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to anyone who had a part in bringing this research to fruition,” said Duncan.
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.
Keri Cleary watched family members go through the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. And at 36 years old, it was hard to believe that she would also hear those same words, “you have breast cancer.”
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer one month after running the Boston marathon, to the day. I was in the best shape of my life, and it was absolutely heart wrenching,” shared Keri.
Thankfully, Keri received swift treatment for her cancer and she is now cancer-free. Her connection to the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (UNC) and her gratitude to her doctors and care team, are what inspired her to join the Swim Across America – Carolina community swim.
“I feel so fortunate that because of the research and science, that I was quickly treated and cared for,” said Keri.
“I am now cancer free and feel lucky enough that I am on a treatment plan to help reduce recurrence and keep me healthy for years to come.”
Sue Walsh, University of North Carolina Alum, SAA-Carolina committee member and cancer survivor with Keri Cleary
This is Keri’s third year supporting Swim Across America – Carolina and, in addition to swimming at the event, she has taken on a larger role with their local planning committee. Keri has raised over $7,000 to support UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Keri Cleary (center) with, from left to right, Aranza Vázquez Montaño (UNC Diver, Olympian) Rodolfo Vázquez Montaño (UNC Diver), Greer Pattison (UNC Swimmer), Elizabeth Sowards (UNC Swimmer) and Delaney Carlton (UNC Swimmer).
“I am really thankful to participate in Swim Across America for my third year in a row, this year, healthy.”
This year holds another special meaning for Keri, as she recently lost a family member to cancer.
“This year, I will be swimming in honor of my uncle, who passed away in December 2023 from a long battle with cancer.”
Keri has found community and hope with the Swim Across America community. And is thankful to see the impact in a direct way.
“Swim Across America means so much to me. The last two years I have seen how this wonderful event directly impacts those with cancer and those who have loved ones with cancer,” said Keri.
“I am so thankful that we raise funds for cancer research.To me, it’s about getting a community together to do really great things to help support cancer research.”
The 2024 Swim Across America – Carolina community swim is dedicated in memory of Eric Montross.
Keri Cleary with North Carolina Aquatic Club (NCAC) Swimmers; Audrey Wolk, Connor Peck, Isabel Wolk & Mackenzie Collins
Keri Cleary with NCAC swim coach and friend, Kirsten Siebenga.
Swim Across America 