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.
Team JCT Swim Strong Swim Across America – St. Louis
At Swim Across America, many people ask us, “Are you really swimming across America?” For one team in St. Louis, the answer is, “YES!”
This year, Team JCT Swim Strong will participate in five Swim Across America events, from Nantucket to San Francisco. The swims are in honor of John C. Traube, who passed away five years ago from brain cancer.
Team JCT Swim Strong at the 2023 SAA-Charleston-Kiawah event
The challenge was presented by John’s brother, Steve, to John’s wife, Jen as an opportunity to honor John by doing something he loved – swimming. Jen, and other family members, happily accepted the challenge.
The team started in Tampa, then traveled to Charleston-Kiawah, and then to Nantucket. On August 26, they will swim in the Swim Across America – St. Louis event, and on September 30, they will finish their tour in San Francisco.
Each swim has offered a unique experience for Team JCT Swim Strong, and they are proud to return to their “home base” in the middle of their tour.
“Swimming in the open ocean in Tampa, Charleston-Kiawah and Nantucket was so different from swimming in our own Alpine Lake,” said Jen Traube. “We are Midwesterners, and while the ocean swims were beautiful and really special, there is nothing like swimming in fresh lake water and doing it in your own community.”
Team JCT Swim Strong at the 2023 SAA-Nantucket event
Meredith, Emily and John Traube and Sam Heveroh at the 2017 SAA-St. Louis event.
During his battle with cancer, John raised thousands of dollars for Swim Across America – St. Louis as their top fundraiser. He completed the 2.4-mile swim successfully alongside his family and several high school and college teammates only two days before his second brain surgery.
“John was a master swimmer who found his love of swimming in his community pool in Red Bud, Illinois,” said Jen.
“He continued training and competing as part of his local swim teams throughout his childhood. and then John attended Clarion University in Pennsylvania, where he was a ten-time All American and team captain for the Division II National Swimming Championships all four years. By his senior season, his team ranked second in the country. Swimming was in his blood and he loved Swim Across America.”
Team JCT Swim Strong is led by Steve and Jess, Jen, Meredith, and Emily Traube. Together, the team has a fundraising goal of $30,000.
If you are moved to support Team JCT Swim Strong, you can donatehere.
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.
Robyn Starnes Swim Across America – Dallas 2 years supporting Swim Across America Age: 45
When Robyn Starnes was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014, the news hit her like a freight train.
“Even though I knew that it was a possibility, it still turned my world upside down. I felt broken, like something was wrong with me. I’d never known anyone my age that had battled cancer,” said Robyn.
Robyn Starnes
Now, nine years later, Robyn is a cancer survivor and has found a new home and strong community of supporters in Swim Across America. And she wears her surgery scar like a badge of honor.
“After my surgery, I couldn’t talk for a month, I gained a lot of weight, and I felt depressed. Knowing that my life would forever look different is what got me back into swimming; something I hadn’t done in decades but would eventually lead me to SAA. The scar I was so worried about in 2014 is my badge of honor in 2023.”
Robyn’s visit with a specialist was prompted by her primary doctor, who felt nodules during a routine exam. She feels lucky to have received thorough medical care and quick treatment for her thyroid cancer – one of the most treatable cancers.
Wearing her “survivor” badge, Robyn sought a way to get involved in activities that raised money for cancer research and survivorship support. A conversation with a friend introduced her to Swim Across America – Dallas.
Robyn after her thyroidectomy surgery
“Thanksgiving in 2021, I was talking with a friend’s sister about how we both grew up swimming competitively. She told me about “this thing called Swim Across America” and asked if I’d heard of it. As she explained what it was, I was floored because I felt like it combined everything I loved – swimming, community, and raising money for cancer research. I’m pretty sure I signed up for the 2022 Dallas open water swim the next day!” explains Robyn.
The rest is history. Robyn started asking friends, family members, and anyone in town to support her Swim Across America efforts. She quickly exceeded each fundraising goal she set, raising $4,500 ahead of her swim. Her journey felt as if it came full circle on event day.
“My first SAA swim was also the 8-year anniversary to the day of my thyroidectomy surgery. If that’s not fate telling me that I’d found my home, I don’t know what is.”
That day was particularly emotional for Robyn, as she felt the strength of the SAA community firsthand and listened to the doctors who are funded by the SAA-Dallas event.
“Over the years, I’d participated in local charities that raise funds for the cancer community, but I was moved to tears at my first SAA-Dallas event. Everyone there had a story and they wanted to share it with you. To me, it felt like a groundswell. That THIS was the group that was going to make things happen. Whether I was talking to a fellow swimmer, supporter, volunteer, Olympian, researcher, doctor, sponsor, or donor…everyone knew we were all part of the same mission.”
If you are moved to support Robyn Starnes, 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-Nassau/Suffolk community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Feinstein Institute of Northwell Health, MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, SHARE Cancer Support, and Weill Cornell Medicine at swimacrossamerica.org/ns.
George Sushkoff was introduced to Swim Across America through an eye-opening, and humbling, conversation with a friend.
“I saw a picture of my friend at a Swim Across America event and he had a microphone in his hand. Jokingly, I asked if he was looking for his 15 minutes of fame. He told me he had recovered from cancer and was sharing his story at the event. After I removed my foot from my mouth, I asked for some more details.”
Through this conversation, George learned that Swim Across America was rooted in two of his favorite things: swimming and raising money for cancer research. George swam in college, competed in the U.S. Masters Swimming, and met some of his closest friends through swimming.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, George participated in 2020’s SAA-Richmond virtual challenge. Participants logged hours of activity or volunteer efforts and raised funds for the community.
It wasn’t until 2021, when George had the opportunity to join with a team and in-person, that the Swim Across America community came to life.
“A friend asked me if I would form a team for the Richmond event. We called ourselves Team River City after our hometown. I work for a software company, so I enjoyed setting up the team page – another one of my favorite things. Amazingly, our team exceeded our fundraising goal of $15,000,” said George.
The following year, George set up the same team, and brought his son along as a safety and water volunteer making SAA a family affair. Again, the team exceeded their fundraising goal and raised $26,000.
In 2023, George’s participation in SAA-Richmond took on a more profound meaning when he was diagnosed with Stage 1 to Stage 2 colon cancer. Fortunately, he knew just who to turn to.
“One of my close friends contacted Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America, and told him my story. By lunchtime that day, I had received a call from Rob to discuss my diagnosis and next steps. By dinnertime the following day, I received a call from a nurse liaison at VCU Massey Cancer Center, who said they wanted to help. It’s unbelievable the amount of support I’ve received from my swimming community and from Swim Across America.”
George met with doctors at Virginia Cancer Institute (VCI) and VCU Massey to discuss treatment options. Though he receives treatment at VCI, he feels that both centers are collaborating on his care.
“It’s comforting to know that I have the support of both VCI and VCU Massey. They aren’t fighting over who gets to treat me – though they should,” George jokes. “They are focused on my health and well-being, and me coming out of this a survivor.”
George has been fortunate to have minimal side effects from his treatments and he’s able to focus on more of his favorite things: biking, water polo and family time. He credits his active lifestyle and his sense of humor for helping him get through this tough time.
“I plan to be a cancer survivor. Swim Across America has already done so much for me and continues to support me through this. I know they will help countless more people in their battles against cancer.”
If you are moved to support George and Team River City, 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.
Garrett Rymer Swim Across America – Denver Age: 16
Close to a year ago, Garrett Rymer was in a minor bicycle accident that shockingly led to a diagnosis of a rare form of spinal cord cancer.
Despite such a life-changing event, Garrett will join hundreds of swimmers on Sunday, August 20, when he dives in to make waves to fight cancer in the 6th annual Swim Across America – Denver open water swim, in support of Children’s Hospital Colorado.
As an official Children’s Hospital Colorado Swim Across America patient ambassador, this will be Garrett’s first time participating in the open water swim.
“On December 23rd, 2022, I was diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cord cancer,” said Garrett.
“Leading up to the diagnosis, I had a minor bike accident in which I broke my right arm. Though the bone healed quickly, the atrophy from not using my arm progressed for months, despite ongoing physical therapy. Confused by the unchanging weakness, my doctors sent me through a series of medical tests, culminating in the MRI at the Children’s Hospital Colorado that led to my diagnosis.”
Garrett, now 16 years old, has not let his diagnosis hinder his spirit. After undergoing surgery to remove 50 percent of the tumor on his spinal cord and spending three weeks recovering in the Children’s Hospital rehabilitation center, Garrett was back on his feet and even went climbing the same day he was discharged.
Just a few weeks ago, he participated in one of SAA-Denver’s pool swims with the MESA Swim Team in Broomfield, CO.
Garrett has now been off chemo for six months and is grateful that his tumor has remained unchanged since. Though he is not yet cancer-free and has a long road ahead to restore lost function in his arm, his positive prognosis motivates him towards his bright future.
“Fighting cancer hasn’t been easy for me, nor my family or friends, and yet so many blessings have come out of it,” said Garrett.
“My family and I have been surrounded by an incredible number of friends and doctors supporting us, and my treatment has led me to new relationships that will last a lifetime. I’m thankful to have become a part of several organizations who bring light into the lives of pediatric cancer patients, such as Swim Across America.”
If you are moved to support Garrett and Team Rymer & Friends, 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.
Team John Swim Across America – Long Island Sound 31 years supporting Swim Across America
At the end July, nearly 60 teams will participate in the 31st annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim. One of those teams – and perhaps one with the most longevity – is Team John.
The 18 members of Team John are swimming in honor of beloved swimmer John Needham, who sadly lost his battle with cancer on June 1, 2023, just shy of his 70th birthday.
“John will always be remembered as a beloved husband to Leanne and devoted father to his two children, Daniel and Caitlin, of whom he was always so proud and called his greatest joy, and his sister Sarah Needham,” said Joseph Kaufman, co-captain of Team John.
John Needham
“His teammates and swimming family at Westchester Masters Swim Association and the Scarsdale Town Pool keep his memory alive each time we dive into the water.”
Growing up, John was an All-American swimmer at Hamilton College in upstate New York. After attending Boston University Law School, he found his true calling and joined the Legal Aid Society in Manhattan and, ultimately, in the Bronx, working tirelessly to defend the underprivileged and marginalized.
Josh Glantz, Joel Talish, and Joe Kaufman, members of Team John
“John was loved by many in the broader Westchester swimming community,” said team co-captain Josh Glantz. “John participated in Swim Across America every year to raise money for cancer research. His friends from the pool now miss his laid-back nature, incredible and subtle sense of humor and supreme care for everyone in his swimming community.”
John Needham was also Josh Glantz’s Scarsdale neighbor. This year, John’s son Dan will be swimming the 10k alongside teammates, Josh, Joe Kaufman and Joel Talish, at the July 29 open water swim together in memory of their beloved father and friend.
Some members of Team John have been with the swim since its inception in 1992, including co-captain Josh Glantz. Every year, the team changes its name to reflect who they are swimming for – whether it is someone courageously battling cancer, or someone dear they have recently lost. The team is one of the top fundraising teams in the history of the Long Island Sound swim.
John Needham, Josh Glantz, and Eldad Blaustein, members of Team John
If you are moved to support Team John, 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.
Julie Brabbs Swim Across America – Motor City Mile 5 years supporting Swim Across America Age: 56
Julie Brabbs has a few important connections to Swim Across America and its mission.
Julie is the chief administrative officer at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. She has a unique perspective on cancer as she supports the cancer center and its many missions daily.
In 2015, her job became much more meaningful when she was diagnosed with cancer. Being in the cancer field, Julie knew that innovative new treatments are the key to successfully treating the disease.
“Swim Across America’s grants to support clinical research and investigators are so, so important,” said Julie. “Cancer research funding is often hard to come by and the Swim Across America grants are necessary for making progress in breakthroughs like immunotherapy.”
Julie first attended the Swim Across America – Motor City Mile event in 2019, its inaugural year. She did so in honor of a friend who sadly had passed away from glioblastoma (brain cancer).
“At that time, I myself had cancer in 2015, but after standard treatment, I was in remission. Now, participating in the upcoming Swim Across America – Motor City Mile event has even more meaning as I am once again a cancer patient. My cancer came back in 2022 and I am currently taking Keytruda (an immunotherapy drug) as part of my treatment regimen, an option that wasn’t available in 2015 when I was first diagnosed.”
Julie thanks Swim Across America and its early-stage funding of Keytruda, which is now available to treat more than 30 different types of cancer, including Julie’s.
“Thanks to the hard work of Swim Across America, Keytruda was amazingly created in a Swim Across America lab. It’s amazing what swimming to raise money for cancer research can really do!”
This year, Julie is participating as a volunteer and SAA My Way participant, which means instead of swimming, she is doing other activities to raise funds to fight cancer. If you are moved to support Julie and Team Rogel, 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.
When you hear Mike Ford talk about TEAM HOPE, one word comes up over and over again – family. In fact, the word is a part of their “rallying cry.”
“We are swimmers, we are friends, we are families…We are TEAM HOPE!”
Mike was inspired to create TEAM HOPE in 2004 in honor of three close friends who were battling cancer. [Read the full history here.] This year marks TEAM HOPE’s 20th year participating in Swim Across America events and the team has goal of raising $100,000. Since their first event, the team has raised a remarkable $1.4 million to support local beneficiaries.
“We’ve been together a long time. We’ve accomplished a lot over the years,” said Mike. “And, in so doing, we have become one big family.”
Joining TEAM HOPE becomes a bit of a family tradition for its ever-growing roster of members. Many of whom join because they have a loved one who is fighting cancer and they want to take action to help them in some way.
“If you look at a picture from our very first year, you’ll see some of the same faces in a picture from 2022. You’ll see even more faces because as everyone grows up and grows their families, they become members of TEAM HOPE.”
This “family history” is captured each year in the dedication board Mike has at the events.
“We all write down who we are swimming for, who we are honoring. The younger team members write down, ‘Grandpa’ or ‘Aunt Judy,’ and being a part of TEAM HOPE makes them feel like they are doing something important to help their family members. It makes them feel like they are making a difference.”
Over the years, members of TEAM HOPE have honored many, including Mike’s wife, Patti, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 and passed in 2016 after a courageous decade-long battle.
“Unfortunately, we aren’t unique. Everyone is fighting for someone. What makes us special is that we do it as a family.”
If you are moved to support TEAM HOPE to help them reach their $100,000 goal, you can donate here. Want to become part of the TEAM HOPE family? Join the team here.
Swim Across America 