Swim Across America Launches College Cup and College Ambassador Programs

Posted on September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, atlanta, boston, Carolina, college swimming, dallas, Fundraising, nantucket, News, rhode island, st. louis, UncategorizedTagged cancer research, college ambassadors, college cup, college leadership, college teams, fundraising, media, News, swim across america, swimmingLeave a comment

New Programs Offer Fun, Fresh, and Exciting Ways for College Students to Make a Bigger Impact With Swim Across America

College Swimming Coaches Association of America, Inc. and Vasa are proud partners of College Cup Competition

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 26, 2023 – Swim Across America (SAA) is pleased to announce two new programs aimed at college students and college swim teams who want to make a bigger impact in their community through leadership, fundraising, and friendly competition. The Swim Across America College Cup features 30+ collegiate, club and alumni teams and more than 1,000 participants all united to make waves in the fight against cancer through swimming. The second program is the SAA College Ambassador program where 21 college swimmers and ambassadors have been selected to represent Swim Across America throughout the school year to help raise awareness on the importance of making waves to fight cancer. Both programs are supported through partnerships with College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) and Vasa, the fitness training company for swimmers.

Swim Across America College Cup

Through December 1, 2023, college or college-affiliated swim teams will compete in the Swim Across America College Cup, a fundraising competition among collegiate teams in the U.S. Teams can participate by registering for one of Swim Across America’s open water charity swims, joining or starting a pool swim, or participating virtually through the SAA My Way program. Participants must be affiliated with a U.S-based college or university to be eligible to compete in the College Cup. Teams may consist of current college students, alumni or a mix of both, and can be as small as one person.

To date, more than 30 teams consisting of 1,000 participants are currently enrolled in the College Cup’s inaugural year. As the college swim season peaks, Swim Across America expects those numbers to increase and encourages teams, clubs and alumni groups who want to join to do so at swimacrossamerica.org/collegecup.

*Members of the Emory University Swim and Dive team at the 2023 SAA-Atlanta event.*

*Members of the Providence College swim and dive teams at the 2023 SAA-Rhode Island event.*

“One of the exciting aspects of the Swim Across America College Cup program is that it offers a new way for alumni to stay engaged with their college swim teams,” noted John O’Neill, head coach of the Providence College men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs and a long-time participant in Swim Across America open water swims. “It allows them to lead the next generation of athletes in the swimming world and instill a philanthropic mindset.”

Fundraising by the College Cup teams will support cancer research and clinical trials in the community in which teams register to swim. If teams are participating in a national pool swim, funds support the Swim Across America pediatric cancer research fund. Swim Across America offers 24 open water swims across the country and hundreds of pool swims each year.

The College Cup brings several exciting partnerships to Swim Across America, including the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) and Vasa, a fitness and rehabilitation company focused on peak performance for swimmers, surfers and triathletes.

As part of their partnership, CSCAA will recognize the top individual College Cup fundraiser at their annual awards ceremony.

“We are thrilled to rejuvenate the partnership between Swim Across America and the CSCAA,” said Samantha Barany, executive director of CSCAA. “The philanthropic efforts of Swim Across America are impressive and impact nearly everyone in some way with the fight against cancer. The open water events hosted by Swim Across America are an excellent opportunity for our college teams and athletes to engage in charitable endeavors within a familiar and loved environment – the water. We will continue to find more ways to collaborate and I believe this is just the beginning!”

Vasa will award a Vasa Trainer Pro model to two participating teams. One will be awarded to the top College Cup fundraising team and the second will be awarded to a randomly selected team participating in the College Cup. All teams have the opportunity to win through their participation.

Swim Across America College Ambassadors

Swim Across America is also excited to announce another new college initiative, the Swim Across America College Ambassadors program. College Ambassadors will be the face of Swim Across America at their college or university and lead efforts to raise awareness of Swim Across America’s mission to fund cancer research, clinical trials and patient programs by hosting charity swims. College Ambassadors are passionate about Swim Across America and help engage their peers, promote the Swim Across America mission and brand, and encourage their local communities’ involvement.

Earlier this year, Swim Across America invited college students to apply for the Swim Across America College Ambassadors program. Applicants were asked to share why they are passionate about Swim Across America, highlight any previous leadership experience, and outline their aspirations for participating in the program. More than 30 applications were reviewed by a Swim Across America selection committee and 21 college students were selected to be College Ambassadors for 2023. Students selected represent colleges across the country, including University of South Florida, Roger Williams University and Northeastern University.

Beyond their role as ambassadors, these students also serve as team captains for teams participating in the College Cup or any Swim Across America event. To learn about the Swim Across America College Ambassador program, visit swimacrossamerica.org/ambassadors.

Swim Across America was founded in 1987 with its first open water event in Long Island Sound. Since that time, the nonprofit organization has raised more than $100 million to fight cancer. In its 36 years of making waves to fight cancer, more than 100,000 swimmers and 150 Olympians have swum the circumference of the earth three times, uniting a movement to fight cancer that has created a groundswell of support spanning all generations. Today, more than 24 communities hold open water swims and hundreds of charity pool swims each year, from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge, which support innovative cancer research, detection and patient programs.

Swim Across America’s funding of clinical trials for patients helped contribute to four FDA approved life-saving immunotherapy cancer treatments: Yervoy, Opdivo, Tecentriq and Keytruda. In June of last year, a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering was published in The New England Journal of Medicine that showed a 100 percent success rate in treating patients in a phase 2 clinical trial for advanced rectal cancer with dostarlimab, an immunotherapy treatment produced by GlaxoSmithKline. The clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering was funded by early-stage grant funding from Swim Across America. More than 60 scientific grants are funded each year and there are now ten dedicated Swim Across America Labs at major institutions including: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, John Hopkins Medicine Atlanta, 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, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, The Swim Across America Pediatric Research Lab at Columbia University Medical Center New York, and The Swim Across America Laboratory at Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine.

About Swim Across America

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

About CSCAA

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

About Vasa

Vasa empowers swimmers, surfers and triathletes to become stronger, better, faster in sports, fitness and injury rehab. Vasa offers specific equipment such as swim ergometers, trainers, sport benches and other accessories to provide athletes with safe, effective training methods. Founded by Rob Sleamaker, an acclaimed exercise physiologist and author, who has worked with Olympians, biathletes and triathletes as well as some of the world’s most respected swim coaches to reinvent their training practices. Learn more about Vasa at vasatrainer.com.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – DALLAS IN THE NEWS

Posted on September 25, 2023April 17, 2026 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, dallas, Fundraising, Messages of Hope, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged cancer, cancer research, fundraising, media, News, swim across americaLeave a comment

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Team John Makes Waves on Long Island Sound for Beloved Swimmer and Teammate

Posted on July 19, 2023August 1, 2023 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Fundraising, Long Island Sound, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged cancer research, fundraising, swim across america1 Comment

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 31^st 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.

“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.

Making Waves – in the Water and on the Road – Across America in Honor of Loved Ones Battling Cancer

Posted on July 14, 2023August 21, 2023 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, chicago, Fundraising, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged fundraising, swim across america, swimming2 Comments

Patty Brummet
Swim Across America – Chicago
20 years supporting Swim Across America
Age: 77

When you talk to Patty Brummet, she brings up many numbers that all have significant meaning.

197,000: Dollars she has raised for Swim Across America during her many years of supporting the nonprofit organization.

750: Miles she will bike from New York City to Raleigh, North Carolina, on Sept. 18 – Oct. 4. This is her 9th bike trek across the country.

294: Number of names she will wear on her swim cap and cycling jersey – each in honor or memory of a loved one or friend who battled cancer.

21.5: Miles she has swam in Lake Michigan at the Swim Across America Chicago open water swim.

20: Years she has swam and 10 years biked to fund a cure.

12: August 12th Swim Across America Chicago open water swim – and Patty’s 20th year she will be participating!

And when talking about her 20th year, another number comes up.

“This year I dedicate my ride and swim for five very special friends – in honor of Eileen, Leslie, Dave and Steve, who are currently battling cancer, and in memory of Berta.”

Patty feels gratitude and appreciation for every single person who has donated to her and her team, Team Life, over the years. Those friends and family members, co-workers and sometimes even strangers, are the ones who keep her motivated to bike and swim her way across the country.

“Every dollar allows research to continue to find the next miracle drug or treatment for patients like my friends,” said Patty “The money you donate today ensures that cancer research will continue, and lives will be saved. My four friends are alive today because of donors to our cause.”

Patty says it has been her lifelong dream to bike across the country and she’s found a sense of purpose in each mile. To do so for Swim Across America is even more poignant, as the organization was founded in 1987 with its very first swim, but before swimming became the mechanism to raise funds for cancer research, the founders of the organization, Matt Vossler and Jeff Keith, ran across the country.

When asked why these bike treks and swims are so meaningful to her and why she continues after all these years, Patty shares a simple response.

“Thirteen years after my dad’s death I still honor the promise I made to him the night he died – to bike across America,” noted Patty. “We never discussed the route I would take so I kept riding.”

Patty shares stories about each of her friends and their personal battles with cancer on her personal fundraising page. Read their stories and donate to Patty and Team Life here.

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