Inaugural Swim Across America – Charlotte JAB Makes Waves of Impact and Inspires Their Community

Posted on September 25, 2023October 10, 2023 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, charlotte, Fundraising, Junior Advisory Board, UncategorizedTagged cancer, cancer research, fundraising, media, News, swim across america, televisionLeave a comment

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, 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.*

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.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – BALTIMORE IN THE NEWS

Posted on September 14, 2023September 30, 2024 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, baltimore, UncategorizedTagged cancer, media, News, swim across americaLeave a comment

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Baltimore community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins at swimacrossamerica.org/baltimore.

Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige Inspires Hope with Swim Across America – San Francisco

Posted on September 11, 2023October 2, 2023 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, News, SAA My Way, san francisco, Top Fundraisers, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged cancer, fundraising, media, News, swim across america, swimming1 Comment

Maya Merhige
Swim Across America – San Francisco
Age: 16

Maya Merhige is just 16 years old, and she has spent half her life participating in Swim Across America – San Francisco. In that time, she has raised over $76,000 for the swim’s beneficiary, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.

“I’ve loved swimming for a really long time,” noted Maya. “Swimming is something that I would do even if I weren’t raising funds. Being able to raise money for something that is extremely important to me and close to my heart by just continuing with something I love is the perfect situation.”

From a young age, Maya understood the importance of raising funds for cancer research. She first swam at Swim Across America – San Francisco when she was nine years old.

“I swim for each and every single person that has ever been touched by cancer. Whether it’s for a patient, a doctor, a family member, or a friend, I swim for them all,” said Maya.

“Cancer is one of the most devastating things to go through, and I swim to honor all of those who use all of their strength to fight this disease.

Using strength to fight through challenging situations is something Maya is familiar with. In addition to being a high school junior, a top fundraiser for Swim Across America, and a Taylor Swift fan, Maya is an accomplished marathon swimmer with several record-breaking and high-profile channel swims completed to make up a long list of achievements.

This summer, she completed her eighth major marathon swim, the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan. She was 15 at the time, becoming only the third 15-year-old to complete the swim, and swam the 28.5-mile course in eight hours and 43 minutes under the bright lights of New York City.

“I really like the challenge of it. I got to see all of the Manhattan skyline from the water at night, which is something I think not a lot of people can say. It was beautiful!”

*Maya and her safety crew after the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan*

Last January, Maya became the youngest swimmer in the world to successfully swim the grueling Kaiwi Molokai Channel, between the Hawaiian Islands of Molokai and Oahu, which she completed in 27 hours and 33 minutes. She also holds a record for the longest duration, thanks to an incredibly strong rip current.

She is the youngest woman to swim the 21-mile length, 12-mile width, and 10.8-mile Vikingsholm courses of Lake Tahoe, earning her the Tahoe Triple Crown. Read more about Maya, her marathon swims, and progress on fundraising efforts at swimacrossamerica.org/maya.

Maya plans on completing the Ocean’s Seven, which is a series of seven open water channel swims throughout the world. So far, she has completed two, and her English Channel swim is scheduled for July 2024.

*Susan Helmrich, captain of Team Susan Survives and three-time cancer survivor, and Maya*

Until then, she’s excited about the Swim Across America – San Francisco open water swim on September 30. She will swim with her team, Team Susan Survives, which has raised over $1 million throughout 17 years of support.

“This year marks the eighth year I’ve been swimming and raising money for Swim Across America – San Francisco,” said Maya. “I originally started swimming to support my dear friend Susan Helmrich, with Team Susan Survives. Susan is an amazing three-time cancer survivor!”

If you are moved to support Maya, you can donate here.

Swim Legend Sue Walsh Makes Waves with Swim Across America – Carolina and in Cancer Fight

Posted on September 11, 2023October 2, 2023 Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Carolina, college swimming, olympians, Pool Swims, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged cancer, media, News, olympians, swim across america1 Comment

Sue Walsh
Swim Across America – Carolina
Age: 61

Swimming and philanthropy go hand-in-hand for Sue Walsh. She was first introduced to Swim Across America through her 1980 U.S. Olympic teammate Craig Beardsley, and she has always felt that the organization’s mission of funding life-saving cancer treatments was a meaningful way to give back.

*Sue and her daughter, Sarah, with two of Sue’s grandsons, Jayden and Carter at the 2022 SAA-Carolina pool swim.*

“Over the years, swimming has given me so much joy. It made perfect sense to partner with Swim Across America to direct my passion towards finding a cure for cancer – which has affected so many people in my life,” Sue noted.

Sue has had an illustrious swimming career, and many consider her a legend in the swimming world. She was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, won two medals at the 1982 World Aquatic Championships, and while swimming at the University of North Carolina, became a 10-time national champion and three-time Most Outstanding Swimmer at the ACC Championships.

In 2003, she was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Throughout the last 20 years, she still competed in swimming in the master’s category, setting six world records in her age group at the 2007 United States Masters’ Swimming Championships.

In 2010, Sue’s mother Joan, lost her fight to melanoma. Then, in 2019, Sue was diagnosed with colon cancer making her support of Swim Across America that much more personal. Sue shared this news with Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America and Sue’s close friend through their master’s swimming association.

“Rob invited me to speak at the 2021 Swim Across America – Charlotte charity swim. I was incredibly proud to share my story with the crowd of supporters.”

*Rob Butcher, Sue Walsh, UNC Head Coach Mark Gangloff, his wife Ashley and their daughter, and Bailey Burt, Sue’s team’s co-captain, pictured at the 2022 SAA-Carolina pool swim.*

Of course, Sue did more than speak at the event. She also dove in to help make waves to fight cancer – and at the same time, conquered her fear of swimming in open water!

“Although I had a fear of swimming in anything except a pool, I couldn’t stand on the shore and watch others doing their part to raise money for the incredible researchers at the Levine Cancer Institute,” said Sue.

After Sue’s initial cancer diagnosis, she had surgery and was declared cancer free. In 2022, a scan revealed new lesions had formed.

Now, Sue is receiving treatment for stage IV colon cancer at the Levine Cancer Institute, with which she was diagnosed in 2022.

*Sue and Eric Montross, a friend and former UNC men’s basketball player*.

“I receive incredible care there. And I have watched some very good friends begin their cancer journey and others succumb to the disease this past year. That made me motivated to invest even more of my time and energy in an amazing organization such as SAA,” noted Sue.

Sue’s cancer fight and connection to swimming and Swim Across America inspired her to propose a pool swim at a familiar place.

“That is when I began discussing with Rob Butcher and Carolina Head Swimming and Diving Coach, Mark Gangloff, the possibility of a pool swim at The University of North Carolina’s Koury Natatorium.”

“In 2022, our first year, we raised more than $90,000 for UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the home of one of my oncologists. This year, we are on target to surpass that level of fundraising,” said Sue.

Sue is determined to raise funds for cancer research through her own cancer battle. Her determination speaks to her selfless nature. Over the years, Sue has raised over $30,000 for Swim Across America.

*Sue and Jenny Strickland Mangum, a cancer survivor and Sue’s UNC roommate and teammate*

“I don’t know if any of the research being done at Levine Cancer Institute or Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center will directly impact my quality of life or my life span, but I want to do all I can to “Make Waves to Fight Cancer.”

Sue’s accolades continue to pour in. In August 2023, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) dedicated its pool to her – a much deserved honor.

“We are honored that your name, in perpetuity, will be associated with our university and our aquatics center,” UNCP Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings said during the dedication ceremony. “To you, Sue, your family and your friends, please know that UNC Pembroke is excited, we’re honored, and we are inspired to honor such a great legend.”

If you are moved to support Sue, you can donate here.

Cancer Survivor and Neonatal ICU Nurse Embraces Swim Across America as Extended Family

Posted on September 5, 2023September 25, 2023 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, atlanta, college swimming, dallas, seattle, st. louis, UncategorizedTagged cancer, media, News, swim across america1 Comment

Samantha Johanna (Sammie Jo) Porter
Swim Across America – Atlanta
Age: 24
Years supporting Swim Across America: 14

Samantha Johanna (Sammie Jo), now 24, was only 11 years old when she woke up with a swollen eye. At that age, it seemed typical to assume she had something stuck in her eye causing the inflammation and that it would be a relatively easy solution to solve.

However, after multiple doctor visits, a CT scan showed a pea-size hole in her left orbit and a diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). LCH is a rare cancer condition where immune cells build up and form tumors or damage tissue, bone, and organs.

*Sammie Jo, age 11, before her cancer diagnosis.*

Sammie Jo didn’t let this devastating diagnosis stop her. An avid swimmer and child athlete, she was successfully treated and kept swimming throughout her medical issues.

In 2011, after emerging successfully from her treatment, she joined the cancer fundraising efforts with Swim Across America. This year, Sammie Jo is once again participating – this time in Atlanta. Though she has participated in several different swims, the Atlanta swim holds a special place in her heart.

“Swim Across America – Atlanta benefits the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where I work as a neonatal ICU nurse,” said Sammie Jo.

*Sammie Jo swims at a Swim Across America event.*

When asked what carried her through her difficult – and sometimes traumatic – treatments, Sammie Jo’s bright personality shines through.

“Through thick and thin, you just have to keep your head up,” noted Sammie Jo. “When I got my original diagnosis as a child, it was almost like a ray of sunshine in the dark tunnel because the doctors finally figured out what was wrong with me. But at the same time, I had to have major head surgery and that was scary.”

Sammie Jo had a layer of her skull shaved, which was then used to repair the hole in her orbit. She ended up with an incision from ear to ear. She and her family lived in Texas at the time and her first Swim Across America event after her recovery was the Swim Across America – Dallas event.

“I got involved in Swim Across America a year after I fought bone cancer,” said Sammie Jo. “I grew up swimming competitively, so when I heard that this open water swim was taking place in Dallas, I thought it was the perfect fit. While in college at Mizzou, I also participated in the Swim Across America – St. Louis event. I didn’t realize then that this organization, shortly after, would become my family and I wouldn’t change that for the world. I’m now so honored to be helping run the Junior Advisory Board for the Atlanta swim and on the Swim Across America Associate National Board!”

*Sammie Jo with SAA-Dallas co-event directors, Michael Smit and Olympian Ryan Berube.*

In high school, Sammie Jo swam for Lakeside Aquatic Club and was the 2015-2016 Scholastic All-American. At the University of Missouri, she was on the swim team where she was a stand-out ranked swimmer in the 100 and 200 free and won multiple event titles, and received an All-American honorable mention as a sophomore as part of the Missouri 400 relay team at the NCAA Championships.

*The University of Missouri team at SAA-St. Louis.*

Sammie Jo graduated in December of 2021 from the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing and happily accepted her dream job as a neonatal ICU nurse at Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the SAA-Atlanta’s local beneficiary.

Upon arriving in Atlanta, Sammie Jo knew she wanted to continue swimming and volunteering with Swim Across America, so joining the Atlanta swim was natural.

“I was a recent college graduate working my first job and had a lot of energy and passion for helping raise awareness and funds to fight cancer,” noted Sammie Jo. “I wanted to try to use my experience with swimming – and with cancer – to motivate other young swimmers to get involved.”

Sammie Jo dove right in and signed up to help spearhead the SAA-Atlanta Junior Advisory Board, where close to 20 middle and high school teens from throughout the Atlanta area work on specific fundraising programs for the swim, as well as swimming themselves. Sammie Jo also joined Swim Across America’s National Associate Board as a junior member.

Throughout the years, Sammie Jo has raised more than $20,000 for crucial cancer research with Swim Across America. She has participated as a swimmer and volunteer at Swim Across America events in Dallas, Charlotte, Seattle, St. Louis, and Atlanta.

If you are moved to support Sammie Jo, you can donate here.

Swim Across America? Team JCT Swim Strong Accepts the Challenge to Honor Loved One

Posted on August 9, 2023August 28, 2023 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, nantucket, san francisco, st. louis, tampaTagged cancer, cancer research, fundraising, swim across america1 Comment

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 donate here.

Cancer Survivor’s Journey Comes Full Circle with Participation in Swim Across America – Dallas

Posted on August 9, 2023September 25, 2023 Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, dallas, Uncategorized, wave makerTagged cancer, cancer research, fundraising, swim across america, swimming3 Comments

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.

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.

“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 – NANTUCKET IN THE NEWS

Posted on July 24, 2023July 24, 2023 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, nantucket, News, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged cancer, media, News, swim across america, televisionLeave a comment

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

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA BLOG – SAASWIM.COM

NANTUCKET NURSE RECALLS “PIVOTAL TIME” IN ADMINISTERING HOSPITAL’S FIRST IMMUNOTHERAPY TREATMENT

CCB Media – CapeCod.com; WQRC – 99.9 The Q; WKPE – Cape Country 104; WFCC – Classical 107.5; WOCN – Ocean 104.7

LISTEN: Swim Across America Nantucket Returns Saturday

CCB Media – CapeCod.com; WQRC – 99.9 The Q; WKPE – Cape Country 104; WFCC – Classical 107.5; WOCN – Ocean 104.7

PHOTOS: Swim Across America Nantucket

Nantucket Current

For Nantucket Nurse, Saturday’s 11th Swim Across America Is Personal

The Inquirer & Mirror

Swim Across America returns Saturday

Yesterday’s Island Today’s Nantucket

SWIMMING TO BENEFIT ON-ISLAND CANCER CARE

CAI – Cape, Coast & Islands (NPR stations 90.1, 91.1, 94.3)

A huge splash on Nantucket for local cancer care

SAA-Richmond Swimmer, George Sushkoff, Finds His “Favorite Things” in Swim Across America Community

Posted on July 21, 2023August 28, 2023 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Pool Swims, richmond, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged cancer, cancer research, fundraising, media, News, swim across america, swimming1 Comment

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.

Denver Teen Triumphs Over Rare Spinal Cord Cancer Diagnosis and Serves Community as SAA Patient Ambassador

Posted on July 20, 2023August 21, 2023 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, denver, Fundraising, UncategorizedTagged cancer, cancer research, fundraising, media, swim across america, swimming1 Comment

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 BLOG, SAASWIM.COM

WMAR, ABC 2

UMBC Sports

The Greyhound – Loyola University

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA BLOG, SAASWIM.COM

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA BLOG – SAASWIM.COM

CCB Media – CapeCod.com; WQRC – 99.9 The Q; WKPE – Cape Country 104; WFCC – Classical 107.5; WOCN – Ocean 104.7

CCB Media – CapeCod.com; WQRC – 99.9 The Q; WKPE – Cape Country 104; WFCC – Classical 107.5; WOCN – Ocean 104.7

Nantucket Current

The Inquirer & Mirror

Yesterday’s Island Today’s Nantucket

CAI – Cape, Coast & Islands (NPR stations 90.1, 91.1, 94.3)