Tag: cancer research

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE 2025 SWIM ACROSS AMERICA COLLEGE CUP

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, baltimore, Carolina, charlotte, college swimming, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Pool Swims, rhode island, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Swim Across America (SAA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 SAA College Cup. More than 45 collegiate, club, and alumni teams and over 1,300 participants all united to make waves in the fight against cancer through swimming and friendly competition. Together, the teams raised over $500,000 for their communities and beneficiaries.

Swim Across America awarded the top fundraising team, the top collegiate fundraiser, and a bonus team chosen at random. 

Congrats to the top fundraising team, Team Tar Heel! The top team is led by co-captains, Bailey Burt and Sue Walsh, and raised more than $88,000. Funds raised by Team Tar Heel supported the Swim Across America – Carolina community.

Team Tar Heel from the SAA-Carolina community is the winner of the Swim Across America College Cup. Congrats!

For Olympian and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alum and Team Tar Heel captain, Sue Walsh, Swim Across America’s mission is deeply personal. 

“I am so proud to be a part of this amazing organization and raise funds for critical cancer research at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center with Team Tar Heel,” shared Sue. “I swim for everyone fighting cancer and I’m proud of what we have accomplished in our community.”

“As a team, we are thrilled to be the Swim Across America College Cup champions and to have had the opportunity to make such a tremendous positive impact in our community. Each of us is passionate about the SAA mission and thankful for the good it has done for so many.

Congrats to the top collegiate fundraiser, Lucas Caswell, who raised over $11,500! Lucas is a student at WashU in St. Louis, Missouri, supporter of the SAA-St. Louis open water swim, and helped establish the 2025 SAA-Michigan pool swim at the University of Michigan. Lucas will be honored in May at the annual CSCAA awards banquet in Chicago.

Lucas Caswell and his mother, Elizabeth, at the 2025 SAA-Michigan pool swim.

“Swim Across America’s community of swimmers, volunteers, and researchers inspired me through their work, their stories, and their hope to join the fight against cancer,” shared Lucas.

SAA also recognized a collegiate team chosen through a random drawing: Team Thundering over Cancer with Marshall University. The team of more than 20 swimmers raised nearly $9,000 through their inaugural pool swim, and were awarded an $800 Kiefer Aquatics voucher. Funds raised by the team from Marshall University supported pediatric cancer research through Swim Across America national grants.

“Swim Across America and their mission is important to us because we have seen our friends and family greatly affected by cancer,” shared by team captain, Nina Nugent “We’re honored to have hosted the first SAA pool swim in West Virginia and hope that together we can Thunder Over Cancer!”

The Swim Across America College Cup invites college teams, athletes, and alumni to join the organization’s mission of funding cancer research, clinical trials, and patient care programs through community charity swims. Teams participate by registering for one of Swim Across America’s open water charity swims, joining or starting a pool swim, or participating virtually through the SAA My Way program. Participants affiliated with a U.S-based college or university are eligible to compete in the College Cup. Teams consist of current college students, alumni, or a mix of both, and could be small as one person.

The Swim Across America College Cup is supported through partnerships with CSCAA, Kiefer, and GoSwim. 

About Swim Across America

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention, and treatment through swimming-related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, SAA is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more visit swimacrossamerica.org or follow on Facebook or on Instagram.

About CSCAA

Founded in 1922, the CSCAA is the nation’s first professional coaching association for intercollegiate athletics. The CSCAA boasts more than 2,000 member coaches and assistant coaches, recognizes All-American swimmers and divers, NCAA record-breakers and Scholar All-America athletes and teams, as well as outstanding coaches and contributors, and helps oversee the welfare of collegiate swimming and diving. Learn more about CSCAA at cscaa.org.

About Kiefer Aquatics

Kiefer Aquatics is the trusted source for competitive swimmers, lifeguards, and aquatic facilities. From performance swimwear and lifeguard uniforms to rescue gear, on-deck equipment, and general aquatic facility needs, Kiefer is dedicated to helping our customers deliver better aquatic experiences through trusted products, customized solutions, and exceptional service. Learn more at kiefer.com.

About GoSwim

GoSwim creates content that helps people of all ages and backgrounds to swim better and reach their full potential in the sport. GoSwim’s videos are acclaimed and unsurpassed for clarity of filming and clarity of content and commentary. GoSwim was founded in 2002 by Olympian Glenn Mills and business colleague Barbara Hummel. Learn more at goswim.tv.

Swim Across America – Charlotte In the News

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, charlotte, college swimming, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Junior Advisory Board, Making Waves With Hope, News, UncategorizedTagged , , , , Leave a comment

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Charlotte community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital, at swimacrossamerica.org/charlotte.

WSOC

Swim Across America event returns to the Queen City

Swim Across America event returns to the Queen City (Yahoo! via WSCO)

WCNC (NBC 36)

Swim Across America helps raise funds for local cancer research (YouTube via WCNC)

Swim Across America helps raise funds for local cancer research

Making waves in cancer research – Sponsored by Atrium Health Foundation

WFAE

Hundreds to swim in Lake Wylie for cancer treatment and research fundraiser

South Charlotte Weekly

15-year-old Paralympian to swim for charity

Charlotte Observer

How Providence Day swimmer Drennan Shall has turned pain into purpose

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – RHODE ISLAND IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, rhode island, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

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.

What’s Up Newp

Morning Notes: 16th Annual Swim Across America event set for September 6 in Narragansett

Morning Notes: 16th Annual Swim Across America event set for September 6 in Narragansett

WJAR CBS 10

Hundreds swim in Narragansett to raise money for cancer research

WPRI 12 News

16th Annual Swim Across America held in Narragansett

YouTube via WPRI

16th Annual Swim Across America held in Narragansett

Providence Business News

Swim Across America’s 16th annual R.I. Open Water Swim for charity set for Sept. 6

Swim Across America’s 16th annual R.I. Open Water Swim for charity set for Sept. 6

Rich DeSelm: Rooted in Philanthropy and Making Waves with Swim Across America – Carolina

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, Carolina, Pool Swims, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Rich DeSelm’s connection to Swim Across America runs deep — rooted not only in his own cancer journey but also in a lifelong commitment to swimming and building community.

Rich was first diagnosed with testicular cancer in January 1982. Since then, he has faced multiple cancer and heart challenges, leaning on the expertise of his medical care team, and his community of supporters who have helped him every step of the way. 

The Swim Across America – Carolina event brings together a community of UNC alumni and students, Olympians, and hundreds of supporters.

“I’ve been fortunate to receive incredible care at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the beneficiary of the Swim Across America – Carolina pool swim,” Rich shares. “That support has motivated me to keep giving back.”

His story with swimming and cancer fundraising began decades ago. In the early 1980s, alongside his friend, Peter McGrain, Rich helped launch a community event in Chapel Hill called Swim For Life. The summer fundraiser brought together families and swimmers from the Chapel Hill Summer Swim League and raised awareness and funds for cancer research. 

Around that same time, after Rich graduated from UNC, he took an assistant coaching position and remained on the coaching staff for nearly 30 years.  

When Rich stepped down as Head Swimming Coach at UNC in 2019, his successor, Olympic gold medalist Mark Gangloff, worked with Swim Across America CEO Rob Butcher to bring a new event to Chapel Hill — continuing the mission that Rich had helped start years earlier. Thus, Swim Across America – Carolina was born!

The community pool swim has grown exponentially since its inception in 2022. Last year, supporters raised more than $170,000 for UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

For Rich, the connection to Swim Across America is personal. “I feel a very close connection to the Swim Across America mission,” he says. “I am swimming for all cancer patients and survivors, especially those in the swimming community, and on behalf of all cancer care providers, including family members, who play such a vital role in care and survivorship.”

This year, as he joins the Swim Across America – Carolina community, Rich carries with him not only his own survivor story but also the stories of countless others who inspire him to Make Waves to Fight Cancer.

If you are inspired to support Rich and Team Tar Heel, give here.

Paul Felton: Swimming for Family, Friends, and Hope

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, san franciscoTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

For more than a decade, Paul Felton has been a dedicated supporter of Swim Across America – San Francisco, raising an impressive $25,000 to fund life-saving cancer research. This year, he’ll once again take the plunge as a swimmer, carrying with him the stories and strength of those closest to him.

Paul was first introduced to Swim Across America  through a close friend whose daughter was diagnosed with a rare cancer and treated at UCSF. Funds raised through Swim Across America – San Francisco are granted to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Grantees also include researchers at UCSF.

Paul Felton’s daughter, Claire, was diagnosed with leukemia when she was a freshman in college.

“We were all water polo players,” Paul recalls. “Hearing about SAA and already having competed in open water events, it was easy to do something we loved while contributing to a cause that was so close to our hearts.”

Several years later, the mission of Swim Across America became even more personal when Paul’s own daughter, Claire, was diagnosed with leukemia. After taking time off, he returned to the swim in 2024 with a renewed sense of purpose.

“Last year Claire was diagnosed a week before the swim, and I registered, knowing from my past experience with Swim Across America, that any fundraising I could do could benefit Claire and so many others going through cancer treatment at USCF,” Paul said.

“Having a loved one directly affected by cancer, it’s impossible to know exactly what they are going through physically and emotionally,” Paul shares. “If there’s anything I can do personally, and to encourage friends and family to get involved, it’s nice to know that every dollar we raise goes directly to increased research and treatment that supports children and young adults with cancer.”

For Paul, Swim Across America is more than a swim—it’s a powerful way to show up for his daughter, his friend’s family, and the countless others impacted by cancer. His commitment is a testament that together, we can Make Waves to Fight Cancer.

If you’re inspired to support Paul and Team UCSF Survive, give here.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – LONG ISLAND SOUND IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Long Island Sound, Making Waves With Hope, Messages of Hope, News, Pool Swims, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Long Island Sound community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Cancer Center, Cancer Support Team, and Weill Cornell Medical Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/long_island.

SAAswim.com – Swim Across America blog

From Heartbreak to Hope: Team Gina Makes Waves to Fight Cancer

New Rochelle Challenged Triathlete Florence Berger-Bordeau to Swim in 33rd Annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound July 26

From Survivor to Swimmer: 13-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Jane Hatch Makes Waves for Pediatric Cancer Research

Swimming World

Swim Across America – Long Island Sound Open Water Swim Makes Waves to Fight Cancer

WNYW-TV (FOX, 5) “The Noon”

33rd Annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound

WNBC-TV (NBC, 4)

‘Swim Across America’ for a good cause

The New York Post

Two-time cancer survivor reveals his fitness stamina trick — and how he uses honey — as he swims 10K across the Long Island Sound

News 12 Long Island

Swim Across America raises almost $2.1 million toward cancer research

Greenwich man swims across Long Island Sound to raise money to fight cancer

News 12 Westchester

Swim Across America raises almost $2.1 million toward cancer research

New Rochelle Patch

New Rochelle Challenged Triathlete Florence Berger-Bordeau to Swim in 33rd Annual Swim Across America – LIS

Larchmont – Mamaroneck Patch

From Heartbreak to Hope: Team Gina Makes Waves to Fight Cancer at 33rd Annual Swim Across America

Swim Across America – Long Island Sound Raises an Incredible $2+ Million for Cancer Research

Scarsdale 10583

Team John Surpasses $2 Million raised for Cancer Research

Lohud The Journal News

Video: Swim Across America Long Island Sound

Photos: Swim Across America Long Island Sound

MyRye.com

Rye’s Adam Coe Completes 10K Swim Across Long Island Sound for Charity Event

Rye’s Adam Coe Completes 10K Swim Across Long Island Sound for Charity Event

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NANTUCKET IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Making Waves With Hope, Messages of Hope, nantucket, News, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Nantucket community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket, and Mass General Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/nantucket.

SAAswim.com – Swim Across America blog

Natalie Thompson Makes Waves: How One Nantucket Family Lives the Swim Across America Mission

Nantucket Current

“Badge Of Honor” – Natalie Thompson Swims For Her Wife, Late Father


Swim Across America Nantucket Sets New Record With $1 Million Raised For Cancer Care, Research

The Inquirer & Mirror

Swim Across America returns to Jetties Beach Saturday

WBZ-AM/1030 NewsRadio “Nightside with Dan Rea”

Nighttime News Update: Swim Across America – Nantucket

Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living

Making Waves: Natalie Thompson’s Mission to Fight Cancer, One Stroke at a Time

Yesterday’s Island Today’s Nantucket

Swim to Fight Cancer

CapeCod.com

Charity swim returns to Nantucket’s Jetties Beach this weekend

Nantucket.Net Blog

Swim Across America Nantucket Gives A Gift of Hope

New Rochelle Challenged Triathlete Florence Berger-Bordeau to Swim in 33rd Annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound July 26

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Fairfield County, Long Island SoundTagged , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Berger-Bordeau Swims in Honor of her Father and Aunt Lost to Cancer

Florence Berger-Bordeau of New Rochelle, New York, has been swimming her entire life. An avid athlete, who as a child enjoyed swimming, tennis, skiing and track, Florence lost part of her right leg below the knee to a traumatic accident at age 14 while living in France. After the accident Florence thought she would never be able to swim or run again. Enduring some challenging years after the accident, she tried swimming again and she was so glad she was wrong! Swimming as an amputee felt amazing and therapeutic. It also helped Florence regain her confidence in herself.

Florence Berger-Bordeau

Fast forward to today and Florence, for her seventh year, will join more than 800 swimmers, volunteers and supporters on Saturday, July 26, at the 33rd annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim, held in Larchmont, New York. Florence will be swimming the 2K course to make waves to fight cancer in honor of her father Jean-Paul Bordeau, and aunt Marie-Jeanne Lagadec, both of whom she lost to cancer – her Dad from sarcoma at just 34 years old when Florence was only three, and her aunt four years ago from breast cancer.

“I unfortunately only have vague memories of my father. It was so hard growing up without him,” noted Florence. “I was only three years old when he passed away. He was so brave and cared so much for me and my mom. My aunt passed away just four years ago from breast cancer. She meant a lot to me and was an incredible person. When I swim with Swim Across America, I think about my dad and my aunt and how much I miss them.”

The annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim, which starts at the Larchmont Yacht Club and finishes at the Larchmont Shore Club, is Swim Across America’s largest open water event nationwide. The event features 2K, 5K and 10K swim distances, as well as a same-day ½-mile pool swim – and seven other pool swims throughout the summer. The swim has raised nearly $30 million since its inception in 1992 for its local beneficiaries Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University Cancer Center and the Cancer Support Team.

Florence at the finish line of the San Diego Challenged Athletes Foundation Triathlon

“Adaptive sports have helped me tremendously recover from my accident,” said Florence. “Besides swimming, I love biking, skiing, surfing and tennis. I believe in never giving up when facing adversity. I’m very lucky to have the best mom, a wonderful family and amazing friends who really support me, including my company Sompo International who has matched the funds I’ve raised and been so supportive. I also think we should be grateful every day when we are healthy, as it is so important! I get very emotional before each swim when I hear about cancer survivors and the cancer research the swim is supporting. It is so inspiring. I also feel a deep sense of community. I could not do these swims without my swim angel Kathy Salvo and my swim coach and friend Delphine Golebiowski. I’m grateful for their support and their journey with me as we try to raise as much for cancer research through swimming as we can.”

Florence started swimming with Swim Across America – Long Island Sound in 2019. Since then, she has completed eight Swim Across America events, six previous Long Island Sound swims and two of the Fairfield County swims. Last year she also accomplished a dream of hers – participating in a triathlon! 

“My dream came true when I participated in the Sleepy Hollow Triathlon and the San Diego Challenged Athletes Foundation Triathlon. When I crossed the finish line of the San Diego CAF Triathlon, I was crying as I thought that this day would never come. I knew my dad was watching me from heaven. Swim Across America helped me get ready for these triathlons – all while raising money for cancer research.”

Florence has completed eight Swim Across America events, including SAA-Fairfield County in 2025.

To date, Florence has raised more than $5000 for cancer research through Swim Across America. 

Now in its 33rd year, Swim Across America – Long Island Sound has been a major funder of crucial cancer research that has brought forward successful new treatments, including the FDA approved immunotherapy treatments of Keytruda, Opdivo, Tecentriq and Yervoy. What’s more is the money raised locally stays local, providing cancer care and research grants to The Cancer Support Team, a Westchester-based home care program offering free services to patients and their families; to New York Presbyterian Children’s Hospital Pediatric Oncology Lab; to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Research Laboratories of Dr. Diaz and Dr. Kung Kids Department of Pediatrics; and to Weill Cornell Medicine Research Laboratory of Dr. Wolchok and Dr. Merghoub.

Nationally, Swim Across America has generated more than $100 million for cancer research since its founding 1987, supporting more than 60 research projects each year To support Florence Berger-Bordeau or any of the other hundreds of swimmers at this year’s July 26th Swim Across America – Long Island Sound swim, visit swimacrossamerica.org/longislandsound to make a donation or to sign up to swim or volunteer.

Kelly Lennon: A Full Circle Journey with Swim Across America

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Family Tree, Fundraising, Nassau/Suffolk - Sound to Cove, Pool SwimsTagged , , , , , , , 1 Comment

From a young age, Kelly Lennon was always driven to make an impact in her community. In high school, Kelly swam with her school team and joined Swim Across America – Nassau/Suffolk. Nearly a decade later, Kelly returned to Swim Across America as a coach and helped raise more than $40,000.

“In December 2016, I was honored for my fundraising efforts with a Proclamation from the Town of Huntington, New York, by Legislator Susan Berland,” shared Kelly. “After I graduated high school, I knew I’d come back to Swim Across America because it was that important to me.”

Kelly may have physically “left” for college, but her passion for Swim Across America still tugged at her heart. It wasn’t until eight years later that Kelly found her way back to Swim Across America to rejoin the fight to cure cancer. 

“I graduated from college and took a job at the Huntington YMCA coaching an age group team called the Bluefish,” shared Kelly. “I couldn’t wait to bring my joy for SAA to this new bunch of kids in our community.”

With the help of the SAA National and SAA-Nassau/Suffolk local committee, Kelly started the Huntington Y Bluefish SAA Pool Swim. Together, the team quickly exceeded their original $10,000 goal and raised over $40,000 for their beneficiaries: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Feinstein Institute at Northwell Health, MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, and SHARE Cancer Support.  

“What a full circle moment for me! Supporting this organization as an adult, with my team of young swimmers, brought back so many memories,” said Kelly.

The fight to find a cure never changed, but Kelly’s personal growth over eight years fed her passion and fueled her fire to fight cancer. 

“I support Swim Across America because cancer has deeply affected my family. Some of my loved ones have survived, while others have, sadly, passed away,” shared Kelly.

“I swim in memory of those we’ve lost and in support of those still fighting. This cause is personal to me—every stroke is a tribute to their strength, courage, and the hope that, through continued research, we can find better treatments and ultimately a cure. That’s what motivates me to raise funds and be part of this incredible community.” 

Swim Across America grants have had incredible success, particularly at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, one of the SAA-Nassau/Suffolk beneficiaries. The community is a grant funder of MSK’s landmark clinical trial that achieved a 100% success rate treating advanced rectal cancer patients with dostarlimab; as well as a funder of the most recent Phase II clinical trial at MSK just published in The New England Journal of Medicine that showed an 80% success rate in treating patients with several types of MMRd cancers who were treated with immunotherapy and did not require surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy after six months of treatment with immunotherapy alone. SAA awarded the grants for the early-stage research and continues to award grants for the ongoing clinical trial. 

Seeing the impact SAA has on cancer research is what drives Kelly to continue to support the mission. 

“Swim Across America makes a real impact by funding innovative cancer research and clinical trials that give patients hope and save lives,” said Kelly. 

“It’s important to me and my family because it turns grief into action and brings people together to fight for a future without cancer.”

If you are moved to support Kelly and Huntington Y Bluefish, click here.

From Survivor to Swimmer: 13-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Jane Hatch Makes Waves for Pediatric Cancer Research

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, Events, Family Tree, Fundraising, Long Island Sound, Making Waves With Hope, Pool SwimsTagged , , , , , , , 1 Comment

When 13-year-old leukemia survivor Jane Hatch dives into one of this summer’s Swim Across America – Long Island Sound pool swims at Westchester County Country Club on July 12, she’ll be carrying on a family legacy that began more than three decades ago. Her grandfather, Frank Webers, helped launch the very first SAA – Long Island Sound charity swim in 1992 after sadly losing his wife, Kathleen “Kathy” Webers, to brain cancer at just 42. Only 17 swimmers took to the water that inaugural year. Today the event draws 800+ participants and is the largest Swim Across America event in the country, raising millions for cancer research and patient care.

Jane Hatch, a young leukemia survivor, will swim at a SAA-Long Island Sound pool swim this year.

Jane’s mother, June, is one of three daughters of Frank and Kathy Webers – April, May and June. While cancer has thankfully skipped her mother’s generation, Jane was diagnosed with leukemia at just six years old. Throughout the past seven years and through her treatment years, Jane has participated in supporting SAA – Long Island Sound any way she could – by selling lemonade and bake sales, and in 2019, her Mom June swam in her honor.

This year, Jane will swim in the Westchester Country Club pool swim on July 12. Her family has been comforted in knowing that a portion of the funds raised through SAA – Long Island Sound are going directly to Memorial Sloan Kettering, where Jane was treated.

“Jane is thriving because of breakthrough science and compassionate care, some of which has been funded directly through Swim Across America,” said June  Hatch, Jane’s mother and member of Team Jane.  “We swim, volunteer and donate to fund the next breakthroughs — especially for children who still face cancer with far fewer treatment options than adults.”

Only 4% of federal cancer-research dollars target childhood cancers. Swim Across America – Long Island Sound is hoping to change that and is directing 20% of proceeds from its open water and eight pool swims this year to pediatric-cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Kids and NewYork-Presbyterian Children’s Hospital through its KIDS Swimming FOR KIDS program.

To raise awareness and inspire young swimmers, Swim Across America will be offering a fun buy-one, give-one campaign offering supporters a chance to get a Dash the Dolphin, Swim Across America’s mascot’s plush toy for a $30 donation — for each plush toy purchased, a second plush toy will be gifted to a pediatric cancer patient at Memorial Sloan Kettering Kids and NewYork-Presbyterian Children’s Hospital through the swim’s KIDS Swimming FOR KIDS program.