Swim Across America is proud to support promising research dedicated to cancer detection, prevention and treatments and has a proven track record of granting the brightest and boldest in the field.
The latest success story comes from Dr. Ajay Goel, who received a grant for pancreatic detection research from Swim Across America in collaboration with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the Lustgarten Foundation.
Through a separate study at Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Dr. Goel shared promising results from an early-detection method for identifying two stages of pancreatic cancers. The liquid biopsy test was found to detect 97% of stage I and stage II pancreatic cancers in hundreds of volunteers.
“These data highlight the urgent, unmet clinical need to identify and develop diagnostic methods that could precisely detect pancreatic cancer at its earliest stages, when the disease is still confined to the pancreas and surgical resection is still an option,” said Ajay Goel, Ph.D., M.S., AGAF.
Ajay Goel, Ph.D., M.S., AGAF
The researchers collected blood samples from each person and tested the expression of a set of small genes called microRNAs within the blood and encapsulated within exosomes found in the blood. Exosomes are small vesicles that are shed by both cancerous and healthy cells in the blood.Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, behind colon and lung cancers, with the number of deaths increasing year after year.
This remarkable statistic fuels the need for groundbreaking research like Dr. Goel’s.
“When non-profits combine powers, humanity wins,” said Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America.
“Swim Across America gives thanks to the incredible work of cutting-edge doctors, like Dr. Goel and his team, who are giving more families hope in the fight against cancer.”
Swim Across America is a national organization and offers open water and pool swims in 24 communities, from Boston Harbor to under the Golden Gate Bridge. Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has raised more than $100 million in the fight against cancer.
To learn more about Swim Across America and to register to swim, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org.
NEW FOR 2024! Swim Across America and Block Cancer are proud to partner to offer an amazing giveaway to one lucky participant from each of our community charity swims in 2024.
The rules are simple: participants should post their best photos showing their SAA spirit from the event on Instagram and tag @saaswim and @block.cancer.
In July 2021, Elizabeth Beisel’s heart broke into a million pieces when her father lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. His name was Ted Beisel. Elizabeth organized a fundraising swim for cancer research with Swim Across America in honor of her father’s brutal fight with the disease. Her successful 20km (12.5mi) swim to Block Island called Block Cancer raised historic funds and awareness for cancer research. Today, Block Cancer is a brand that has been sold worldwide, and something we know Ted would be extremely proud of.
At Block Cancer, we are proud to say we donate 90% of net profits to cancer research and clinical trials through the non-profit Swim Across America.
Swimmers, Boaters, Volunteers Make Waves in the Fight Against Cancer
CHARLESTON, S.C., April 4, 2024 — Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah is #makingwaves to #fightcancer! Celebrating its 7th year, this year’s swim will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Night Heron Park on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. There are three swim options available: a half-mile or a one-and-a-half mile open water option or a same day pool swim option. Participants can also join in virtually with “SAA My Way.” Boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders and land volunteers also participate in this inspirational event. To register as a swimmer or a volunteer visitswimacrossamerica.org/charleston.
Why does Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah swim to raise money in the fight against cancer? Cancer sadly touches everyone — whether it is a loved one or a friend, everyone knows someone who has been impacted by cancer.
In 2024, For the first time ever, the United States is expected to surpass more than 2 million new cases of cancer and 611,720 cancer deaths. These staggering statistics offer compelling proof of the need to continue devising new approaches to treatment. In fact, there are more than 18 million Americans with a history of invasive cancer who are alive today, who were diagnosed many years ago or now have no current evidence of the disease, thanks to new treatments. Whether it is through swimming, volunteering, donating or cheering on loved ones and friends, Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah welcomes anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of the fight against cancer.
Participants of the 2023 Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah community swim
Funds raised by Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah supports cancer research and clinical trials at the Ferreira Lab at Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. The Ferreira Lab is dedicated to designing and developing engineered immune cell therapies for autoimmune disease, cancer, and aging. To date, Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah has raised more than $400,000 to fight cancer since its first Charleston-Kiawah swim in 2018.
“The Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim is such an inspiring event,” said Jana Chanthabane, event director of the Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim. “The gathering of so many families and so many individuals who are honoring those who are special to them is incredible — whether they are currently battling it out, or survivors or have lost someone. To hear the stories and to learn about those whom cancer has touched and to experience that love is just palpable. The feeling of wanting to make a change and to do something for those who have experienced cancer is huge.”
“I remember being stuck with the feeling of needing to do SOMETHING to help my girls for the future, my family and other women that I love,” said Jana.
Swim Across America is a national organization and offers open water and pool swims in 24 communities, from Boston Harbor to under the Golden Gate Bridge. Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has raised more than $100 million in the fight against cancer.
Jana Chanthabane, SAA-Charleston-Kiawah event director, and her daughter, Ella, at the 2023 community swim.
Funds raised by Swim Across America and its grants have helped support the research and clinical trials for FDA approved immunotherapy medicines, including Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. Swim Across America is also a grant funder of the successful clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that was published in The New England Journal of Medicine and showed a 100 percent success rate in treating patients in a phase 2 clinical trial for advanced rectal cancer with dostarlimab. Swim Across America grants support more than 60 projects each year and there are ten named Swim Across America Labs at major institutions including: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, John Hopkins Medicine Baltimore, Rush University Medical Center Chicago, Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, Infusion Center at Nantucket Cottage Hospital, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and San Francisco, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, The Swim Across America Pediatric Research Lab at Columbia University Medical Center New York, and at Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine.
More than 150 Olympians support Swim Across America, including Michael Phelps, Craig Beardsley (who was inducted into the International Swimmer’s Hall of Fame in 2022), Donna De Varona, Rowdy Gaines, Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Bobby Hackett, Ryan Lochte, Glenn Mills, Cristina Teuscher and many more.
To learn more about Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah or to register to swim, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/charleston.
Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) raises money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With the help of volunteers, and Olympians, Swim Across America is an innovator and leader in giving hope to those fighting cancer. To learn more visit swimacrossamerica.org, Facebook @SwimAcrossAmerica, and Instagram and Twitter @SAASwim.
Kara Wolter was 26 when she was diagnosed with metastatic osteosarcoma. The bone cancer found in her left knee had spread to her lungs. Her treatment plan included six different chemotherapies and multiple surgeries, including six lung wedge recession surgeries and amputation of her left leg above the knee. She was given a high recurrence rate and a 15 to 20% chance to live another five years.
Six years later, Kara is now 33 and “thriving as a cancer survivor!” She has had no evidence of disease for three years.
How did Kara learn about Swim Across America?
“During a check up with my oncologist at Rogel University Cancer Center, I saw a flyer for the upcoming Swim Across America – Motor City Mile event. Proceeds from the event go towards cancer research right there at Rogel,” said Kara.
“I used to swim as a child, and now I coach for the same team I swam with, so it was an easy decision to sign up for SAA – Motor City Mile.”
Kara Wolter spoke at the 2023 Swim Across America – Motor City Mile community swim.
Her connection to the Swim Across America mission and local beneficiary made it an easy decision, like many other Swim Across America participants.
This will be Kara’s fifth year swimming at SAA – Motor City Mile, and she hopes to hit yet another personal milestone.
“I am so close to raising more than $10,000! Five years, $10,000 raised… I know we are making an incredible impact in our community,” shared Kara.
Kara Wolter grew up swimming and is now a coach for the same team she swam with.
Since 2019, Swim Across America – Motor City Mile has raised over $500,000. In 2023, Dr. Kyoung Eun Lee, one of the grant recipients, received an $1.4M grant from NCI to study the role of low oxygen supply in pancreatic cancer
On July 12, Kara, her team, the Sassy Swimmers, and hundreds of swimmers, volunteers, and supporters hope to make an even greater impact in their community.
“Swim Across America is so important to me. I survived a terrible cancer that I probably should not have survived and I want to make a difference in the future,” said Kara.
On Saturday, May 4, hundreds of swimmers, volunteers, and supporters will “Make Waves to Fight Cancer” at the 13th annual Swim Across America – Tampa Bay open water swim at North Shore Park, St. Petersburg, Florida Proceeds from the event benefit cancer research at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Established in 2021, Swim Across America – Tampa Bay has raised over $2 million for cancer research and clinical trials.
Every participant has a special reason for attending the charity swim; whether it’s to honor a cancer survivor, swim in memory of a loved one, or experience the hope each community swim brings.
For the second year in a row 16-year-old Kellen Murdock will swim one mile with his team Berkeley Aquatics. Kellen shared his personal connection to Swim Across America’s mission.
“I participated in Swim Across America – Tampa Bay last year in honor of my Dad. In 2019, he was diagnosed with stage 4 sinus cancer. The possibility of losing him was devastating,” shared Kellen.
“I’m grateful that my dad has been in remission since completing treatment in June 2019. This was only possible thanks to the dedication of his team of oncologists.”
Kellen Murdock and his father embrace at the 2023 SAA-Tampa Bay event
Kellen took his dedication even further by joining the Swim Across America – Tampa Bay Junior Advisory Board this year. The group of high school students serve as ambassadors for Swim Across America in their community and pledge to raise awareness and funds in support of the cause.
“Swim Across America is important to my family because of my dad’s experiences with cancer. We don’t want anyone to go through the same experiences we did with cancer and Swim Across America helps with that,” said Kellen.
Haley Campbell and Dr. Heather Pryor joined Swim Across America – Tampa Bay with a unique team name – Team Hakuna Ma-Tatas. The lighthearted name is a nod to Heather’s recent battle with breast cancer.
The duo joined Swim Across America as a way to get back in the water, stay active, and give back to the community.
“We both have competed in some form, whether it be competitive swimming or triathlons, and we both wanted to get back in the water. For Heather, it was more than swimming. She had just finished heavy treatments for breast cancer and wanted to find a way to get active again,” said team captain, Haley.
“It seemed like a no-brainer. We both had a deep connection to cancer, so we could support cancer research, while doing something we love.”
Heather Pryor and Haley Campbell, Team Hakuna Ma-Tatas
Haley also shared that when she was five years old, her father was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.
“At the time he was given three to five years to live. He looked the doctors dead in the eyes and said, ‘No, I WILL watch my kids graduate from high school,’” said Haley.
“Not only did he get to see us graduate high school, he saw my brother graduate from college. He passed away 16 years after he was diagnosed. I have no doubt that modern advances in cancer research – and his incredibly positive attitude – are the reasons that I was able to not only grow up with my daddy, but I was also able to make memories that I never would have been able to make.”
Like many Swim Across America participants, Heather loved that she could combine celebrating her recovery with giving hope to others fighting the same battle.
“Through Swim Across America, I not only help myself recover from breast cancer treatments, but I can also help fund research to help others overcome cancer, too.
Heather has been a family physician for 25 years and has discovered cancer in many of her patients throughout her career.
“I am swimming in honor of all the people who are currently fighting cancer and in memory of those who lost the battle. I am hopeful that my efforts help find a cure for cancer, so others will not have to endure what I and so many others have faced.”
Preliminary findings from the clinical trial are hopeful and show the promise of cell therapy for treating incurable conditions.
“The CAR-T platform has revolutionized how we think about treating patients with cancer, but solid tumors like glioblastoma have remained challenging to treat because not all cancer cells are exactly alike and cells within the tumor vary. Our approach combines two forms of therapy, allowing us to treat glioblastoma in a broader, potentially more effective way.” said Bryan Choi, MD, PhD, neurosurgeon and associate director of the Center for Brain Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Mass General Cancer Center and Department of Neurosurgery.
MRI results from a glioblastoma clinical trial that received initial grant funding from Swim Across America – Boston. The scans show tumor size before infusion (day -7) and after infusion (day 5).
Days after a single treatment, the three patients experienced dramatic reductions in their tumors, with one patient achieving near-complete tumor regression.
MRI scans conducted before and after treatment showed initial regression in tumor size. In time, the researchers observed tumor progression in these patients, but given the strategy’s promising preliminary results, the team will pursue strategies to extend the durability of response.
Dr. Choi expressed gratitude for the Swim Across America – Boston grant that made this research possible. Dr. Choi’s lab also receives funding from Swim Across America – Nantucket.
“Swim Across America directly supports my laboratory, which is dedicated to developing novel experimental immune therapies for patients with brain cancer. SAA funded a critical step in the early stage of discovery, allowing us to take on high risk projects that otherwise might not be possible.” said Dr. Choi.
“Without this type of support, my lab would not be able to develop or advance new therapies toward clinical studies like the one published here.”
Swim Across America – Boston and Swim Across America – Nantucket leadership teams visited Dr. Choi at Mass General Cancer Center in March 2023, just one month before the clinical trial was launched. During the visit, SAA leaders were treated to an informative presentation and lab tour from Dr. Choi.
During the tour, Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Chief Operating Officer of Swim Across America, pointed out that Dr. Choi’s research falls in the “sweet spot” of the high risk, high reward research that Swim Across America is pursuing.
“This promising research aligns perfectly with the opportunities that Swim Across America seeks to support. We are excited that SAA funding could help accelerate (this research) to patient trials.”
In March 2023, leaders from Swim Across America – Boston and Swim Across America – Nantucket visited Dr. Choi’s research lab at Mass General Cancer Center. Pictured: Michele Fox, Patty Gienke, Bob Hackett, Liam Hackett, Steven Laduzinski, Jamie Mannion, Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Alex Meyer, Rick Osterberg, Shep Perkins, Jill Roethke, Mike Ryan, Jessica Stokes, Kitty Tetreault.
Swim Across America’s grant agreement with beneficiaries, such as Mass General Cancer Center, requires that 100% of an SAA grant must be spent on approved research and clinical trial programs. Since 1987, SAA has granted over $100M to innovative and otherwise unfunded ideas so that the time of oncologists is protected to make progress and develop new treatments.
For the third year in a row, swimmer Bryan Stroinski, is participating in the Swim Across America – Nashville community charity swim with his team “Bryan’s Battlin’ Blue Waves.” Bryan and his teammates are swimming in honor of one of Bryan’s best friends Zac Cain, who sadly lost his battle with colorectal cancer at just 19 years of age.
“When I first heard about Swim Across America, I knew that it combined two of my main interests – swimming and cancer research,” said Bryan.
“I feel like everyone is impacted by cancer in some way, and that is true for me as well. Ten years ago I lost one of my best friends, Zac Cain, to colorectal cancer. Zac was diagnosed during his senior year of high school in 2012, during our swim season together. I had swam with Zac for many years previously and we developed a great friendship.”
Bryan Stroinski and his friend, Zac Cain, who battled colorectal cancer while in high school.
“Zac was always someone that anyone could go to for anything. He was a great training partner, teammate, and overall amazing friend. Zac was a phenomenal swimmer who had planned on swimming Division 1 with sights set on the Olympics. Zac was still competing at his highest level right up until his diagnosis, so losing someone so young to cancer was hard – and it was a complete shock to all of us who knew him.”
Bryan is swimming in this year’s SAA-Nashville charity swim to honor 10 years since Zac’s passing.
Bryan shared that Zac had been in and out of remission from his diagnosis in 2012 until his passing in March 2014. During this time, Zac had also been a participant in a couple clinical trials for cancer research drugs.
“Because of Zac’s illness and participation in clinical trials, I feel a strong personal connection to Swim Across America’s mission,” said Bryan.
“Funding for clinical trials is so important in cancer research and having that be the main goal for Swim Across America makes me want to support the organization in any way I can. Swim Across America’s mission to unite communities and support those affected by cancer resonates deeply with me and my family, as we believe in the power of collective action to drive positive change in the fight against this disease.”
Bryan and his team at the 2023 Swim Across America – Nashville community charity swim.
“My participation this year is important because it is the 10 year anniversary of Zac’s passing, as well as the one year anniversary of my Mom’s death. While I did not lose my Mom to cancer, she always knew how important Swim Across America and Zac were to me. I always feel my Mom’s continued support in anything I do, so my motivation to support Swim Across America this year is higher than ever, and I am excited to see what the Nashville Community can do for Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center.”
To support Bryan and his team, Bryan’s Battlin’ Blue Waves, click here.
Swimmers, Boaters, Volunteers Make Waves in the Fight Against Cancer
ISLAMORADA, Fla., February 22, 2024 — Swim Across America – Florida Keys is #makingwaves to #fightcancer! Celebrating its 3rd year, this year’s swim will be held Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Founders Park in Islamorada, Florida. There are several swim distances available: half-mile, one-and-a-half mile and two-mile, plus a fun Kids’ Splash! Boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders, and land volunteers participate in this inspirational event. To register as a swimmer or a volunteer, or to donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys.
Why does Swim Across America – Florida Keys swim to raise money in the fight against cancer? Cancer sadly touches everyone — whether it is a loved one or a friend, everyone knows someone who has been impacted by cancer.
Swimmers, volunteers and spectators at the 2023 Swim Across America – Florida Keys charity swim.
In 2024, For the first time ever, the United States is expected to surpass more than 2 million new cases of cancer and 611,720 cancer deaths. These staggering statistics offer compelling proof of the need to continue devising new approaches to treatment. In fact, there are more than 18 million Americans with a history of invasive cancer who are alive today, who were diagnosed many years ago or now have no current evidence of the disease, thanks to new treatments. Whether it is through swimming, volunteering, donating or cheering on loved ones and friends, Swim Across America – Florida Keys welcomes anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of the fight against cancer.
Funds raised by Swim Across America – Florida Keys go directly to support cancer research and patient care programs at Miami Cancer Institute. To date, Swim Across America – Florida Keys has donated more than $110,000 to Miami Cancer Institute.
Glenn and Susan Latham, co-event directors for Swim Across America – Florida Keys
“The Swim Across America – Florida Keys open water swim is such an inspiring event,” said Glenn Latham, event director of the Swim Across America – Florida Keys open water swim.
“The gathering of so many families and so many individuals who are honoring those who are special to them is incredible — whether they are currently battling it out, or survivors or have lost someone. To hear the stories and to learn about those whom cancer has touched and to experience that love is just palpable. The feeling of wanting to make a change and to do something for those who have experienced cancer is huge.”
Glenn Latham knows the impact of raising funds for cancer research first-hand. He is a cancer survivor himself after being diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 53 in 2008. Receiving a cancer diagnosis in his early 50’s wasn’t actually a surprise to Glenn – cancer has impacted his family with both of his parents and two out of his three siblings all battling cancer. Glenn’s father also battled prostate cancer and his mother passed away at the young age of 48 from breast cancer – a disease that also impacted two of his sisters, one who succumbed to the disease, and the other is a survivor, like Glenn. Today, Glenn at age 69, after five years of cancer treatment, is celebrating being 12 years cancer-free! In addition to running the Keys event, he is also a swimmer and has swam in the event each year.
“Fortunately, due to lots of prayer, family support and modern technology I am in remission,” said Glenn Latham. “As a cancer survivor, I subsequently was involved in several cancer causes prior to moving to The Keys. My love of swimming led to the chance meeting with a local swimmer and Swim Across America board member who shared the mission of Swim Across America. My wife and I were immediately interested, and together we decided to organize a Swim Across America open water swim in the Florida Keys. I believe we need to expand cancer research, and the funding that Swim Across America and our swim generates is of huge value. It is particularly gratifying meeting and working with key members of the local medical research institution, Swim Across America staff, swim Olympians and local community supporters. Please come out and join us on April 20th! It’s fun for all ages!”
Swim Across America is a national organization and offers open water and pool swims in 24 communities, from Boston Harbor to under the Golden Gate Bridge. Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has raised more than $100 million in the fight against cancer.
Swim Across America’s funding of the research and clinical trials for patients helped contribute to four FDA approved life-saving immunotherapy cancer treatments: Yervoy, Opdivo, Tecentriq and Keytruda. Swim Across America is also a grant funder of the successful clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that was published inThe New England Journal of Medicine and showed a 100 percent success rate in treating patients in a phase 2 clinical trial for advanced rectal cancer with dostarlimab, an immunotherapy treatment produced by GlaxoSmithKline. Swim Across America awards grant to more than 60 projects each year and there are ten named Swim Across America Labs at major institutions including: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, John Hopkins Medicine Baltimore, Rush University Medical Center Chicago, Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, Infusion Center at Nantucket Cottage Hospital, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and San Francisco, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, The Swim Across America Pediatric Research Lab at Columbia University Medical Center New York, and at Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine.
More than 150 Olympians support Swim Across America, including Michael Phelps, Craig Beardsley (who was inducted into the International Swimmer’s Hall of Fame in 2022), Donna De Varona, Rowdy Gaines, Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Bobby Hackett, Ryan Lochte, Glenn Mills, Cristina Teuscher and many more.
To learn more about Swim Across America – Florida Keys or to register to swim, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys.
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, Swim Across America is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more visit swimacrossamerica.org, swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys or follow on Facebook or Instagram @saafloridakeys or email glenn@swimacrossamerica.org.
Since 2009, Swim Across America has contributed more than $5.3 million for cancer research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Funds raised by the event and by the motivated swimmers who participate enable early-career investigators to pursue groundbreaking research that can improve care for patients in Seattle and beyond. Investigators who received funding in previous years continue to build on research made possible by Swim Across America to advance understanding of breast cancer, lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, and sarcoma. We are delighted to provide this year’s update on the projects you’ve supported below. Don’t forget to register for this year’s Swim Across America – Seattle!
Dr. Meghan Flanagan
Meghan R. Flanagan, MD, MPH | Breast Cancer
Physician and affiliate investigator, Fred Hutch; Assistant professor of Surgery, UW Medicine
Project: Association of HSD3B1 (1245C) genotype with recurrence among post-menopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2- negative breast cancer
Background: Anti-estrogen endocrine therapy reduces the risk of recurrence and improves breast cancer mortality among individuals with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer. However, approximately one-quarter of patients are inherently resistant or develop resistance to endocrine therapy. Ultimately, this research may allow us to identify people with innate endocrine resistance and develop novel therapeutics and treatment strategies.
Progress statement 2022: Swim Across America’s initial support helped our team evaluate whether there is an association between a common single nucleotide variation in a gene called HSD3B1 (which is involved in hormone biosynthesis) and breast cancer outcomes. Using an extensive collection of clinical and pathologic data about patients and their tumors, we demonstrated that patients with two copies of the variant in the HSD3B1 gene had a five-fold increased risk of developing metastatic breast cancer, compared to people who did not have this variant.
In July 2022, we published findings from Swim Across America-supported research in the Annals of Surgical Oncology. Based on these results, our team received funding to study whether inheriting two copies of the variant HSD3B1 gene — which occurs in 10% to 15% of patients with estrogen receptor-positive, post-menopausal breast cancer — decreases the effectiveness of anti-estrogen medications, which are used universally in this population. Our results could indicate the need for alternative treatment strategies for these patients.
2023 update: 33 of 60 patients have completed the study, and frozen tissue from 25 patients has been analyzed for estrogen and androgen concentrations. Although only two patients had two copies of the variant HSD3B1 gene, and we do not have enough information to make conclusions about the variant versus wild-type gene, it is likely that our analysis will be the most comprehensive steroid profiling of normal and tumor breast tissue. We are also in the process of finalizing data for our primary study outcomes and anticipate this will be completed in the late spring.
Dr. Sita Kugel
Sita Kugel, PhD | Pancreatic Cancer
Assistant professor, Fred Hutch
Project: Exploring novel functions of HMGA2 in pancreatic cancer
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is an extremely lethal disease with an overall five-year survival rate of 12%. Recent work has led to the discovery that PDA can be subdivided into two principal subtypes based on transcriptional signatures: classical and basal. The basal subtype is more aggressive and leads to the worst overall survival. Our laboratory has been focused on understanding the mechanisms that drive each subtype with the aim of identifying therapeutic vulnerabilities that may be exploited in the clinic.
Progress statement 2022: Within an already challenging malignancy, certain transcriptional subtypes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma are especially lethal. Funding from Swim Across America is helping us understand what defines each subtype, as well as their susceptibilities and mechanisms of resistance, to help to identify potential new treatment options for this devastating disease. Our team has recreated the classical and basal subtypes in the lab and managed to explore the differences between the two, including how they acquire resistance to first-line therapies. Our work will lay the groundwork for more targeted treatments for PDAs that can also account for their respective escape mechanisms, thereby improving outcomes.
2023 update: Some of our recent work showed that basal pancreatic tumors are sensitive to cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors. Our team is trialing these CDK inhibitors in patients who are also receiving standard-of-care treatment, while also looking at whether a different treatment combination affects one tumor subtype more than the other.
Simultaneously, we are using pancreatic tumor tissue taken from patients and grown in mice to test new treatment strategies in an environment similar to the human body.
Dr. Jonathan Sham
Jonathan Sham, MD, MBEE | Pancreatic Cancer
Surgical oncologist and assistant professor, Fred Hutch and UW Medicine
Project: Novel drug-eluting biopolymer to reduce pancreatic fistula and improve outcomes after pancreatic surgery
Background: Pancreatectomy, or removal of the pancreas, is the mainstay of any potentially curative treatment regimen for pancreatic cancer. Despite an overall improvement in the safety of pancreatic surgery over the past several decades, the morbidity of pancreatectomy remains exceedingly high. The most significant complication after pancreatic surgery is postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), which occurs in up to 50% of cases. The use of a biopolymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), is an innovative approach to prevent leakage of pancreatic juice from the cut surface of the gland, while drug-eluting microspheres aims to simultaneously reduce baseline pancreatic fluid secretion. This novel dual-action approach will be tested in a validated rat model of POPF with the goal of rapid clinical translation and patient benefit.
Progress statement 2022: Swim Across America is advancing our work to improve outcomes after pancreatic surgery. Your support is enabling a trailblazing collaboration between surgeons and bioengineers to develop novel ways to stop leaks after pancreas surgery and help patients live healthier and longer lives. We have also expanded our team and published our groundbreaking research, including our development of a preclinical model for studying POPF. We continue to move this work closer to helping patients with pancreatic cancer.
2023 update: We are continuing to optimize biopolymer performance and handling characteristics for use during surgery. We are also including a chemical approach that clams use to adhere to underwater rocks in order to maximize adhesion on wet surfaces during surgery.
Dr. Jordan Gauthier
Jordan Gauthier, MD, MsC | Lymphoma
Physician and assistant professor, Fred Hutch and UW Medicine
Project: Factors associated with failure of CD19 CAR T cells in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Background: We are investigating two factors — T-cell dysfunction during manufacturing and the suppressive tumor microenvironment — that may play a critical role in the failure of CD19-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for people with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We are also working to identify potential targets to improve outcomes of CAR T-cell therapy for patients with DLBCL.
Progress statement 2022: The Swim Across America grant allowed us to explore two parallel questions. First, to understand whether exhausted T cells are associated with treatment failure after CAR T-cell therapy for patients with DLBCL, we analyzed blood samples from 34 patients treated on a clinical trial. While we did not confirm an association between exhausted T cells and treatment failure, we found that a higher proportion of terminally differentiated T cells may have an adverse impact on the outcomes of CAR T-cell therapy. Second, to determine if an exhausted gene signature in T cells from lymphoma tumors is associated with treatment failure, we analyzed pre-treatment tumor biopsies from 17 patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy. In patients who had a complete response to CAR T-cell therapy, we found that T-cell-associated genes were overexpressed compared to patients not in complete response after treatment. Our results suggest that tumors more susceptible to T-cell infiltration might respond better to CAR T-cell therapy.
Funds from Swim Across America also supported the development of two cutting-edge approaches, CITE-seq and CODEX, that allow us to study proteins and DNA from single cells and take 3D photographs of biopsies before and after therapy. These tools will help us better understand why CAR T-cell therapy does not work in some patients. Identifying why treatment fails at a single-cell level will have a dramatic impact on how we design the next generation of CAR T-cell therapies.
2023 update: Using tools we developed with the support of Swim Across America, we are now able to specifically study how CAR T cells “talk” to other cells inside lymphoma tumors. We are also now using CITE-seq to analyze 20 tumor biopsy samples from patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy in clinical trials. We are looking at associations between specific immune cell populations and outcomes, such as anti-cancer effects and toxicity.
Dr. John Lee
John K. Lee, MD, PhD | Sarcoma
Previously physician and assistant professor, Fred Hutch and UW Medicine; currently at UCLA
Project: Development of STEAP1 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for Ewing sarcoma
Background: Approximately 200 adolescents and young adults in the U.S. are diagnosed each year with Ewing sarcoma, a cancer of the soft tissue and bone. When Ewing sarcoma spreads, patients face a very grim prognosis, as no available treatments eradicate the disease. If successful, our studies will help lay the groundwork for the development and clinical translation of a first-in-field CAR T-cell immunotherapy for Ewing sarcoma that targets the protein STEAP1.
Progress statement 2022: Swim Across America funding helped us evaluate whether a novel CAR T-cell therapy targeting the protein STEAP1 could be an effective strategy to treat patients with Ewing sarcoma. Our results indicate that human Ewing sarcoma tumor models commonly express STEAP1 and are susceptible to killing by STEAP1 CAR T cells. In related studies, we have also determined that STEAP1 CAR T-cell therapy appears safe in a novel mouse model that we engineered to express human STEAP1. We have seen highly promising activity in multiple preclinical models of Ewing sarcoma, and we licensed the technology to a company for clinical development.
2023 update: The Swim Across America grant enabled studies, now complete, confirming the anti-cancer activity of STEAP1 CAR T-cell therapy in preclinical models of Ewing sarcoma. A clinical trial in humans at Fred Hutch and Seattle Children’s Hospital is now being planned.
After a Successful Career with Oncology Pharmaceutical Companies, DeSimone is Making Waves in the Fight Against Cancer
CHARLOTTE, N.C., February 14, 2024 – Swim Across America, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing grants for cancer research and patient programs and raising funds through swimming events, is pleased to announce that Jill DeSimone, a global pharmaceutical executive, has been appointed to the Swim Across America Board of Directors. Jill’s career included championing excellence in patient care for serious diseases, while igniting scalable growth and agility in the healthcare marketplace. She held positions of executive leadership for more than 30 years, culminating in eight years as president of Oncology for Merck.
“One of my greatest joys has been volunteering and encouraging many of my colleagues and friends to volunteer with Swim Across America,” says Jill DeSimone. “I’m thrilled to continue my support with the Board of Directors and its mission of cancer research, detection, education, and giving hope to families that are affected by cancer.”
“Jill has been supporting Swim Across America for many years,” commented Pam Ryan, Swim Across America board chair. “She’s been to many of the communities and hospitals that our grants fund. She has passion, relationships, and valuable leadership experience that is going to advance our mission and ability to help people.”
Ms. DeSimone was most recently president of U.S. Oncology at Merck & Co., Inc., where she built the company’s oncology division, growing it to over a $9 billion business in just eight years. She led three key product launches, and more than 45 indication launches, including Keytruda®, of which Swim Across America played a major role in funding the research and clinical trials. Prior to joining Merck, she served as senior vice president of Global Women’s Health at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., from 2012 to 2014. Prior to her time at Teva, she served in several roles of increasing responsibility at Bristol Myers Squibb from 1980 to 2012, including senior vice president of U.S. Oncology & Commercial from 2010 to 2012 and senior vice president of U.S. Virology/HIV from 2006 to 2010.
Swim Across America was founded in 1987 with its first open water charity swim in Long Island Sound. The non-profit has grown to 24-communities with charity swims and each year, thousands of survivors and Olympians participate to raise funds for innovative cancer research, detection and patient programs.
Swim Across America’s funding of the research and clinical trials for patients helped contribute to four FDA approved life-saving immunotherapy cancer treatments: Yervoy, Opdivo, Tecentriq and Keytruda. Swim Across America is also a grant funder of the successful clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that was published inThe New England Journal of Medicine and showed a 100 percent success rate in treating patients in a phase 2 clinical trial for advanced rectal cancer with dostarlimab, an immunotherapy treatment produced by GlaxoSmithKline. Swim Across America awards grant to more than 60 projects each year and there are ten named Swim Across America Labs at major institutions including: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, John Hopkins Medicine Baltimore, Rush University Medical Center Chicago, Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, Infusion Center at Nantucket Cottage Hospital, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and San Francisco, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, The Swim Across America Pediatric Research Lab at Columbia University Medical Center New York, and at Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine.Swim Across America, Inc.
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, Swim Across America is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more visitswimacrossamerica.org or follow on Facebook @SwimAcrossAmerica or on Instagram or Twitter @SAASwim.
Swim Across America 