Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Dallas community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, the Swim Across America Innovative Clinical Trials Center (ICTC) at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/dallas.
Charlotte Junior Advisory Board (JAB) Swim Across America – Charlotte Team Unified
When most people hear the word “jab,” they think of a fast punch used to hit a target.
At Swim Across America, JAB is an acronym for Junior Advisory Board, a group of school-aged swimmers and volunteers with a passion for philanthropy, making an impact in their community, and raising funds for cancer research.
Our newest JAB is making waves with Swim Across America – Charlotte and consists of a remarkable group of high school students, each with their own reason for supporting Swim Across America.
“Over the years, I have witnessed the tremendous impact that Swim Across America has had in raising funds for cancer research and supporting those affected by the disease,” said Kaleigh (KK) Hart.
“This personal connection to the organization and its mission has deepened over time, and it has become an integral part of my life,” she continues.
Though this is the SAA-Charlotte JAB’s first year, some members of Team Unified, the team they formed to fundraise for SAA-Charlotte, have participated in other community swims and been involved with Swim Across America since a young age.
“I have been involved with the organization since 2013 through Swim Across America – Atlanta, when I was just seven years old. At the time, Swim Across America was this super fun event I attended and used my sport to help people,” said KK Hart.
Kaleigh (KK) Hart at the 2008 Swim Across America – Atlanta charity swim.
“Through my participation in Swim Across America, I honor and swim for my friend Brooke so we can fight brain cancer, for Grace to find new treatments for osteosarcoma, for Granny and Karen Shultes to fight melanoma, and for my grandma to reduce people diagnosed with breast cancer,” said KK.
“The journeys they have faced have had a profound impact on my life, and by swimming in their honor, I hope to raise awareness about the challenges faced by cancer patients and inspire others to join the cause.”
SAA-Charlotte event director, Patty Waldron, and members of the SAA-Charlotte JAB at the Charlotte Country Club Championship meet this summer. Pictured: Patty Waldron, Kiley Wilhelm, KK Hart, Alden Fletcher, Ryan Mikszan
Like KK, Kiley Wilhelm wanted to join SAA-Charlotte to honor the loved ones she lost to cancer.
“I support Swim Across America and swim for my grandmother, whom I lost to cancer three years ago. She always encouraged my swimming career, and joining SAA is one of the ways I have tried to honor her memory,” said Kiley.
Another SAA-Charlotte JAB member, Zetta Grace Bartee, finds inspiration through a young family member’s cancer fight.
“This year, I am swimming the open water swim in Charlotte for my six-year-old cousin Margaret Anne, who has had kidney cancer two times. Her bravery reminds me why I do what I do as a JAB member,” said Zetta Grace.
SAA-Charlotte JAB member, Zetta Grace Bartee
SAA-Charlotte JAB member, Karlin Smith
SAA-Charlotte JAB member, Karlin Smith, knows firsthand how important early detection and treatment is, having witnessed two family members’ cancer diagnoses.
“I swim for my two grandmothers who both fought breast cancer. Fortunately, neither had to go through chemo treatments. The key was an early diagnosis. Organizations like Swim Across America have raised money to develop advanced technology to catch cancer early on and to protect the people we love the most, like my grandmothers,” said Karlin.
The inaugural group of the SAA-Charlotte JAB has 21 members representing five area high schools and various school-affiliated and swim team clubs. Coaches from high schools and local swim clubs hand-selected and invited their students to apply. Applicants completed an online form asking why students are passionate about Swim Across America, what they hope to gain from the program, and previous leadership experience they pass onto others. The group was established with the help of SAA-Charlotte event director, Patty Waldron, and longtime SAA supporter, Sheri Hart.
Once selection was complete and the 21 members were announced, the group quickly formed a plan to ramp up engagement, fundraising, and awareness among their peers. They broke into smaller sub-teams and tackled projects like establishing an SAA-Charlotte JAB Instagram page with weekly #WhyISwim posts, organizing local give back promotions where a portion of proceeds from sales would benefit SAA-Charlotte, and planning family-friendly fun events for the day of the charity swim.
SAA-Charlotte JAB members at a recent group meeting.
SAA-Charlotte JAB members at a recent group meeting.
The members of SAA-Charlotte JAB are Burcham Barlas, Zetta Grace Bartee, Granger Bartee, Abby Druhan, Davis Dunham, Alden Fletcher, Danny Guenther, Kelsi Hart, Kaleigh (KK) Hart, Aidan Hill, Lanie Holden, Caroline Meehan, Ivy Monk, Sofia Plaza, Karlin Smith, Bryce Spangler, and Kiley Wilhelm.
So far, Team Unified has raised over $23,000 and is one of the top fundraising teams for SAA-Charlotte.
“I am incredibly proud of our JAB and all they have accomplished this year. To see the younger generation carry on this important mission is inspiring for everyone involved in our event,” said Sheri.
If you are moved to support the Charlotte Junior Advisory Board and Team Unified, 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.
Andy Rieger Swim Across America – Houston Age: 50 Years supporting SAA: 5
Andy Rieger has always had a love of water. In fact, he grew up swimming competitively from age 5 to 22.
“I competed at swim meets at Youngstown State University and at the Trumbull County YMCA. Then, I swam for four years at West Point, where I was the swim team captain my senior year,” Andy said.
Andy then “took off for a few decades” and started running to stay active. Injuries and encouragement from his wife led him back home to swimming.
“A few knee surgeries into my running days and Jordana, my wife, encouraged me to get back in the water. I did and discovered open water swimming.”
Then in 2012, the Rieger family’s world was turned upside down when Jordana was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.
“We were living overseas when she was diagnosed. Since I was in the oil and gas industry, we were able to come back to Houston,” he said.
Rieger family and friends on Team Rae in SAA-Houston.
The family settled back in Houston and Jordana was treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Jordana received multiple treatments and procedures including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. After a six-year battle, Jordana passed away in 2018.
“Jordana endured more than I thought was possible. She fought with everything she had. During this time so many people supported our family with kindness, generosity, and in other ways that I can never repay them personally,” said Andy.
“I never really grasped how many people’s lives are impacted daily by cancer until my family was immersed in the battle with Jordana.”
After Jordana passed, Andy sought a way to give back to the community that gave him so much during their difficult times.
Andy and family at the 2019 Swim Across America – Houston event.
“In late 2018, I stumbled upon Swim Across America, which was planning its inaugural swim in Houston for April 2019. I wanted to honor Jordana and pay it forward to all those who supported my family. Swim Across America was a perfect match for the two things I was passionate about: fighting cancer and swimming.”
Andy formed his team, Team Rae, and they have swum at every Swim Across America – Houston event since 2019. Funds raised at the SAA-Houston event are granted to researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
In late 2021, cancer hit home again when Andy’s brother, Matt, was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer and passed away shortly after his diagnosis at age 50. Matt lived in Chicago, home to another Swim Across America event, so Andy set out to make waves in another city.
“Swimming again was the perfect way to honor Matt and continue to support the fight against cancer in another city, this time in Chicago, where Matt lived.”
“Matt was only 18 months older than me. We grew up together and were teammates (sometimes co-conspirators) on all kinds of adventures as kids. We were even teammates on our local age group swim team. Since 2022, I’ve added the SAA-Chicago open water swim to my annual swim calendar as well.”
Andy swims in honor of Jordana Rieger, his wife, and Matt Rieger, his brother.
In total, his teams in Houston and Chicago have raised more than $75,000.
Through difficult times, Andy has found a welcoming and supportive community through Swim Across America. And Team Rae grew to include friends and family whose lives have been touched by cancer.
“I have recruited my family members to join me as swimmers or volunteers, including my oldest brother Thad, and my father Gil, who have both had their own battles with cancer in recent years. My mother Casey, sister Amy, my daughters, nieces, nephews and some friends, all come together to support this important and meaningful cause.”
Andy and Kristen at the 2023 Swim Across America – Chicago event.
Andy’s involvement with Swim Across America has brought waves of happiness, as well! Last year, a former swim teammate, Kristen Paternina, joined Team Rae in Houston. Andy and Kristen hadn’t seen each other for almost 30 years and reconnected at the event.
“Kristen and I swam together on our local YMCA swim team in northeastern Ohio. We hadn’t seen each other since the early 1990’s and we reconnected at SAA-Houston in April 2022. We have been together ever since and just bought a house together this past summer.”
If you are moved to support Andy and Team Rae, 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.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Baltimore community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins at swimacrossamerica.org/baltimore.
Maya Merhige Swim Across America – San Francisco Age: 16
Maya Merhige is just 16 years old, and she has spent half her life participating in Swim Across America – San Francisco. In that time, she has raised over $76,000 for the swim’s beneficiary, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.
Maya Merhige
“I’ve loved swimming for a really long time,” noted Maya. “Swimming is something that I would do even if I weren’t raising funds. Being able to raise money for something that is extremely important to me and close to my heart by just continuing with something I love is the perfect situation.”
From a young age, Maya understood the importance of raising funds for cancer research. She first swam at Swim Across America – San Francisco when she was nine years old.
“I swim for each and every single person that has ever been touched by cancer. Whether it’s for a patient, a doctor, a family member, or a friend, I swim for them all,” said Maya.
“Cancer is one of the most devastating things to go through, and I swim to honor all of those who use all of their strength to fight this disease.
Using strength to fight through challenging situations is something Maya is familiar with. In addition to being a high school junior, a top fundraiser for Swim Across America, and a Taylor Swift fan, Maya is an accomplished marathon swimmer with several record-breaking and high-profile channel swims completed to make up a long list of achievements.
This summer, she completed her eighth major marathon swim, the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan. She was 15 at the time, becoming only the third 15-year-old to complete the swim, and swam the 28.5-mile course in eight hours and 43 minutes under the bright lights of New York City.
“I really like the challenge of it. I got to see all of the Manhattan skyline from the water at night, which is something I think not a lot of people can say. It was beautiful!”
Maya and her safety crew after the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan
Last January, Maya became the youngest swimmer in the world to successfully swim the grueling Kaiwi Molokai Channel, between the Hawaiian Islands of Molokai and Oahu, which she completed in 27 hours and 33 minutes. She also holds a record for the longest duration, thanks to an incredibly strong rip current.
She is 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. Read more about Maya, her marathon swims, and progress on fundraising efforts at swimacrossamerica.org/maya.
Maya plans on completing the Ocean’s Seven, which is a series of seven open water channel swims throughout the world. So far, she has completed two, and her English Channel swim is scheduled for July 2024.
Susan Helmrich, captain of Team Susan Survives and three-time cancer survivor, and Maya
Until then, she’s excited about the Swim Across America – San Francisco open water swim on September 30. She will swim with her team, Team Susan Survives, which has raised over $1 million throughout 17 years of support.
“This year marks the eighth year I’ve been swimming and raising money for Swim Across America – San Francisco,” said Maya. “I originally started swimming to support my dear friend Susan Helmrich, with Team Susan Survives. Susan is an amazing three-time cancer survivor!”
If you are moved to support Maya, 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.
Swimming and philanthropy go hand-in-hand for Sue Walsh. She was first introduced to Swim Across America through her 1980 U.S. Olympic teammate Craig Beardsley, and she has always felt that the organization’s mission of funding life-saving cancer treatments was a meaningful way to give back.
Sue and her daughter, Sarah, with two of Sue’s grandsons, Jayden and Carter at the 2022 SAA-Carolina pool swim.
“Over the years, swimming has given me so much joy. It made perfect sense to partner with Swim Across America to direct my passion towards finding a cure for cancer – which has affected so many people in my life,” Sue noted.
Sue has had an illustrious swimming career, and many consider her a legend in the swimming world. She was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, won two medals at the 1982 World Aquatic Championships, and while swimming at the University of North Carolina, became a 10-time national champion and three-time Most Outstanding Swimmer at the ACC Championships.
In 2003, she was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Throughout the last 20 years, she still competed in swimming in the master’s category, setting six world records in her age group at the 2007 United States Masters’ Swimming Championships.
In 2010, Sue’s mother Joan, lost her fight to melanoma. Then, in 2019, Sue was diagnosed with colon cancer making her support of Swim Across America that much more personal. Sue shared this news with Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America and Sue’s close friend through their master’s swimming association.
“Rob invited me to speak at the 2021 Swim Across America – Charlotte charity swim. I was incredibly proud to share my story with the crowd of supporters.”
Rob Butcher, Sue Walsh, UNC Head Coach Mark Gangloff, his wife Ashley and their daughter, and Bailey Burt, Sue’s team’s co-captain, pictured at the 2022 SAA-Carolina pool swim.
Of course, Sue did more than speak at the event. She also dove in to help make waves to fight cancer – and at the same time, conquered her fear of swimming in open water!
“Although I had a fear of swimming in anything except a pool, I couldn’t stand on the shore and watch others doing their part to raise money for the incredible researchers at the Levine Cancer Institute,” said Sue.
After Sue’s initial cancer diagnosis, she had surgery and was declared cancer free. In 2022, a scan revealed new lesions had formed.
Now, Sue is receiving treatment for stage IV colon cancer at the Levine Cancer Institute, with which she was diagnosed in 2022.
Sue and Eric Montross, a friend and former UNC men’s basketball player.
“I receive incredible care there. And I have watched some very good friends begin their cancer journey and others succumb to the disease this past year. That made me motivated to invest even more of my time and energy in an amazing organization such as SAA,” noted Sue.
Sue’s cancer fight and connection to swimming and Swim Across America inspired her to propose a pool swim at a familiar place.
“That is when I began discussing with Rob Butcher and Carolina Head Swimming and Diving Coach, Mark Gangloff, the possibility of a pool swim at The University of North Carolina’s Koury Natatorium.”
“In 2022, our first year, we raised more than $90,000 for UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the home of one of my oncologists. This year, we are on target to surpass that level of fundraising,” said Sue.
Sue is determined to raise funds for cancer research through her own cancer battle. Her determination speaks to her selfless nature. Over the years, Sue has raised over $30,000 for Swim Across America.
Sue and Jenny Strickland Mangum, a cancer survivor and Sue’s UNC roommate and teammate
“I don’t know if any of the research being done at Levine Cancer Institute or Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center will directly impact my quality of life or my life span, but I want to do all I can to “Make Waves to Fight Cancer.”
Sue’s accolades continue to pour in. In August 2023, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) dedicated its pool to her – a much deserved honor.
“We are honored that your name, in perpetuity, will be associated with our university and our aquatics center,” UNCP Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings said during the dedication ceremony. “To you, Sue, your family and your friends, please know that UNC Pembroke is excited, we’re honored, and we are inspired to honor such a great legend.”
If you are moved to support Sue, you can donate here.
Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Atlanta community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, at swimacrossamerica.org/atlanta.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Rhode Island community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island at swimacrossamerica.org/rhodeisland.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Seattle community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Fred Hutch Cancer Center at swimacrossamerica.org/seattle.
Samantha Johanna (Sammie Jo) Porter Swim Across America – Atlanta Age: 24 Years supporting Swim Across America: 14
Samantha Johanna (Sammie Jo), now 24, was only 11 years old when she woke up with a swollen eye. At that age, it seemed typical to assume she had something stuck in her eye causing the inflammation and that it would be a relatively easy solution to solve.
However, after multiple doctor visits, a CT scan showed a pea-size hole in her left orbit and a diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). LCH is a rare cancer condition where immune cells build up and form tumors or damage tissue, bone, and organs.
Sammie Jo, age 11, before her cancer diagnosis.
Sammie Jo didn’t let this devastating diagnosis stop her. An avid swimmer and child athlete, she was successfully treated and kept swimming throughout her medical issues.
In 2011, after emerging successfully from her treatment, she joined the cancer fundraising efforts with Swim Across America. This year, Sammie Jo is once again participating – this time in Atlanta. Though she has participated in several different swims, the Atlanta swim holds a special place in her heart.
“Swim Across America – Atlanta benefits the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where I work as a neonatal ICU nurse,” said Sammie Jo.
Sammie Jo swims at a Swim Across America event.
When asked what carried her through her difficult – and sometimes traumatic – treatments, Sammie Jo’s bright personality shines through.
“Through thick and thin, you just have to keep your head up,” noted Sammie Jo. “When I got my original diagnosis as a child, it was almost like a ray of sunshine in the dark tunnel because the doctors finally figured out what was wrong with me. But at the same time, I had to have major head surgery and that was scary.”
Sammie Jo had a layer of her skull shaved, which was then used to repair the hole in her orbit. She ended up with an incision from ear to ear. She and her family lived in Texas at the time and her first Swim Across America event after her recovery was the Swim Across America – Dallas event.
“I got involved in Swim Across America a year after I fought bone cancer,” said Sammie Jo. “I grew up swimming competitively, so when I heard that this open water swim was taking place in Dallas, I thought it was the perfect fit. While in college at Mizzou, I also participated in the Swim Across America – St. Louis event. I didn’t realize then that this organization, shortly after, would become my family and I wouldn’t change that for the world. I’m now so honored to be helping run the Junior Advisory Board for the Atlanta swim and on the Swim Across America Associate National Board!”
Sammie Jo with SAA-Dallas co-event directors, Michael Smit and Olympian Ryan Berube.
In high school, Sammie Jo swam for Lakeside Aquatic Club and was the 2015-2016 Scholastic All-American. At the University of Missouri, she was on the swim team where she was a stand-out ranked swimmer in the 100 and 200 free and won multiple event titles, and received an All-American honorable mention as a sophomore as part of the Missouri 400 relay team at the NCAA Championships.
The University of Missouri team at SAA-St. Louis.
Sammie Jo graduated in December of 2021 from the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing and happily accepted her dream job as a neonatal ICU nurse at Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the SAA-Atlanta’s local beneficiary.
Upon arriving in Atlanta, Sammie Jo knew she wanted to continue swimming and volunteering with Swim Across America, so joining the Atlanta swim was natural.
“I was a recent college graduate working my first job and had a lot of energy and passion for helping raise awareness and funds to fight cancer,” noted Sammie Jo. “I wanted to try to use my experience with swimming – and with cancer – to motivate other young swimmers to get involved.”
Sammie Jo dove right in and signed up to help spearhead the SAA-Atlanta Junior Advisory Board, where close to 20 middle and high school teens from throughout the Atlanta area work on specific fundraising programs for the swim, as well as swimming themselves. Sammie Jo also joined Swim Across America’s National Associate Board as a junior member.
Throughout the years, Sammie Jo has raised more than $20,000 for crucial cancer research with Swim Across America. She has participated as a swimmer and volunteer at Swim Across America events in Dallas, Charlotte, Seattle, St. Louis, and Atlanta.
If you are moved to support Sammie Jo, 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.
Swim Across America 