Tag: chemotherapy

Swim Across America – Tampa Bay to Celebrate 15 Years of Making Waves to Fight Cancer

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Established in 2012, Swim Across America – Tampa Bay has raised more than $2.2 million for its local beneficiaries, including Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Each year, the event proudly hosts more than 250 swimmers, volunteers, spectators and supporters, as well as Olympic swimmers for this inspiring community swim. 

Swim Across America – Tampa Bay funding is also helping to bring new hope to children and families facing tough cancer diagnoses by advancing promising pediatric immunotherapy research. Dr. Jonathan Metts, a pediatric hematology oncologist at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Tampa, in partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center, is the first to bring a promising adult trial into the pediatric setting. Supported by Swim Across America since its pre-clinical phase, the 100% philanthropically funded study has enrolled five pediatric patients with very limited remaining treatment options. Four patients have experienced remarkable responses — early results that exceeded expectations for an early phase study and are already helping refine the treatment for future patients.

“This Swim Across America funded research is helping to expand what is possible for these patients – especially when standard therapy options fall short,” noted Dr. Metts.  Only 4% of NIH funding is dedicated to pediatric cancer research, so philanthropic funding really plays a critical role in that it allows innovative studies like this one to move forward, adapt quickly, and reach children who urgently need new options. We are forever grateful for this critical support by Swim Across America and thrilled with the promise of using a child’s own immune system to fight cancer.” 

The clinical trial uses tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which are immune cells that have been taken from the patient’s own tumor, grown into millions of specialized cells, and infused back into the patient. The goal is to help the immune system more effectively identify and eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

“This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate 15 years of making waves to fight cancer here in Tampa Bay,” said Julia Lamb, event director for Swim Across America. “Every swimmer, volunteer and supporter who joins us is helping fund hope for families facing cancer. We are proud to welcome swimmers of all ages and abilities and to support the incredible work being done at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and especially the promising clinical trial work with Dr. Metts.”

One of the event’s current top fundraisers is Margo Smith, captain of Team MargoRita, who is marking her 15th year swimming with Swim Across America.

Margo Smith and members of Team MargoRita passing out Dash the Dolphin plushies at the SAA-Tampa Bay Swim.

“I have been a part of this event since its very beginning, but this year is especially important to me,” said Margo Smith. “I am swimming in honor of two loved ones close to me who are battling cancer. One of them thankfully has many treatment options, including some fairly new treatments. Swim Across America funds research to find these new treatment options and I have seen the tangible results of these efforts. We are all touched by cancer at some point and need to find new treatments for those dear to us.”

Another inspiring swimmer is Wyatt Deaton, age 15, who is swimming in honor of his mother, Michelle Deaton, a breast cancer survivor. Wyatt has been swimming in the Swim Across America – Tampa Bay swim since he was in elementary school. His mom Michelle was diagnosed in 2018 at age 45 with a rare form of breast cancer called secretory carcinoma, a disease once known as juvenile carcinoma because it was more commonly found in children. Wyatt was just 7 years old at the time his mom was diagnosed.

“I’m swimming with Swim Across America for my mom, who means the world to me,” said Wyatt. “When I was 8 years old, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Watching her fight, stay strong, and never give up changed me forever. Today, she is a breast cancer survivor, and I am so proud to swim in her honor. Swimming has always been a big part of my life, and this swim gives me a way to turn something I love into something that truly matters. Every lap I swim helps fund cancer research, support patients, and brings hope to families just like mine. I swim for her. I swim for hope.”

“‘You have cancer’ are three words you never want to hear – and to have to tell your seven-year-old son that is especially hard,” said Michelle Deaton. “Wyatt was so young when I was diagnosed, but he immediately started thinking about what he could do to help me get better. Raising money for Swim Across America and for pediatric cancer research was the challenge he was looking for — and needed — at that moment.”

Michelle added, “I just love, love, love Swim Across America and all it stands for. I talk about the work that Swim Across America supports everywhere I go and to everyone. I’m Swim Across America’s biggest fan and I love that our family can be a part of such a great event that impacts the lives of so many. I’m a true believer that when you put your mind to something, it might not be easy, but I’m blessed as I have gone through something tough like a cancer diagnosis, and it made me realize even more how miraculous our bodies really are.”

The Tampa Bay swim also includes participants like Chris Liu, who is swimming in memory of his father, whose life was deeply connected to swimming before he sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2024.

“Swimming played an important role throughout my dad’s life, from teaching my brother and me to swim when we were toddlers, to swimming alone every weekend morning before the family was awake,” said Liu. “It was certainly painful for my dad when he realized that his swimming days would be cut short when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I can’t pinpoint one specific reason why I decided to join Swim Across America — maybe it’s to continue his legacy as a swimmer, maybe it’s to raise money for a cause that impacted my family, or maybe it’s to find closure with his passing. Regardless, this event hit home for me on so many levels that it would have felt wrong to pass on the opportunity.”

Swim Across America – Tampa Bay will hold its 15th annual open water swim on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at SPA Beach at the St. Pete Pier, 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, Florida. The event welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels to help make waves to fight pediatric cancer, with proceeds benefitting Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

Participants may choose from a 1/2-mile, 1-mile, or 2-mile swim course and children 8-years-old and younger can participate in a fun Dolphin Dash by swimming a short distance along the beach under supervision. There is also a “SAA My Way,” virtual option for athletes who are unable to participate in-person on May 9th. For registration and volunteer opportunities (land and water), or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/tampa.

Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah Holds Open Water Swim and Celebrates 10 Years of Making Waves to Fight Cancer on June 6, 2026

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, charleston-kiawah, college swimming, Corporate Partners, event directors, Events, Family Tree, Fundraising, Labs, Making Waves With Hope, Messages of Hope, News, olympians, partnerships, Pool Swims, SAA Pride, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Hundreds of swimmers and volunteers are getting ready to dive in and make waves to fight cancer at the 10th annual Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Night Heron Park, on Kiawah Island in South Carolina. The event raises crucial funds for cancer research at the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. Swimmers of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part in the annual Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim. Participants can swim a 1/2-mile or 1.5-mile open water swim, or participate in a same-day pool swim. For those not able to be there in-person, a SAA My Way virtual option is available. For registration and volunteer opportunities (volunteer on the land or water), or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/charleston.

The SAA-Charleston-Kiawah community after the 2025 open water swim.

Established in 2017, Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah has raised more than $600,000 for its beneficiary, Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. Each year, the event proudly hosts more than 150 swimmers, volunteers, spectators and supporters, as well as Olympians from near and far, for this inspiring community swim.

“The Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim is one of the most inspiring events you will ever attend,” said Jana Chanthabane, event director of the Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim. “The gathering of so many families and individuals who are honoring those who have been touched by cancer, whether they are survivors, currently battling, or have lost someone, is truly incredible. The feeling of wanting to make a change and to do something for those who have experienced cancer is huge.”

Chanthabane knows firsthand the impact of raising funds for cancer research. She is a breast cancer survivor who has been cancer-free for 13 years. She was diagnosed in 2013 at the young age of 35 while raising three young children. Her personal journey is one of the reasons she has remained deeply committed to Swim Across America and its mission.

To support Jana, her family is swimming and volunteering with Team Chanthabanes Cheating Cancer. Jana’s daughter Ella Chanthabane notes that 2026 represents a powerful milestone.

“2026 marks Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah’s 10-year anniversary, and for me and my mom, that means 10 years of commitment to the mission,” said Ella Chanthabane. “Commitment to fighting cancer, making waves, and honoring those we’ve lost, as well as survivors like my mom, is really incredible. We got involved because, like everyone, we had been touched by cancer. We stayed because we believe in the Swim Across America mission and the work being done to support MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, where my mom was treated for breast cancer.”

Jana and Ella Chanthabane, pictured at the 2025 SAA-Motor City Mile open water swim.

Among this year’s participants is John Rhodes with Team Axes Endurance Club, who participates in memory of his father and in honor of many others affected by cancer. “I am passionate about Swim Across America and dedicate my time in memory of my father, John Rhodes, who was diagnosed with skin, prostate and thyroid cancer,” said John Rhodes. “In 2001, I began getting skin cancer screenings due to my father’s extensive skin cancer diagnosis and was found to have a basal cell carcinoma, which was successfully removed. Many other friends and family have been diagnosed with cancer, and Swim Across America’s goal of beating cancer through advancements in treatments has already resulted in the saving of many lives around the world. Without Swim Across America’s early-stage funding, researchers are not able to conduct trials that can lead to breakthroughs that save lives.”

Another returning swimmer is Ellen Sullivan with the team Pawleys Island Freestylers, who is taking part in her fourth Swim Across America event. “My journey with Swim Across America began four years ago when my high school swim coach and Olympic swimmer, Craig Beardsley, invited me to support the Kiawah event,” said Ellen Sullivan. “Since then, I have lost both my beloved mother and father to cancer. A close friend has bravely battled and triumphed over her own diagnosis, and my dear colleague continues to fight courageously against recurring cancer. These personal experiences have given me even more reason to swim. I swim to make a difference.”

Sullivan’s teammate Stefanie Whitmire, also with Team Pawleys Island Freestylers, is swimming as both a survivor and an advocate for others facing the disease. “I joined Swim Across America for so many reasons,” said Stefanie Whitmire. “I have many friends who have fought cancer, and this year, I am also swimming for myself. I have never been as scared as when I found out I had cancer — especially when it was a rare cancer. The news was unexpected and came right before Christmas. My surgeons and doctors were amazing. They saw me through two major surgeries, six months of chemotherapy and continued monitoring. I learned so much about my inner strength, my faith and my determination. I want to give back and support the research that will fight cancer. I want others to see there is hope and life in the darkness.”

Irene Row with Team West Ashley Whales is also swimming for a loved one. Her husband, Michael, was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in 2017 and continues to fight the disease. “My husband, Michael, was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in 2017, and he has been fighting this disease ever since,” said Row. “We both have family members and friends with other forms of cancer, and some of them have passed away. Michael found out about Swim Across America in 2018 and we both love that it raises money for a worthy cause — funding much-needed cancer research.”

Another standout returning team is Team Baucom, led by Barry Baucom of Kiawah, along with his wife Louise and son Ryan, who happens to be vice president of marketing for Swim Across America. The family has raised more than $60,000 over the past ten years to support cancer research and clinical trials at Hollings Cancer Center.

Team Baucom at the 2025 SAA-Charleston-Kiawah open water swim.

The funds raised by Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah support cancer research and clinical trials at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, with funds currently supporting both the Ferreira Lab, dedicated to designing and developing engineered immune cell therapies for autoimmune disease, cancer and aging, as well as a pediatric brain cancer grant.

Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to the FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. The organization also recently awarded two first-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, advancing novel CRISPR gene and base editing techniques used in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and cellular therapies. Swim Across America supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.For those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating at the 10th annual Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah open water swim on June 6, 2026, visit swimacrossamerica.org/charleston, or follow on Instagram and Facebook @saacharlestonkiawah.

Doug Bosley: From Marathon Swims to His Toughest Challenge Yet

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Doug Bosley has completed some of the most challenging marathon swims in the world, including the cross-continental Hellespont Dardanelles swim, the Maui Channel swim, the Boston Harbor Swim and the St. Croix Reef swim. He has also participated in nearly 30 Swim Across America swims, including Boston and San Francisco. 

While those swims were intense, Doug is now facing one of his toughest battles yet: beating acral lentiginous melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer that has sadly spread and metastasized. Despite his diagnosis, Doug’s sense of humor remains intact. He colors his story with anecdotes, punchlines and heartfelt emotion. 

“In March 2024, I discovered a very tiny dot on my heel; it was no bigger than an eraser head. So I got it checked out and was diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer. Not exactly what you want to hear,” Doug shared lightheartedly. 

Doug Bosley (back row, center) and Team Festivus at the 2023 Swim Across America – Boston open water swim.

Doug began treatment at Mass General Cancer Center, one of the beneficiaries of the Swim Across America – Boston community swim. The swim also supports Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Unfortunately, the cancer has quickly progressed and has spread to his liver and brain. 

After initial treatments were unsuccessful, Doug was put on BRAF therapy, a combination of medicines that can shrink or slow the growth of metastatic melanoma in those whose tumors have a BRAF mutation. The treatment helped with his liver and lymph nodes but not his brain due to the blood-brain barrier.

He is currently being treated with two immunotherapy medicines – Yervoy and Opdivo – both which received early-stage grant funding from Swim Across America and are FDA approved for treating several different types of cancer.

“I’m doing ok, but the effects of my treatments are taking a toll,” said Doug. “My skin is incredibly sensitive, my feet are swollen to the point where it’s difficult to walk around, my head is foggy, and I have no saliva. But I’m sitting here, employed and engaged to be married – so that’s a good thing.”

Yes, Doug is engaged! After Doug was diagnosed, he proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Laura Lipcsei. The couple splits their time between their house in Somerville, Massachusetts, and the lake cabin they built together in Ontario, Canada. 

“I said to Laura, ‘Now is the time to get married because I don’t know where I’ll be in a year,” joked Doug. 

In addition to being thankful for Laura, Doug expresses his appreciation for his Swim Across America family, who have supported him through this journey. 

Doug, back row center, participated in the 2009 Swim Across America – Boston Harbor swim.

“My Swim Across America family in Boston means everything to me. We started doing the swims as something fun to do together. Somewhere along the way, it became something more emotional. We’d swim, have fun, have a good cry, then come back the next year. Thirty years later and we’re still here,” shared Doug.  

One member of Doug’s SAA-Boston swim group has helped him tremendously. Rick Osterberg, who himself is a cancer survivor and also received an immunotherapy pioneered with funding provided by Swim Across America, is Doug’s “cancer coach” and they swim together on Team Festivus. 

“So between my wedding, turning 62 and the August 9 SAA-Boston swim, I’ve got a lot to look forward to this summer! I really want to be up there sharing my story with everyone who has supported me this past year.” said Doug. 

If you’re inspired to support Doug and Team Festivus, give here.