Tag: cancer

TEAM KiDS HONORS COMMUNITY MEMBERS THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN ALL EIGHT SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – LONG ISLAND SOUND POOL SWIMS

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Dan Levy, of Chappaqua, NY, has participated in Swim Across America – Long Island Sound community swims since 2008, when his sister, Karen Marcum, passed away after a long battle with colon cancer. Swim Across America events gave Dan an opportunity to honor his sister’s memory while raising funds for cancer research.   

“I have swam my whole life and I was a coach at the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club for 25 years, so supporting Swim Across America is the best way to honor my sister while doing something I love,” said Dan.

Swim Across America – Long Island Sound is Swim Across America’s largest and longest-running open water swim raising more than $25 million since 1992. 

On July 27, the community will hold its 32nd annual event at the Larchmont Yacht Club and welcome more than 700 swimmers and volunteers. The community swim benefits Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Cancer Support Team, and Weill Cornell Medicine.

In addition to the annual open water swim, SAA-Long Island Sound hosts many pool swims in the Westchester, NY area. And this year, Dan will swim in all eight of them!

Dan Levy with his sister, Karen Marcum, who passed after a long battle with colon cancer.

“I’m really excited because 2024 is my 8th year participating in all SAA-Long Island Sound pool swims, and thanks to the addition of the same-day pool swim at the Larchmont Shore Club, there are eight swims!” shared Dan.

Dan’s tour of pool swims started in 2016 and he has upheld the tradition ever since. In addition to the pool swims, he swam in the SAA-Long Island Sound open water swim in 2021.

Dan Levy in 2018 after completing all of the Swim Across America – Long Island Sound pool swims.

“In 2016, my Westchester Masters teammate, Carrie Dillon, and I completed the mile swim at all of the SAA-Long Island Sound pool events,” said Dan.

“I feel so proud, honored, and fortunate to use my lifelong love of swimming to help raise funds for research and treatment to support and make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer now or in the future.”

This year, Dan is swimming as captain of Team KiDS, an acronym created in memory of loved ones and community members who have fought cancer. The team has more than 20 members participating in various pool swims.

In total, Dan and his teams have raised close to $500,000 for Swim Across America – Long Island Sound.

Dan started Team Karen after his sister passed in 2008. Shortly after, the team name was changed to Team Karen and David to honor David Simon, a member of the swimming community.

“A year before my sister passed away, David Simon lost his battle with cancer,” shared Dan. 

“David was the father of two members on our summer swim team, the husband of the then-Board President, and our team’s unofficial photographer.”

The team name evolved again in 2019 to honor a young swimmer, Scarlett Chwatko. Dan’s swim team also found a unique way to ensure Scarlett’s memory lives on.

“In 2019, one of our youngest team members, 8-year-old Scarlett Chwatko, lost her fight against brain cancer. Scarlett was an inspiration to all who knew her,” said Dan.

“Her courage and perseverance were the impetus for the creation of the swim team’s Brave Bunny Award. This award is given to the swim team member who exhibits those same qualities each season.”

After she passed, Scarlett’s brother, Max, created Team BB (Brave Bunny) and the two teams have come together to form Team KiDS.

Dan Levy with Max and Scarlett Chwatko.

“The acronym is for the first names of these three remarkable individuals. Placed together, it is also for the amazing kids and their friends and families who come together every year to show how their love for swimming can make a difference in the ongoing fight against all forms of cancer,” explained Dan.

In addition to Karen, Dave, and Scarlett, Dan also swims for Masters teammates, Jason Troiano and John Needham, and his brother, Alan.

“Alan developed renal cancer and had surgery in Fall 2023. The tumor was malignant, but fortunately, the cancer had not yet metastasized and he remains cancer free to this day. I’m thankful to all the doctors and researchers who work tirelessly towards a cure to this awful disease.”

If you are moved to support Dan Levy and Team KiDS, click here.

DUNCAN RICHARDSON FINDS HOPE IN HIS CANCER JOURNEY THROUGH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NANTUCKET SUPPORT

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Swim Across America’s guiding principle is “money raised local, stays local.” It is a model that the organization takes great pride in and helps to deepen participants’ connection to the mission. 

This connection is especially evident in communities like Swim Across America – Nantucket, which supports Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket (PASCON) on the island and Mass General Cancer Center in Boston, MA. The community grants are applied to local hospitals and patient care programs to benefit patients and families within their small, tight-knit island. 

Duncan Richardson, a Newton, MA native, and his family have been seasonal visitors to Nantucket for over 36 years which makes it feel like their second home. Duncan joined the SAA – Nantucket community in 2021, and this year, he is swimming in the event for the first time!

Duncan always admired the organization and its mission which became more personal when he was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer in 2022. Little did he know how vital the organization’s mission would become to his own life.

Duncan Richardson shared his “Why I Swim” story at the 2023 Swim Across America – Nantucket community event.

“I am a bit of a medical miracle,” said Duncan. “Two years ago, after rapidly losing over 30 pounds, I was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer — a cancer with a very poor prognosis.”

Duncan received swift care and a treatment plan from his medical team, which included the immunotherapy drug Opdivo (nivolumab) and biweekly chemotherapy infusions. 

Duncan and his care team at Nantucket Cottage Hospital where he received treatment for stage four esophageal cancer.

Swim Across America community swims granted funds to doctors and researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who implemented clinical trials for nivolumab. The promising results from those trials led to the FDA-approval of Opdivo.

“Without Opdivo — and Swim Across America funding — I wouldn’t be here today. I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to anyone who had a part in bringing this research to fruition,” said Duncan.

And the fact that Duncan was able to receive local, easily accessible medical care had been invaluable. 

“It is hard to overstate in my cancer journey how important to my wellbeing and that of my family the Nantucket Cottage Hospital professionals have been.” Duncan affirms.

“Their compassionate and quality care gives me and hundreds of other residents and visitors the most important thing you can have in battling cancer — HOPE!” 

Duncan is excited for this year’s SAA-Nantucket event, where he will swim the half-mile course with his team, Strokes for Hope. His dedication to Swim Across America is seen with each stroke of his swim.

“That’s why we swim and raise the money for cancer research, the Nantucket Cottage Hospital infusion center and for PASCON. All our strokes are Strokes for Hope!”

If you are moved to support Duncan, click here.

“Without Opdivo — and Swim Across America funding — I wouldn’t be here today. I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to anyone who had a part in bringing this research to fruition,” said Duncan.

FROM GRIEF TO HOPE, ELLIE WEHRMANN MAKES WAVES WITH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – ST. LOUIS

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Ellie Wehrmann was just a junior at Incarnate Word Academy high school when she first participated in the Swim Across America – St. Louis open water swim. In 2018, Ellie swam to support her best friend, Emily Schroeder, who had just lost her mom, Beth, to colon cancer. After that first swim, Swim Across America’s mission held a place in her heart. 

Unfortunately, the cause took a more personal meaning for Ellie when she lost her own mom to cancer in November of 2022.

“My whole world got flipped upside down on November 20th, 2022 when my mom, Dana Wehrmann, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Three days later, on November 23rd she lost her battle,” shared Ellie.

Ellie’s mom’s diagnosis and sudden passing was understandably a shock to her family and through her grief, Ellie was able to find strength in giving hope to others who are fighting the same battle.

“As a kid, I kind of always thought that my parents were invincible. Yes, I saw cancer around me but I always thought ‘that could never happen to me’ or ‘not my parents,’” said Ellie.

Ellie, her mom, Dana, and her brother, Max, at the 2021 Swim Across America – St. Louis community swim.

“Cancer has deeply impacted my life, reshaping my perspective and priorities. Losing my mom to leukemia was a profound loss that left an everlasting mark on my family. Witnessing her strength and resilience throughout her battle inspired me and my brother, Max, to take action against this awful disease. We want to honor her memory and the memories of others we’ve lost by actively contributing to the fight against cancer.” 

Throughout the years, Ellie and Max’s team, Waves for Wehrmann, have raised more than $38,000. Proceeds from the Swim Across America – St. Louis community swim benefit cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center. Seeing the impact Swim Across America grants have on cancer research is what drives them to continue supporting the event.

Ellie with her dad at the 2023 SAA-St. Louis event.

“Raising money through Swim Across America is not just about swimming or volunteering; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. Every dollar raised brings us closer to better treatments, improved outcomes, and ultimately, a world without cancer,” shared Ellie.

“Swim Across America’s impact is undeniable, as it funds critical cancer research and support programs that directly benefit patients and families affected by cancer.”

Through Ellie’s grief and newfound perspectives, she remains dedicated to Swim Across America and bringing hope to families battling cancer.

“It’s about turning grief into action, channeling my pain into purpose, and striving to create a future where families no longer have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to this relentless disease.”

“For my family, Swim Across America is important because it represents hope, community, and the collective determination to fight against cancer, honoring the memory of loved ones lost and supporting those still battling this disease. Swim Across America is particularly important to my family because it has provided us a way to honor my mom, who was the assistant swim coach at CBC High School and Incarnate Word Academy, and an avid supporter of Swim Across America.”

To support Ellie and Waves for Wehrmann, click here.

Ellie and her brother, Max Wehrmann, at the 2023 SAA-St. Louis event.
Ellie’s mom encouraged her to involve her University of Kansas swim team in the Swim Across America – St. Louis event.

RICK OSTERBERG SHARES HIS REMARKABLE JOURNEY AND DEEPENED COMMITMENT TO SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – BOSTON 

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Rick Osterberg’s connection to Swim Across America was initiated similarly to that of so many other members of the Swim Across America community. It’s his journey over the last six years that sets him apart from many other participants.

Rick and his wife, Jessica Stokes, are lifelong swimmers, both swimming competitively in college and continuing to swim as USMS masters swimmers. They met during Masters workouts at Harvard University nearly 25 years ago. Their involvement with Swim Across America began about 15 years ago when they heard about the organization and knew many people involved in the Swim Across America – Boston community swim. 

Although he admits that Jessica is the more dedicated swimmer, Rick has played several roles over the years eventually leading to a role on the local leadership committee for Swim Across America – Boston. 

“I was an occasional walk-up volunteer for the Swim Across America – Nantasket swim whenever Jess was swimming it,” said Rick. 

“I got much more involved when we launched the Swim Across America – Boston Relay Challenge at Harvard in 2012, acting as the emcee, DJ, and scoreboard person.” 

Jessica Stokes and Rick Osterberg at the 2023 Swim Across America – Boston open water swim.

Rick remained a volunteer with Swim Across America – Boston for several years and took on an official role on the local committee in 2018. Jessica is also on the committee and leads their relationship with their beneficiaries, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and MassGeneral Children’s Cancer Center. 

Their involvement took on more purpose in 2018, when Rick received a diagnosis of stage three colon cancer. While this deepened their connection to the Swim Across America mission, Rick didn’t see anything particularly extraordinary about his treatment plan.

Rick Osterberg with Pam Ryan, Swim Across America Board Chair, and Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Olympian and Swim Across America COO at the 2018 Swim Across America – Boston pool swim.

“In 2018, my perspective and Jess’ perspective on Swim Across America changed when I was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. Suddenly, I was a patient. In 2018, I felt a much deeper connection to the overall mission of SAA, but not necessarily to any particular SAA beneficiary,” said Rick.

Rick’s diagnosis was, in his words, rather traditional though he was moved by the amount of support within his SAA-Boston community that year.

“It was deeply humbling to attend the 2018 Boston pool relay, during chemotherapy, and see so many people who were swimming for me,” said Rick. 

“That event in 2018 remains one of the most moving experiences of my cancer journey. It was a huge boost to me, and a huge boost to Jess, during one of the harder phases of that treatment process. It also helped to turn a difficult experience into a hopeful direction through fundraising.”

Rick spent 2018 battling cancer with Jess at his side. He went through chemotherapy, chemo-radiation therapy, and finally surgery, and was in full remission by the end of the year. 

They both looked forward to the April 2019 Swim Across America – Boston pool relay with Rick resuming his usual responsibilities as emcee and DJ. He added another “role” to his list that day – cancer success story. 

Team Rick at the 2018 Swim Across America – Boston pool swim.

“I had beaten it, which was a great reason for many people to come and swim. It was an incredibly moving day and special because it ended up being our last pool relay before COVID,” said Rick.

The COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person events for 2020, which meant Rick and Jessica would miss out on the SAA-Boston event. Rick kept up with his routine scans and in June 2020, scans detected a small growth on a lymph node indicating his cancer had returned. Fortunately for Rick, FDA approval of a new immunotherapy drug had just been announced and it seemed like Rick was a great candidate for this new treatment.

Rick Osterberg and Jessica Stokes at the 2018 Swim across America – Boston pool swim. “I was in the middle of cycle 6 (of 8) of pretty hard chemotherapy. But we still found opportunities for joy, and the 2018 pool relay was one of those days of joy for both of us,” Rick shared.

“Suddenly, I was a candidate for Keytruda,” said Rick. “And the KEYNOTE-177 clinical trial results changed my cancer trajectory.”

“At this point, I’m now a Keytruda patient. I have virtually zero side-effects, and I have an incredibly high quality of life.”

Thanks to this new immunotherapy treatment, Rick’s cancer is virtually eliminated. He has avoided further surgical intervention that could carry significant risk of serious side effects or lower quality of life.

Rick’s commitment to Swim Across America was deepened when he realized the connection between the organization and the clinical trials that led to Keytruda’s FDA approval. The Swim Across America – Baltimore community swim benefits Johns Hopkins Medicine and grants from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 events funded groundbreaking research in immunotherapies, specifically PD-1 inhibitors. This research led to the FDA approval of Keytruda.

“After being part of an organization for so long, I was now a direct beneficiary of the research funded by SAA. I am one of a cohort of cancer patients who has experienced the necessary awfulness of chemotherapy, and the dramatically different journey on immunotherapy therapies,” shared Rick.

“I have been on my cancer journey for more than 6 years now, and in that short time, I have seen so many breakthroughs in treatment, but I also see so many cases where better options  are needed for friends whose treatment paths are much more difficult than mine has been.”

Rick feels incredibly fortunate to be where he is on his cancer journey, thanks in part to research funded by Swim Across America. He feels hopeful about the next big breakthrough that will give hope to more patients and their families.

When reflecting on the vast differences between how his cancer was treated, Rick underscores his remarkably high quality of life, and why he and Jessica continue to support Swim Across America.

Rick served as emcee for the 2022 Swim Across America – Boston open water swim.

“Due in large part to research funded by Swim Across America, my cancer journey right now is not much more than an appointment on the calendar. My quality of life in treatment is virtually 100%,” said Rick. 

“Perhaps more importantly our cancer journey (including Jess) is no big deal right now. Our quality of shared life is virtually 100%. That’s difficult to appreciate unless you’ve been through chemotherapy, or have been a close supporter of someone going through chemotherapy.”

Combined and over the years, Rick and Jessica have raised over $156,000 for Swim Across America.

If you are moved to support Rick and Jessica, click here.

FROM A MARATHON TO BEATING BREAST CANCER AND NOW MAKING WAVES WITH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – CAROLINA

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Keri Cleary watched family members go through the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. And at 36 years old, it was hard to believe that she would also hear those same words, “you have breast cancer.”

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer one month after running the Boston marathon, to the day. I was in the best shape of my life, and it was absolutely heart wrenching,” shared Keri.

Thankfully, Keri received swift treatment for her cancer and she is now cancer-free. Her connection to the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (UNC) and her gratitude to her doctors and care team, are what inspired her to join the Swim Across America – Carolina community swim.  

“I feel so fortunate that because of the research and science, that I was quickly treated and cared for,” said Keri. 

“I am now cancer free and feel lucky enough that I am on a treatment plan to help reduce recurrence and keep me healthy for years to come.”

Sue Walsh, University of North Carolina Alum, SAA-Carolina committee member and cancer survivor with Keri Cleary

This is Keri’s third year supporting Swim Across America – Carolina and, in addition to swimming at the event, she has taken on a larger role with their local planning committee. Keri has raised over $7,000 to support UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Keri Cleary (center) with, from left to right, Aranza Vázquez Montaño (UNC Diver, Olympian) Rodolfo Vázquez Montaño (UNC Diver), Greer Pattison (UNC Swimmer), Elizabeth Sowards (UNC Swimmer) and Delaney Carlton (UNC Swimmer).

“I am really thankful to participate in Swim Across America for my third year in a row, this year, healthy.”

This year holds another special meaning for Keri, as she recently lost a family member to cancer.

“This year, I will be swimming in honor of my uncle, who passed away in December 2023 from a long battle with cancer.”

Keri has found community and hope with the Swim Across America community. And is thankful to see the impact in a direct way.

“Swim Across America means so much to me. The last two years I have seen how this wonderful event directly impacts those with cancer and those who have loved ones with cancer,” said Keri. 

“I am so thankful that we raise funds for cancer research.To me, it’s about getting a community together to do really great things to help support cancer research.”

The 2024 Swim Across America – Carolina community swim is dedicated in memory of Eric Montross.

Keri Cleary with North Carolina Aquatic Club (NCAC) Swimmers; Audrey Wolk, Connor Peck, Isabel Wolk & Mackenzie Collins
Keri Cleary with NCAC swim coach and friend, Kirsten Siebenga. 

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – FAIRFIELD COUNTY JUST BECAME PERSONAL FOR EVENT DIRECTOR, NANCY CARR

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For many years, Nancy Carr has supported friends and family who have been touched by cancer by joining them at the annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County swim. 

Nancy first served as a volunteer, then stepped up in 2019 to be co-event director, and now event director. 

Nancy is known for her big smile, boundless energy, genuine positive attitude, and ability to bring the community together. She has also been instrumental in bringing in additional support for the swim’s fundraising efforts.

This year’s swim has become extra meaningful and more personal for Nancy, who recently received her own cancer diagnosis.

“I was diagnosed in the last month with two completely unrelated G.I. (gastrointestinal) cancers. That is some sh*tty news,” said Nancy.

Nancy Carr, event director of Swim Across America – Fairfield County, now has a personal connection to our mission.

“When you think of me, I want you to picture G.I. Jane, the head-shaven badass who is stronger than most give her credit for, who will never give up. Ever. I don’t know if I’m going to lose my hair, but I do know I’m going to have to be strong. And I am so very lucky to have an army of supporters. I am not facing this alone. Together, we’re going to kick cancer’s a**!”

Nancy Carr and her son, Danny.

Nancy also noted that with her diagnosis she also got some good news. 

“I’m choosing to feel lucky in an unlucky situation. My doctors are using the word ‘cure’ when discussing my treatments. Cure is a powerful, motivating word. It’s why I joined Swim Across America years ago and why I continue to lead Swim Across America – Fairfield County.”

Nancy is known for saying, “You don’t have to be a swimmer to make an impact.” This holds true even more this year as she will be undergoing treatment for two types of gastrointestinal cancer and leading her “Team G.I. Nancy” while still heading up the swim on June 29.

“I hope that you will join me and the hundreds of other swimmers, boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders and land volunteers on June 29th who are diving in to make waves to fight cancer.”

To support Nancy and Team G.I. Nancy, click here.

7TH ANNUAL SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – CHARLESTON-KIAWAH OPEN WATER SWIM TO MAKE WAVES TO FIGHT CANCER ON JUNE 8

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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 visit swimacrossamerica.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.

CANCER SURVIVOR, KARA WOLTER, CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF MAKING WAVES WITH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – MOTOR CITY MILE

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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.

To support Kara and her team, click here.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – BOSTON AND NANTUCKET PROVIDE GRANT FUNDING FOR PROMISING GLIOBLASTOMA TREATMENT

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The New England Journal of Medicine recently published a paper that showed “dramatic and rapid” regression of glioblastoma in three patients who received groundbreaking CAR-T therapy. The clinical trial was conducted at a lab within Mass General Cancer Center that received earlier funding from Swim Across America – Boston and Swim Across America – Nantucket. 

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.

BRYAN STROINSKI HONORS TEAMMATE AND FRIEND THROUGH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NASHVILLE

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Nashville, Pool Swims, UncategorizedTagged , , , , 1 Comment

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.