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Hundreds Dive in on Saturday, August 29, the 11th Annual Swim Across America – St. Louis Open Water Swim to Make Waves to Fight Cancer

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Nearly 600 Participants Expected at Alpine Lake to Raise Funds for Siteman Cancer Center; Team IBK Rallies Around Teammate Jean Roberson During Her Own Pancreatic Cancer Journey

Swim Across America, the national nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer through charity swims across the U.S., will host the 11th annual Swim Across America – St. Louis Open Water Swim on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Alpine Lake at Innsbrook Resort in Innsbrook, Missouri. Participants can choose from a half-mile, 1-mile or 2-mile open water swim, with proceeds supporting cutting-edge cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine. Those who cannot swim in person can still volunteer, donate or participate virtually through SAA My Way. Learn more at swimacrossamerica.org/stlouis.

Since its launch in 2016, Swim Across America – St. Louis has raised more than $2.3 million for Siteman Cancer Center. During the past decade, the event has grown into one of the largest gatherings for the regional swim community, welcoming nearly 600 participants each year, along with hundreds of volunteers, spectators and supporters and appearances by Olympic gold medalists and other special guests. The swim has reached capacity for the past four years.

This year, one of the reasons swimmers are diving in, is to support one of their own. Jean Roberson, a longtime Swim Across America participant who spent years raising money for others facing cancer, has unexpectedly found herself on the other side of that equation.

Roberson has participated in Swim Across America – St. Louis since 2019, with her husband volunteering alongside her. Last year, the couple expanded their commitment by hosting a fundraiser at their Alpine Lake home as part of the 2025 Swim Across America weekend. They also created Team Jessica in memory of Roberson’s niece, who passed away from cancer in her mid-20s.

Then, approximately six months ago, Roberson received her own devastating diagnosis: pancreatic cancer.

After undergoing chemotherapy, Roberson had major surgery in July and is continuing her follow-up treatment, including care through Siteman Cancer Center. This year, instead of simply swimming in memory and honor of others touched by cancer, members of the Swim Across America community are now swimming for her.

Roberson is a member of Team IBK, a group of more than 45 swimmers representing the Innsbrook community and beyond. The team is captained by Bill Wilson, a cancer survivor himself and one of the event directors for Swim Across America – St. Louis.

“Jean has supported Swim Across America for years as a swimmer, fundraiser and friend, always focused on helping other patients and families,” Wilson said. “Now our community has the opportunity to rally around Jean. Her story is an incredibly powerful reminder of why we do this and why funding cancer research is so important.”

Team IBK has become a fundraising powerhouse within the St. Louis swim. Last year, the team raised more than $70,000 and has continued an unbroken streak as the top fundraising team at Swim Across America – St. Louis, while also ranking among the organization’s top teams nationally.

“Team IBK will once again represent the community of Innsbrook and beyond on Saturday, August 29, as we participate in the 11th annual Swim Across America – St. Louis Open Water Swim at Alpine Lake,” Wilson said. “We will support the fight to find a cure by participating, volunteering and raising funds to support cutting-edge research at Siteman Cancer Center. May it lead to a cancer-free world.”

Wilson will once again swim a mile at this year’s event while captaining Team IBK. For him, each trip across Alpine Lake represents friends and loved ones who have faced cancer as well as his own experience as a cancer survivor.

“I swim in honor of those who have fought, or are fighting, this insidious disease and in memory of the dear friends I have lost to it,” Wilson said.

The connection between Swim Across America – St. Louis and Siteman Cancer Center is especially meaningful to participants such as Roberson and Wilson because money raised in the community stays in the community, supporting innovative cancer research that can ultimately lead to new treatments, clinical trials and better outcomes for patients.

“Every swimmer, volunteer and donor at Alpine Lake is part of something much larger than a one-day swim,” Wilson said. “We have seen firsthand how cancer research changes lives. When nearly 600 people come together in one place with the same goal, it sends an incredibly powerful message to patients and families that they are not fighting cancer alone.”

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 more information, to join as a swimmer, volunteer, or to participate virtually or donate to Swim Across America – St. Louis, visit swimacrossamerica.org/stlouis.

19-Year-Old American Maya Merhige Successfully Swims the Strait of Gibraltar From Spain to Morocco, Completing Her Sixth Oceans Seven Crossing

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Berkeley marathon swimmer aims to be youngest swimmer in the world to complete Oceans Seven while raising funds for cancer research through Swim Across America

Marathon teen swimming sensation Maya Merhige of Berkeley, California, a rising sophomore at Georgetown University, successfully swam the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain to Morocco on Tuesday, August 11, completing the sixth of the seven legendary channel crossings that make up the Oceans Seven. Maya completed the challenging swim in 3 hours, 49 minutes and 49 seconds, swimming from the coast of Tarifa, Spain to Eddalya, Morocco.

The Strait of Gibraltar separates Europe from Africa and connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. At its narrowest, the crossing is approximately 14.4 kilometers, or about 9 miles, although tides and challenging currents typically require swimmers to cover a considerably longer route. The Strait of Gibraltar is a unique location where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea and is known as a significant area for dolphins, fin and pilot whales, orcas, and other sea life, as well as being a busy shipping channel. With strong currents, unpredictable winds, and strict permissions, the Strait of Gibraltar is also known as one of the most important swims of the seven continents. The swim is run by The Strait of Gibraltar Swimming Association, or ACNEG, which oversees and certifies crossings in cooperation with maritime authorities offering just two-or-three crossings a year.

With the Strait of Gibraltar marking Maya’s sixth successful Oceans Seven crossing in just five years, the goal of being the youngest person in the world to complete the Oceans Seven challenge is within reach. Only 52 swimmers in the world have completed the Oceans Seven.

The Oceans Seven is considered the aquatic equivalent of mountaineering’s Seven Summits and requires swimmers to complete seven of the world’s best-known ocean channel crossings. Of those swims, Maya at age 14 completed the Catalina Channel in 2021, breaking the record for the youngest woman to swim the 32.3 km (20-miles) Catalina Channel; in 2023 at 15, she swam the 42 km (26 miles) Kaiwi or Molokai Channel, also the youngest to ever complete that crossing; in 2024, at 16 she successfully swam the 33 km (20.5 miles) English Channel; in 2025, at 17, the 22.5 km (14 miles) New Zealand’s Cook Strait was completed – where Maya suffered hundreds of jellyfish stings; this past July, at 18, she swam the 34.5 km (21.4 miles) grueling North Channel from Ireland to Scotland; and now, August 11, 2026, weeks after turning 19, she successfully swam the 14.4 km (9 miles) Strait of Gibraltar. Her final challenge is the 19.5 km (12.1 miles) Tsugaru Strait in Japan which she plans to attempt in 2027. 

Maya has also swum the Tahoe Triple Crown, the Manhattan 20 Bridges swim, the Angel Island swim and the Three Rocks swim in San Francisco Bay. Just a week after her 13th birthday, she became the youngest woman to swim the width of Lake Tahoe. 

Maya also aims to break another record with her Oceans Seven swims – becoming the youngest person in the world to complete all seven swims.

As significant as this milestone is for Maya Merhige personally, her swims have always been about something bigger.

Maya swims to make waves to fight cancer through Swim Across America, the nonprofit she first joined at age 9 in San Francisco to honor a family friend and three-time cancer survivor, and in memory of a family friend who sadly passed away from brain cancer at age 12. Throughout the past decade, she has raised more than $190,000 for cancer research and has carried the names of friends and family members affected by cancer on her swim cap during her marathon swims. This summer alone, Maya has raised more than $20,000 toward her $45,000 goal, with fundraising continuing throughout her Oceans Seven journey.

“Every time I get in the water, I am carrying others with me who have had a far more challenging journey than I’m undertaking,” Maya noted. “I am swimming for those whose names are on my cap, for families who need hope and for the research that can lead to better treatments.”

With the Strait of Gibraltar swim, Maya was also swimming for Sydney Towle, the 26-year-old social media content creator who sadly passed away on August 5th after a nearly three-year battle with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer. Sydney Towle was diagnosed at age 23 and became known to her more than 1.2 million TikTok followers for candidly sharing her experiences with cancer, treatment and life as a young adult facing the disease.

Before the Strait of Gibraltar swim, Merhige shared Sydney’s story on her own @chasing_channels account and thanked Sydney’s brother, Austin Towle, for allowing her to honor his sister with her swim. Sydney’s brother and mother announced her passing last week after she had spent the past several years publicly raising awareness of the realities of cancer in young adults.

For Maya Merhige, Sydney’s story reinforced the reason she continues taking on extraordinary challenges in the water: to raise funds and awareness for the cancer research that can lead to new therapies and more options for patients.

Unlike many of Maya’s previous solo channel swims, the Strait of Gibraltar is frequently organized with swimmers of comparable speed crossing together. Merhige was paired with two other swimmers: Carles of Spain and Dan of the United Kingdom, who met before the swim and were bound to help keep each other motivated throughout the crossing with a simple goal: start together, finish together — and have fun along the way. The day was perfect for the swim with sunny skies and crystal clear blue water.

The Strait of Gibraltar swim also became a family affair with Maya’s mother Liz Tung on the boat as part of Maya’s crew – for the first time since Maya’s grueling Molokai Channel crossing three years ago, which Liz stated was so hard and long that it had kept her on land for Maya’s other Oceans Seven swims. Her father Chris Merhige, who has been a constant on Maya’s crew boat, once again provided what the family describes as the “calm force” behind the operation. And for the first time during one of Maya’s major crossings, her younger sister Lucy was aboard the escort boat to experience the adventure firsthand. Also rounding out the crew was Kelly Gentry, Maya’s coach and safety coordinator.

Last month’s North Channel swim, which is known as the toughest of the Ocean Seven swims, had Maya swimming 34.5 kilometers, or 21.4 miles, from Ireland to Scotland in 12 hours, 19 minutes and 37 seconds. The swim came exactly one year after Maya underwent major surgery following a series of health challenges stemming from the discovery of a benign pancreatic tumor after a 2023 ski accident.

Those experiences have given Merhige an even deeper appreciation for what patients and families endure during serious health crises and strengthened her commitment to using her swimming to help others.

“Swimming for me is easy compared to what those with cancer have to go through,” noted Maya. “If I can help raise funds that help fund critical cancer research through Swim Across America, and help find more and better cures through swimming, I’m going to do just that.”

The funds raised by Maya Merhige for Swim Across America go directly to support pediatric cancer research and patient care at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco Survivors of Childhood Cancer Program.

Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987. The nonprofit organization has supported the research and clinical trials of several immunotherapy treatments that have led to the FDA approval to treat numerous types of cancer, and supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually at leading cancer institutions across the country.

To support Maya’s Oceans Seven journey and fundraising efforts for cancer research through Swim Across America, visit swimacrossamerica.org/maya.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NASSAU/SUFFOLK IN THE NEWS

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Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Nassau/Suffolk community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries at swimacrossamerica.org/ns.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA BLOG – SAASWIM.COM

CBS News 2

Swim Across America in Glen Cove, Long Island | Full Coverage | CBS New York

Patient Ambassadors and Colorado Supporters Make Waves to Fight Cancer at 9th Annual Swim Across America – Denver Open Water Swim August 22

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Community Charity Swim at Chatfield Reservoir Benefits Pediatric Cancer Research at Children’s Hospital Colorado

Swim Across America, the national nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer through charity swims across the U.S., will host the 9th annual Swim Across America – Denver Open Water Swim on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Chatfield Reservoir at Chatfield State Park, 9700 S. Wadsworth Blvd., in Littleton. Swimmers of all ages and skill levels can choose a half-mile, 1-mile or 2-mile course, while younger participants can join the Kids’ Balloon Splash. The event also includes a High School Cup, and supporters can volunteer on land or in the water, donate to an individual or team, or participate virtually through SAA My Way. The morning begins at 6:30 a.m. with kayak and paddleboard volunteer arrival and swimmer registration from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. To register, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/denver.

Since the Denver chapter launched in 2018, its open water and community pool swims have raised more than $1.2 million for locally directed pediatric cancer research projects at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital Colorado. The center is one of the nation’s largest pediatric cancer programs and provides children, adolescents and young adults access to hundreds of clinical trials and research studies advancing treatments for leukemia, brain tumors and other cancers and blood disorders.

“Each year, we have so many swimmers and volunteers who have a personal connection to making waves to fight cancer,” said Nicole Vanderpoel, co-event director of Swim Across America – Denver. “This includes some of our patient ambassadors, who are the heart of Swim Across America – Denver because they show exactly why early research, clinical trials and compassionate care matter. Teagan and Garrett, two of our long-term patient ambassadors, have faced extraordinary challenges with courage and optimism. When our community swims, volunteers and raises money, we are investing in more hopeful futures for children and families facing cancer.”

Teagan Gorney, one of this year’s patient ambassadors, was midway through kindergarten when she began struggling to gain weight, sleeping through dinner and feeling constantly tired. She continued attending school with her usual bubbly personality, but a school nurse noticed her pale face and urged her parents to seek medical care. After repeated urgent care visits produced no answers, Teagan was taken to an emergency room near her home in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and immediately referred to Children’s Hospital Colorado. There, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and began treatment four days later.

At diagnosis, Teagan’s liver and spleen were so enlarged that she had difficulty walking and getting in and out of bed. After six weeks of treatment and physical therapy, she was in remission, and she returned to school within three months. Teagan completed two and a half years of chemotherapy in April 2017 and is now cancer-free. Today, she is a cheerful, outgoing high school sophomore and a proud member of her local swim team, where backstroke is her favorite event. She also participates in 4-H archery and enjoys playing with her family’s puppy. She continues follow-up visits with Amanda Winters, M.D., the physician who helped guide her family from the moment they arrived at Children’s Colorado. Teagan shares her story to raise awareness and help other young patients know they are not alone.

Returning patient ambassador Garrett Rymer was diagnosed with a rare spinal cord cancer on December 23, 2022, at age 15. Months of unexplained weakness in his right arm after a minor bicycle accident led to an MRI at Children’s Hospital Colorado, where doctors discovered the tumor. During a nearly nine-hour surgery in January 2023, surgeons removed about half of the tumor before signs of neurological damage forced them to stop. When Garrett awoke in intensive care, he temporarily could not see or move his legs and had no feeling from the waist down.

By the next morning, Garrett’s sight had returned. He spent three weeks in rehabilitation learning to walk again and recovering his strength, and he was able to go climbing the day he was discharged. Garrett later enrolled in a clinical trial using an oral chemotherapy treatment rather than weekly infusions. He has now been off chemotherapy for more than a year, and the remaining tumor has stayed stable. Although he continues working to restore function in his right arm, Garrett says he has an excellent prognosis and a bright future. “Coming from someone who wouldn’t be alive today without the generous donations put toward cancer research, your involvement with SAA might just save a life,” Rymer said.

Swim Across America – Denver committee member Holden Bank will again volunteer and swim in memory of dear friends Wayne Matejik and Rob Maurer, who sadly passed away from leukemia, as well as Jeff Conklin, a close friend from his Duke swimming days who recently succumbed to pancreatic cancer. Bank also swims in support of the event’s patient ambassadors and for the children and grandchildren whose futures may be changed by the research funded today.

“Every swimmer and volunteer arrives at Chatfield Reservoir with a reason to be there,” Nicole Vanderpoel noted. “Some are celebrating survivorship, some are still in treatment and others are honoring friends and family members they miss every day. When those stories come together, they create a powerful community that is truly making waves to fight cancer.”

Swimmers may participate individually or form a team, and water volunteers are needed to support the course by kayak or paddle board. Those who are not able to attend can donate to a participant or team or create a personal SAA My Way challenge on their own timeline. All funds raised by Swim Across America – Denver support pediatric cancer research at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

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 to the ninth annual Swim Across America – Denver Open Water Swim on August 22, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/denver.

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.

Hundreds to Dive in to Lake Michigan on August 8th to Make Waves to Fight Cancer at 33rd Annual Swim Across America – Chicago Open Water Swim

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Swim Raises Funds for Cancer Research for the Swim Across America Lab at Rush Cancer Center (Rush)

Swim Across America, the national nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer through charity swims across the U.S., will host its annual Swim Across America – Chicago Open Water Swim on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Ohio Street Beach, 600 N. Lake Shore Drive, in Chicago. The community swim welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels, from first-time open water swimmers to veteran athletes and master swimmers, with swim options including a half-mile, 1-mile and 2-mile swim, as well as the Miracle Mile competitive race option. For those unable to participate in person, a virtual SAA My Way option is also available. Proceeds support cancer research and leading-edge patient care at Rush. To register to swim, volunteer or support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/chicago.

Established in 1994, Swim Across America – Chicago partnered with Rush in 2012 and has since donated more than $3 million to support cancer research and clinical trials. Funds raised through the swim support early-stage research and clinical trials for a variety of cancer types at the Swim Across America Lab at Rush.

“Swim Across America – Chicago is an incredibly meaningful event for our community as it brings together swimmers, volunteers, cancer survivors, families, researchers and supporters who all share one mission: making waves to fight cancer,” said Alyse Mauro Mason, co-event director of Swim Across America – Chicago. “Since partnering with Rush in 2012, this swim has raised more than $3 million to support critical cancer research and clinical trials. Every swimmer, every volunteer and every donor is helping fund research that can lead to better treatments, better outcomes and more hope for patients and families.”

Each year, Swim Across America – Chicago hosts more than 280 swimmers and volunteers, spectators and supporters, as well as Olympians from near and far, for the annual charity swim in beautiful Lake Michigan, in downtown Chicago.

This year’s swim will include a special tribute to longtime Swim Across America – Chicago swimmer and supporter Stephen “Steve” Schlegel, who sadly passed away in February after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Schlegel was a pivotal part of the Chicago swim community and started Team Anne, Mike and Friends after losing his daughter Anne, to non-Hodgkin lymphoma when she was just 31. His family has continued to face devastating losses from cancer; Schlegel’s son-in-law John, husband of his daughter Jeanne Skaggs, also passed away from pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

“Steve Schlegel gave so much of himself to Swim Across America – Chicago, and his legacy will always be part of this swim,” noted Alyse Mauro Mason. “He turned unimaginable loss into action, creating a long-time team and helping build a community committed to funding cancer research. This year, as we honor Steve, we also honor Anne, John and every family that has been touched by cancer. His impact will continue to inspire us every time we gather at Ohio Street Beach.”

The impact of Swim Across America – Chicago can be seen in the research it helps support. After Swim Across America’s support, Rush was honored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with the Director’s Transformative Research Award, one of the NIH’s most prestigious and exclusive awards. The award provides funding for innovative pancreatic cancer research and is given to exceptionally creative scientists proposing high-risk, high-impact research. Rush credits this recognition with being funded first by Swim Across America – Chicago, which provided a foundation for which to build on.

“This is exactly why Swim Across America matters,” Katie Marchetti noted, who is a co-event director with Mauro Mason. “The funds raised through this swim help provide support for promising research, and that support can lead to larger grants, new discoveries and progress for cancer patients. It is incredibly meaningful to know that our swimmers and supporters are helping move cancer research forward.”

For swimmer Tom Boucher, this year’s Swim Across America – Chicago will have a very different meaning. In past years, Boucher participated in the event to honor those who had been touched by cancer and had made a difference in his life. This year, he will swim as a cancer survivor himself.

In November 2025, Tom was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer. In January 2026, he had surgery at Rush to remove the cancer. Four weeks later, he swam his first lap. He also needed four rounds of chemotherapy and is now considered to be in remission and swimming full-time again.

Boucher said the team at Rush changed his life. “As I approach the start line of the swim on August 8 this year, I’m asking my friends and family to support me in this cause to help raise money for the Rush cancer center,” Tom Boucher said. “Rush changed my life. The funds raised will go to their center and will support critical cancer research.” 

For many Swim Across America – Chicago participants, the event is about honoring loved ones, supporting cancer patients and survivors, and helping fund the research and clinical trials that can lead to new treatment options.

“Tom’s story is a powerful reminder of why this swim matters,” Alyse Mauro Mason commented. “Swim Across America – Chicago is not just a swim. It is a community taking action for cancer patients, survivors and families, and helping support the researchers and clinicians working every day to change the future of cancer care.”

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 to the Swim Across America – Chicago Open Water Swim on August 8, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/chicago.

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.

Swimmers to Make Waves to Fight Cancer August 15 at 31st Annual Swim Across America – Boston Open Water Swim

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Community Charity Swim at Castle Island Supports Research and Patient Programs at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute

Swim Across America, the national nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer through charity swims across the U.S., will host the 31st annual Swim Across America – Boston Open Water Swim on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Castle Island at Pleasure Bay, 2080 William J. Day Blvd., in South Boston. The community swim welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels, with a Kids’ Splash for children younger than 8 and half-mile, 1-mile and 2-mile open water options. For those unable to participate in person, the virtual SAA My Way option allows participants to choose their own activity and timeline. Proceeds support cancer research, clinical trials and patient programs at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. To register to swim, volunteer or support the event with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/boston.

Founded in 1996, Swim Across America – Boston has raised more than $9 million for cancer research. Funds raised by the Boston community help support innovative survivorship research at Dana-Farber’s Perini Family Survivors’ Center and early-stage research and clinical trials at Mass General Brigham, including work led by Bryan Choi, M.D., Ph.D., on tandem CAR T-cell therapy for aggressive brain tumors. Early funding from Swim Across America – Boston and Swim Across America – Nantucket helped move Choi’s research into a Phase 1 human trial, where initial results showed dramatic and rapid tumor regression.

Team Festivus at the 2025 Boston Open Water Swim, below the arch.

For longtime Swim Across America participants Jessica Stokes and her husband Rick Osterberg, the impact of early research funding is personal. Stokes, a member of Team Festivus, has raised more than $14,000 for this year’s swim. Osterberg, a longtime volunteer who now serves as the Boston event’s emcee, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in January 2018. After chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, he went into remission, but a routine scan in June 2020 found a new tumor. After four more grueling rounds of chemotherapy, where Rick was laid up, his treatment team recommended Keytruda, an immunotherapy treatment – a treatment that was funded by a Swim Across America grant that played a significant role in getting the treatment FDA approved. The medication continues to work successfully, with virtually no side effects.

“My life today on this immunotherapy treatment is vastly different from when I was undergoing chemotherapy,” noted Rick Osterberg. “It’s night and day the difference I feel. For that, I’m incredibly grateful to Swim Across America and all of the incredible research the swims fund.”

“Rick and I were committed to Swim Across America before he was diagnosed,” Jessica Stokes said. “The immunotherapy treatment continues to be successful, with virtually no side effects for Rick and it just re-emphasizes even more why we make waves to fight cancer.”

Siblings Morgen and Colton Hall, who are fundraising together with Team WaveMakers, currently lead the individual fundraising standings with nearly $25,000 raised. Team WaveMakers is captained by Olympic swimmer Janel Jorgensen McArdle, also a Boston resident. The Halls’ mother was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer nearly three years ago and continues to receive care at Dana-Farber.

“This summer, we’ll be swimming in honor of our mom and all those impacted by cancer, with every stroke reflecting our gratitude for the research that gives families like ours hope,” Morgen and Colton Hall said. “Watching her courage has taught us what true strength and hope look like.”

Team Kitty’s Kats, led by longtime participant Kitty Tetreault, is currently the top fundraising team, and Tetreault is the No. 2 individual fundraiser. Kitty has participated in Swim Across America – Boston for more than 30 years, recruiting swimmers, volunteers, family members and friends to support cancer research in the Boston community, and as one of the event’s directors.

“Everyone who participates with Swim Across America is so inspiring — from the patients undergoing cancer treatments, to the incredible doctors and nurses who work tirelessly for a cure, to my fellow athletes, both young and old, who find friendship and fulfillment through the sport of swimming,” Kitty said. “Even though we’re small fish in a big pond, we all can make a difference together.”

Pam Ryan, chair of the Swim Across America board and captain of Team Goldman and Friends, is the third-leading individual fundraiser, with more than $18,000 raised. Ryan swims each year in honor of friends and family members who have battled or are battling cancer and in memory of loved ones, including two aunts and longtime swimming friends. She also visits the cancer centers and researchers supported by Swim Across America to see how early grants are advancing clinical trials.

“I joined the Swim Across America community so that, together, we can change the future for these dear friends and many more,” Pam Ryan commented. “The money you give will go towards cancer research, prevention and treatment and will make an impact in the fight to find a cure.”

The Boston community also expanded its reach earlier this year with the inaugural Swim Across America – Boston College Pool Swim, held this past March. Boston College students Aiden Bucaria and Chloe Otten helped organize the event with support from five-time Olympian and BC Swim and Dive head coach Dara Torres, assistant coaches Bruno Darzi and Chris Morgan, and Boston College alumnus and Swim Across America board member Jack Salerno. Students, alumni, faculty members and local swimmers participated in lap swimming, relays and a spirited inner-tube challenge to support the same Boston-area beneficiaries.

Whether participating at Pleasure Bay, volunteering on land or in the water, donating to a swimmer or team, or choosing a virtual personal SAA My Way challenge, Swim Across America – Boston offers a way for community members of all ages to help fund better treatments and more hope for patients and families.

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 to the 31st annual Swim Across America – Boston Open Water Swim on Aug. 15, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/boston.

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – DENVER IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, denver, event directors, Junior Advisory Board, News, Pool Swims, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Denver community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Children’s Hospital Colorado, at swimacrossamerica.org/denver.

KUSA-TV (9News) “Colorado & Co.”

Funding Cancer Research with Swim Across America

Raise Money for Childhood Cancer Research at the Denver Open Water Swim

The Jeffco Transcript

9th annual Swim Across America event hits Denver

The Westminster Window

9th annual Swim Across America event hits Denver Aug. 22

Swim Across America – Nantucket Makes Waves to Fight Cancer on July 25 at Jetties Beach

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, nantucket, News, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Annual Open Water Swim Aims to Raise $1 Million for Cancer Care on Nantucket and Research at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute

Swim Across America, the national nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer through charity swims across the U.S., will host its annual Swim Across America – Nantucket Open Water Swim on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Jetties Beach on Nantucket. The community charity swim welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels, from first-time open water swimmers to veteran athletes and master swimmers, with swim options including a fun Kids’ Splash, or a quarter-mile, half-mile, 1-mile, 2×2-mile relay and 4-mile swim courses. For those unable to participate in person, a virtual SAA My Way option is also available. Proceeds benefit Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket and Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. To register as a swimmer, volunteer, or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/nantucket.

“Swim Across America – Nantucket is a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together with purpose,” said Jill Roethke, co-event director of Swim Across America – Nantucket. “Every swimmer, volunteer, donor and supporter is helping ensure that cancer patients on Nantucket have access to outstanding care close to home, while also supporting groundbreaking cancer research.”

Each year, Swim Across America – Nantucket hosts more than 400 swimmers and volunteers, spectators and supporters, as well as Olympians from near and far, for the annual charity swim. The event raises money for cancer treatment and patient care on Nantucket Island, as well as research at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute.

Since 2013, Swim Across America – Nantucket has raised more than $6.5 million for its beneficiaries. Last year’s swim raised a record $1 million, and this year’s goal is to match that milestone again.

For Jeff Schneider, a long-time supporter of Swim Across America-Nantucket and the “Why I Swim” guest speaker in 2024, the mission is deeply personal. Schneider and his wife first supported the Nantucket swim as volunteers and fundraisers while their daughter swam in the event. Then, at age 56, Schneider was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer.

“A hell of a thing to be told you have three to five years to live,” Jeff Schneider noted. “A two-year battle ensued. Surgery, radiation and hormone therapy at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has me three years along and in remission. Throwing the kitchen sink at it seems to have done the trick for now, and I enjoy every day with thanks for those that made it happen.”

“This is why I am so committed to doing whatever I can to keep the good work going, of which Swim Across America is so vital to supporting,” Schneider said. “My wife, children and six grandchildren, along with my friends, are grateful for the part Swim Across America played in keeping me around much longer than three to five years.”

Jeff also noted that the Swim Across America community gave him something essential during his cancer journey: hope.

“Throughout my battle with stage 4 prostate cancer I had hope,” Jeff said. “Hope got me through the worst of times. Hope helped me bear the surgery, radiation and the nasty hormone therapy drug Zytiga I had to take for two years. The swimmers that swim for me and my fellow cancer patients and survivors, along with the whole Swim Across America organization, gave me then – and always will give me hope.”

Through its support of Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Swim Across America – Nantucket ensures that island cancer patients don’t face the burden of traveling to the mainland for care. Thanks to a collaboration with Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, patients have access to academic-level oncology right in their own community — with visiting cancer specialists, and a board-certified advanced practice oncology registered nurse on-site to support patient care. Treatments are at the Swim Across America Infusion Center, where patients receive cancer-directed therapies and supportive care in their own private rooms, which are a warm, unhurried setting where the very best academic medicine meets the comfort of home.

Swim Across America – Nantucket also supports Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket, which provides direct care and services to adult patients and families coping with cancer, and continues to expand its holistic approach through wellness activities and innovative therapies. Care is provided by a team that includes a nurse practitioner, part-time RN-nurse specialist, palliative care counselor, program assistant, chaplain, and volunteers. Services are provided in any setting and are offered free of charge through donations and grants. PASCON also offers a cancer conducts cancer support group which is open to the public and provides a welcoming space for patients and loved ones at any stage of the cancer journey twice a month and PASCON works directly with the Nantucket Cottage Hospital oncology staff to help meet patients’ needs, highlighting the importance of a collaborative, patient-centered approach.

At Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, proceeds from Swim Across America – Nantucket support the research of Bryan Choi, MD, PhD, who specializes in surgical care for patients with benign and malignant brain tumors. Choi also leads a research laboratory focused on developing the next generation of cell therapies and clinical trials in neuro-oncology.

“The impact of this swim is felt in many ways,” said Jim Pignato, co-event director of Swim Across America – Nantucket. “It helps patients receive care here on the island, supports families during incredibly difficult moments and fuels research that can lead to better treatments for cancer patients everywhere. Jeff’s story is a powerful reminder that research matters, and that the money raised by Swim Across America truly can change lives.”

For Jeff Schneider, the event is a way to say thank you to the swimmers, volunteers and supporters who raise money for cancer research and care.

“The Swim Across America community is such a blessing to those of us who have battled cancer,” Jeff noted. “The support we feel is more than anyone who has not been the recipient of that special kind of love would know. From the deepest part of my soul, I can only say thank you and what can I do to help.”

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 to the Swim Across America – Nantucket Open Water Swim on July 25, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/nantucket.

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – ATLANTA IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, atlanta, UncategorizedTagged , , Leave a comment

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Atlanta community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, at swimacrossamerica.org/atlanta.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA BLOG – SAASWIM.COM

Decaturish

Venetian Pools swimmer starts fundraiser for cancer research

Venetian Pools lap swimmer Michael Purser poses for a photo at the pool on June 23.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – MOTOR CITY MILE IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, Events, Family Tree, Fundraising, Labs, Motor City Mile, News, olympians, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Motor City Mile community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Rogel Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/detroit.

Beyond the Lane

Motor City Mile Open Water Swim