Breast Cancer Survivor Finds an Inspiring Way to Mark Two Milestones

Posted on April 14, 2023May 9, 2023 Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, SAA Pride, wave makerTagged cancer, cancer research, fundraising, swim across america, swimmingLeave a comment

Michelle Deaton
Swim Across America – Tampa
Hometown: Wesley Chapel, Florida
2 years supporting Swim Across America
Age: 50

Michelle Deaton has a lot to celebrate this year and she wanted to mark the occasion by doing something she had never done before.

“I turned 50 in March and I’m five years cancer free! What better way to celebrate than with a two-mile swim with Wyatt!”

Last year, Michelle was a proud supporter of her son, Wyatt, who swam 2 miles in the 2022 Swim Across America – Tampa event. He raised nearly $6,000 in her honor. This year, they are training – and raising funds – together. What makes their swim even more special is that the event falls on Mother’s Day weekend.

“I’m so excited that my mom is training to swim with me,” said Wyatt. “She keeps telling me she will swim faster than me and beat me back to the beach. I’m just proud that she is cancer-free, just celebrated her 50th birthday on March 26, and is going to be my swim partner for Swim Across America.”

Michelle is cancer-free but that doesn’t mean she will stop supporting Swim Across America. She is likely one of our most enthusiastic participants!

“I just love, love, love Swim Across America and all it stands for,” said Michelle Deaton. “I talk about the work that Swim Across America supports everywhere I go and to everyone. I’m Swim Across America’s biggest fan. I’m thrilled to be able to swim and be a part of such a great event that impacts the lives of so many. I’m a true believer that when you put your mind to something, it might not be easy, but I’m blessed as I have gone through something tough like a cancer diagnosis, and it made me realize even more how miraculous our bodies really are.”

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.

Young Teen Recognizes Swim Across America’s Impact Within His Home

Posted on April 5, 2023May 31, 2023 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged cancer, cancer research, fundraise, swim across americaLeave a comment

Owen Johnson

Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah

Hometown: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

3 years supporting Swim Across America

Age: 13

Owen Johnson is just 13 years old, and he already recognizes the impact funds raised at a Swim Across America charity swim have on patients and families.

“My dad, Brad Johnson, was diagnosed with stage four head and neck cancer before I was born. He survived because of new medicines discovered by cancer researchers, like the ones funded by Swim Across America.”

In 2020, the then-11-year-old swimmer had the idea to give his dad an unforgettable Christmas present. Instead of exchanging gifts, Owen set up a GoFundMe in honor of his dad’s fight against cancer. Owen raised over $2,000 and since then, has raised another $4,000 through his participation in the Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah events.

“I know Swim Across America gives money directly to researchers. My dad was the Event Director for Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah for a few years, and Swim Across America gives grants to cancer researchers at Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston where we live.”

This year, Owen and Brad will swim together at the Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah event on June 10. They are also celebrating a remarkable milestone. Brad has been cancer-free for 20 years.

“To celebrate 20 years and all the things my dad has accomplished since beating cancer – Ironman events, marathons, Triathlon World Championships, having a family – we are teaming up to raise $20,000 for the 2023 Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah event.”

“I hope that by raising money for Swim Across America, donations will help researchers get the funding they need to help more people like my dad.”

SAA Debuts WaveMaker Hydro Flask Bottle for 2023

Posted on March 22, 2023March 22, 2023 Posted in #DefeatCancer, Corporate Partners, Fundraising, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged backpack, buttons, fundraise, merchandise, swag, swim across america, WaveMakerLeave a comment

Swim Across America is excited to celebrate our top fundraisers with the 2023 WaveMaker gift! Swimmers and volunteers who raise $1,000 or more will receive an insulated 32 oz Wide-Mouth Hydro Flask water bottle.

As part of the WaveMaker club, we want you to show your SAA pride year-round with a Hydro Flask perfect for any occasion. Ideal for everyday and outdoor adventure, the Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth vacuum water bottle packs 32 oz. of hydration, and keeps your beverage hot or cold for hours. Want to take this awesome item home with you? Register today and set your fundraising goal to WaveMaker!

Swim Across America Debuts Team Captain Package with SAA Hat

Posted on May 17, 2022May 17, 2022 Posted in #DefeatCancer, Corporate Partners, Fundraising, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged backpack, buttons, fundraise, merchandise, swag, swim across america, WaveMakerLeave a comment

Swim Across America is excited to celebrate our team captains this year by introducing a team captain package! Once you register your team, you’ll receive the package in the mail that includes a new SAA baseball cap (pictured) and resources to be successful.

We hope you’ll be signing up to lead a team again this year and receiving one soon! There is also a new Team Captain Corner page on the website, where you can find everything from email templates to use with your teammates and donors, to online tools and social media resources. You can check out the page at www.swimacrossamerica.org/captains.

Register your team today and start recruiting!

SAA Debuts WaveMaker Cooler Bag for 2022

Posted on March 24, 2022 Posted in #DefeatCancer, Corporate Partners, Fundraising, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged backpack, buttons, fundraise, merchandise, swag, swim across america, WaveMakerLeave a comment

Swim Across America is excited to celebrate our top fundraisers with the 2022 WaveMaker gift of a Backpack Cooler for participants and volunteers that raise $1,000 or more!

As part of the WaveMaker club, we want you to show your SAA pride year-round with a cooler perfect for any occasion. The 20 can cooler bag is light, durable and heat sealed with gray PEVA lining. It features a padded back panel and comfortable backpack straps for easy carrying or grab and go with the removable, adjustable shoulder strap with shoulder pad. Want to take this awesome item home with you? Register today and set your fundraising goal to WaveMaker!

‘WaveMakers’ Docu-Series about Swim Across America Premieres July 8 to Share Stories of Hope in the Fight Against Cancer

Posted on July 1, 2021 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, beneficiaries, Events, olympians, Uncategorized, wave maker, WaveMakers Docu-seriesTagged browning productions, cancer, cancer research, discovery, discovery life, docuseries, inspirational stories, John Driskell hopkins, swim across america, swimming, zac brown bandLeave a comment

Grammy Award-Winner John Driskell Hopkins of the Zac Brown Band Contributes Theme Song ‘I’ll Take You Home’ and Provides Narration for ‘WaveMakers’

CHARLOTTE, July 1, 2021 — Every 15 minutes, 50 Americans are diagnosed with cancer. That’s close to 1.9 million new cases of cancer diagnosed just this year with an estimated 600,000 cancer deaths. But those statistics don’t tell the whole story. Within someone’s cancer journey, there are remarkable stories. Stories of triumph, stories of courage, stories of pioneers and stories of heartbreak that inspire.

WaveMakers is a new docu-series about Swim Across America, produced by Browning Production & Entertainment, and airing on the Discovery Life Network beginning July 8 at 8:00 p.m. (EST). It is a six-episode series that shares the stories of patients, survivors, family members, oncologists, swimmers, volunteers and Olympians who are all striving to make waves in the fight against cancer.

“WaveMakers showcases the Swim Across America community that is changing the face of cancer,” noted Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America. “Our grants have led to breakthrough treatments such as immunotherapy that are saving lives. WaveMakers is a beautiful showcase of stories, and how the disease changes lives. We hope that viewers will be inspired and in watching WaveMakers know that there is hope.”

Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band-member John Driskell Hopkins wrote the theme song “I’ll Take you Home” for WaveMakers and provides the voice-over for the six episodes.

“I wrote ‘I’ll Take You Home’ to honor our family friend Grace Bunke, who sadly lost her life to osteosarcoma, and inspire her mother Vicki who is carrying on Grace’s legacy through Swim Across America to help others,” said John Driskell Hopkins. “I’m honored to be part of the story that brings a message of hope to so many.”

WaveMakers six-part docu-series will air for six weeks on Discovery Life Network. The first episode will air July 8 at 8 p.m., (EST). The trailer and broadcast schedule with show titles are available at wavemakers.tv.

Episode 1: July 8th; A 14-year old with osteosarcoma patient inspires a movement

Episode 2: July 15th; A mom honors her daughter’s legacy

Episode 3: July 22; Olympians and survivors inspiring each other

Episode 4: July 29; Why is it so hard to cure cancer?

Episode 5: August 5; When will cancer finally be cured?

Episode 6: August 12; A family overcomes heartbreak to find purpose with Swim Across America

Media Inquiries: Jenifer Howard | 203-273-4246 jhoward@jhowardpr.com

About Swim Across America: Swim Across America (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related charity events. Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has granted more than $100 million that has funded cancer research and clinical trials. With the help of volunteers nationwide and Olympians, Swim Across America grants have been at the forefront of leading to new treatments in immunotherapy and gene therapy. To learn more visit swimacrossamerica.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

SAA Debuts WaveMaker Cooler Bag for 2022

Posted on April 27, 2021March 7, 2022 Posted in #DefeatCancer, Corporate Partners, Fundraising, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged backpack, buttons, fundraise, merchandise, swag, swim across america, WaveMaker1 Comment

Swim Across America is excited to celebrate our 35th anniversary in 2022 with a Swim Across America WaveMaker gift of 20 can backpack cooler for participants and volunteers that raise $1,000 or more!

Will You Reach WaveMaker Status in 2022?

Posted on December 17, 2020January 27, 2022 Posted in #DefeatCancer, Corporate Partners, Fundraising, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged backpack, buttons, fundraise, merchandise, swag, swim across america, WaveMakerLeave a comment

Swim Across America is excited to celebrate 35 years of impact and we want to see you hit WaveMaker status in 2022. WaveMakers commit to hitting a higher fundraising goal and bring that same energy to SAA events!

Be a WaveMaker by taking your fundraising to the next level and raising $1,000. Anyone ― swimmers, volunteers, SAA My Way participants ― can achieve WaveMaker status. As part of the WaveMaker club, we want you to show your SAA pride year-round. Register today and set your fundraising goal to WaveMaker!

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

Posted on September 2, 2020 Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Events, Fundraising, SAA Pride, Top Fundraisers, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged grant wentworth, nantucket, nantucket cottage hospital, swim across america, tyler roethke, vineyard soundLeave 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 April 14, 2020August 17, 2022 Posted in Corporate Partners, Fundraising, Top Fundraisers, wave makerTagged amazon, amazon smile, giving assistant, humble bundle, Orca, Partners, paypal, swim across america, Swim Outlet, swimoutlet.comLeave 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

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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

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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

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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.
PayPal will deliver 100% of your donation to your chosen charity.
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

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

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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.

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

Humble Bundle

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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

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.