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Hundreds Dive In at 17th Annual Swim Across America – Seattle Open Water Swim on September 12 to Make Waves to Fight Cancer

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More Than 500 Swimmers and 300 Volunteers Expected at Lake Sammamish; Seattle Swim Has Raised More Than $7 Million for Early-Stage Cancer Research and Clinical Trials at Fred Hutch Cancer Center

Swim Across America, the national nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer through charity swims across the U.S., will host the 18th annual Swim Across America – Seattle Open Water Swim on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Lake Sammamish State Park’s Sunset Beach, 2010 NW Sammamish Road, in Issaquah, Washington. Swimmers can choose a half-mile, 1-mile or 2-mile open water swim, and volunteers on land and in the water are also needed. Those unable to participate in person can still make waves to fight cancer through SAA My Way, Swim Across America’s virtual option. Proceeds support early-stage cancer research and clinical trials at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. To register to swim, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/seattle.

Established in 2009, Swim Across America – Seattle has raised more than $6 million for Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Each year, the event brings together more than 700 swimmers and volunteers, along with spectators, supporters and Olympians, for a morning dedicated to helping researchers pursue promising new approaches to cancer treatment.

“For years, this community has shown up for patients, families and researchers with an extraordinary amount of heart,” said Scott Whelan, co-event director of Swim Across America – Seattle. “The money raised at Lake Sammamish provides the kind of early funding that can help researchers take an innovative idea, gather the evidence and move it closer to a clinical trial or a new treatment. Every swimmer, volunteer and donor is part of that process.”

For Janie Lemley, captain of Team InMemory, this year’s swim comes after cancer research and treatment became more personal than ever. Janie Lemley formed Team InMemory in 2021 after growing tired of losing family members and friends to cancer. Then, in September 2024, her husband of 42 years, Dave Lemley, struggled to finish his Swim Across America swim. At the time, neither knew why. Two months later, Dave was diagnosed with plasma cell leukemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.

By April 2025, Dave was at Fred Hutch having his stem cells collected through apheresis. He subsequently received a double stem cell transplant, with transplants in May and June at the Veterans Affairs hospital’s Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.

“Especially after this cancer journey with Dave, I am more determined than ever to raise money for cancer research,” Janie Lemley said. “Many of the clinical trials for stem cell transplants happened here in Seattle at Fred Hutch. If you are able, please donate in order to give hope and healing to future cancer survivors.”

Janie Lemley originally named Team InMemory to honor those her family and teammates had lost, including her father-in-law Dr. Paul Lemley, her cousin Rosalie Proko and her grandfather Raymond P. Buck. This year, the list grew again when she lost her cousin Anne “Sissin” Winton to colon cancer in April.

The Lemleys’ story reflects the reason Swim Across America – Seattle has spent nearly two decades investing in early-stage research: discoveries made in the laboratory can ultimately become the treatments available to patients and families facing cancer.

“It is one thing to talk about the potential of research; it is another to have members of our own Swim Across America family experience firsthand the treatments and procedures that years of research helped make possible,” said Beth Hykes, co-event director of Swim Across America – Seattle and co-team captain of Dogs for the Cause: mission pawsable. “Janie and Dave remind us exactly why we keep coming back to Lake Sammamish and why supporting researchers at the earliest stages of discovery matters.”

Another participant who has been part of the Seattle swim from the beginning is David Day, captain of Team Martha Ries, who brought Swim Across America to Seattle as the founder emeritus and first Seattle event director for the swim. Day and his wife, Martha Ries, helped organize, swim and raise funds for Fred Hutch beginning with the inaugural Seattle event in 2009. In 2015, Martha was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She endured two rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries and a clinical trial before passing away on May 29, 2016, just 10 months after her diagnosis.

David Day has continued the work they began together.

Throughout the years, cancer has touched his family and friends repeatedly. Martha’s sister Margaret had a cancerous brain tumor successfully removed in 2023 and is now in remission. Day’s sister-in-law Dana passed away in March 2025 after a four-year battle with colorectal cancer, while another sister-in-law, Mia, is currently battling breast cancer. His friend and fellow triathlete Bill Kinsella died from pancreatic cancer in 2017.

“We started Swim Across America – Seattle in 2009 when our kids were just 6 years old,” David Day noted. “Much has happened since then, and we have made a difference in the fight against cancer. Our private funding is the initial angel-funding investment that helps researchers further discoveries that can become breakthrough treatment therapies. Today, private funding is particularly important for researchers to continue making discoveries.”

The research supported by Swim Across America – Seattle has included projects exploring new therapies for colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and lung cancer, as well as CAR T-cell immunotherapies and treatments for lymphoma and leukemia.

Current top fundraiser Linda Warren, captain of Team No Limits, has also participated since the inaugural Seattle swim and continues to return in honor and memory of the growing number of friends, relatives and colleagues in her life who have faced cancer.

“This is Year 18 for the Swim Across America Seattle fundraising swim, and I’ll be back in the water with Team No Limits,” Linda Warren said. “There are too many impacted by cancer now to name — friends, family, colleagues — each one a reason I keep coming back to this swim.”

For Linda, progress against cancer comes from years of persistent scientific work — and from ensuring promising researchers have the resources to continue that work.

“When I’m in the water this September, it’s about those I love,” Linda said. “It’s about making sure that the next family member or friend who hears the word ‘cancer’ has better odds than the last one did.”

Beth Hykes has her own reason for returning year after year. She first swam with Swim Across America in 2010 and joined the volunteer Seattle organizing team in 2015. This year, she and Paul Ulrickson are co-captains of Dogs for the Cause: Mission Pawsable, a team inspired by the belief that early funding can give researchers the opportunity to pursue ideas with the potential to change cancer care.

Beth swims in honor of several family members and friends touched by cancer and in memory of others she has lost, including her cousin Missy. She is also joined in her Swim Across America efforts by her golden retriever, Casey.

“I want to be part of the change that helps give more families hope,” Beth said. “You don’t have to be a swimmer to make an impact. You can volunteer, swim in person or virtually, join a team or make a donation. There are so many ways to be part of this mission.”

Paul Ulrikson’s reason for participating is similarly rooted in the people cancer has taken and those still fighting it.

“Since our last swim, goodbyes have been said to family and good friends because of cancer, while others have been diagnosed or had a recurrence,” Paul shared. “I choose to stay hopeful. Two partners foster that hope: Swim Across America and Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Through donations, we can and are making a difference.”

Other swimmers are carrying entire families with them into Lake Sammamish.

Suzanne Koontz will swim the 2-mile course with family members Atticus and Emily in honor of her brothers Fred and Jerry, both cancer survivors; Fred’s wife, Elena, a cancer and stroke survivor; and her brother Jeff Nelson, who is undergoing treatment for skin cancer. She also swims in memory of loved ones who did not survive cancer, including Jim Koontz.

“Many of us have family and friends who have been touched by cancer,” Suzanne said. “Let’s continue this work toward fighting this battle.”

Swim Across America – Seattle participants have also seen the promise of cancer research through survivors including Debbie Buck, who is in remission from breast cancer, and Jeff Sloan, a stage 4 melanoma survivor whose treatment was made possible by advances in cancer research.

For the hundreds gathering at Sunset Beach on September 12, those stories — of survival, loss, research and hope — are what transform an open water swim into something much larger.

“Everyone at the beach has a name, a face or a story that brought them here,” Beth Hykes noted. “Together, those individual stories become a community determined to make the future different for the next person who hears the words, ‘You have cancer.’ That is what it means to make waves to fight cancer.”

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 – Seattle, visit swimacrossamerica.org/seattle.

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.

More than 900 Swimmers to Fight Cancer at 17th Annual Swim Across America – Rhode Island Open Water Swim

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Nation’s Largest Swim Across America Event Will Honor Recently Retired Providence College Coach and Event Co-Founder John O’Neill; Proceeds Support Cancer Research at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island

Swim Across America, the national nonprofit that makes waves to fight cancer through charity swims across the U.S., will host the 17th annual Swim Across America – Rhode Island Open Water Swim on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Roger Wheeler State Beach, 100 Sand Hill Cove Road, in Narragansett. The event offers a quarter-mile, half-mile or 1-mile open water swim, plus the Kids Splash & Dash. Swimmer registration has reached capacity and closed early, with more than 900 swimmers registered. Volunteers are still needed, and donations and virtual participation through SAA My Way remain open. Proceeds support cancer research at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island. To volunteer, donate or participate virtually, visit swimacrossamerica.org/rhodeisland.

This year’s swim carries added meaning. It will honor event co-founder John O’Neill, who retired this year after 36 seasons leading Providence College Swimming & Diving.

Established in 2010, the Rhode Island swim has raised more than $3 million for cancer research at Women & Infants’ Program in Women’s Oncology. It draws more than 1,000 swimmers and volunteers combined each year, including more swimmers than any other Swim Across America event, and is one of the largest charity open water swims in the country. It also attracts more than 20 collegiate swimming, diving and water polo teams — more than any other Swim Across America event — along with over a dozen age-group and high school teams. Masters swimmers, community members, cancer survivors, researchers, clinicians and caregivers are also part of the day.

Honoring Coach John O’Neill

O’Neill co-founded the Rhode Island swim with Swim Across America in 2010 and has served on its event committee ever since. Through his relationships with coaches and programs throughout New England, he recruited the college teams that now fill the beach each September. He also made the cause part of the culture of Providence College Swimming & Diving, which has raised over $550,000 of the more than $3 million the event has generated for cancer research.

“Coach O’Neill has been the heart of Swim Across America – Rhode Island since its inception,” said Douglas Sayles, event director of Swim Across America – Rhode Island. “He introduced generations of Providence College swimmers to this cause and brought New England coaches and swimming programs together around a shared purpose. Most of all, he has shown young athletes how they can use the sport they love to make a meaningful difference for families facing cancer. We’re grateful to John and glad this year’s swim can help celebrate his career.”

The Sept. 12 swim opens a full day honoring O’Neill. Swimmers, Providence College alumni, colleagues and friends will gather at Roger Wheeler State Beach in the morning, and a retirement reception hosted on campus by Providence College will follow that evening. Reception tickets are $40 and available at bit.ly/oneill-reception.

O’Neill’s reasons for helping start the swim were personal.

“Too many family members and friends have been lost to cancer and we wanted to do something that could help,” said O’Neill of his involvement with Swim Across America.

His commitment deepened as he supported Providence College swimmers who faced cancer themselves, including former student-athletes Colleen Lowell ’97 and Kara McCurdy ’22. McCurdy continued swimming at Providence after her treatment and later joined O’Neill and the Friars at the Rhode Island swim.

For O’Neill, bringing college swimmers together at Roger Wheeler State Beach has always been about more than one morning of swimming.

“Our Rhode Island Swim is unique with so many college participants involved,” O’Neill told Swimming World. “We hope that once the students graduate and relocate, they stay involved with Swim Across America no matter where their future takes them!”

O’Neill came to the sport as a Rhode Island swimmer himself. He swam for the Abbott Run Valley Club, the Cumberland-Lincoln Boys’ Club and Cumberland High School, where he earned All-State honors, and at Springfield College. He founded the Providence College swimming and diving program in 1984 and coached the Friars for 17 seasons, then spent five years as head coach at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He returned to Providence in 2007 and led the Friars for another 19 seasons. During his 36 seasons at Providence, nine of his student-athletes combined to win 20 individual event titles at the BIG EAST Championships.

Away from the college ranks, he coached age-group swimmers at Little Rhody Aquatic Club and Providence Aquatic Club, and directed swim camps in Rhode Island. O’Neill received the CSCAA Swim Across America Service Award in 2016. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame in 1994 and received its Ellis Mayers Humanitarian Award in May 2026. Providence College has established the Cindy and John O’Neill Swimming and Diving Endowed Fund in honor of his career and his impact on generations of student-athletes.

About Swim Across America

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 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.

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 – 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

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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.

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 – MOTOR CITY MILE IN THE NEWS

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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

From Supporter to Survivor: Why Mark Monson Makes Waves

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, dallas, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Grant, Labs, Messages of Hope, News, olympians, partnerships, SAA PrideTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

When Mark Monson first participated in Swim Across America – Dallas in 2016, he joined because he loved to swim and wanted to support a cause that had impacted family and friends affected by cancer.

What began as a way to give back became deeply personal in January 2022 when Mark was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer.

“Before my diagnosis, I supported Swim Across America because of the people in my life who had fought cancer,” said Mark. “After my diagnosis, the swim became much more personal.”

Now 49 and living in Frisco, Texas, Mark is celebrating a milestone that once seemed uncertain: he currently has no evidence of disease.

Mark Munson, Swim Across America – Dallas participant and cancer survivor.

Over the past 10 years, Mark has raised approximately $15,000 for Swim Across America – Dallas. This year, he will once again take part in the annual open water swim on Saturday, September 19 at Lake Rockwall, benefiting Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center.

His experience as both a participant and survivor fuels his commitment to the cause.

“I am motivated to continue raising money because I know precisely where the money goes, and I can see progress being made,” Mark said. 

Proceeds from the SAA-Dallas community event are granted to the Texas Cancer Interception Institute (TCII) within Baylor Scott & White. The TCII brings together advanced technology, research and care teams to help detect cancer at its earliest stages — when it is most treatable.

Swim Across America – Dallas community at their event in 2025.

“Fifteen years ago, my diagnosis was a death sentence. At the time I’m writing this, I have no evidence of disease. I want that for everyone who is diagnosed with cancer.”

For Mark, Swim Across America is about more than fundraising. The annual event motivates him to stay active and provides an opportunity to connect with a community united by a common purpose.

“Swim Across America motivates me to keep pushing to be able to swim each year,” he said. “I also enjoy seeing friends there, both old and new.”

As Mark prepares for another Swim Across America – Dallas event, he hopes his story serves as a reminder that every dollar raised helps move cancer research forward and brings hope to patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis.

If you are moved to support Mark, give here.

Darien Swimmers Make Waves at 20th Annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, College Swim Coach, college swimming, Corporate Partners, event directors, Events, Fairfield County, Family Tree, Fundraising, Grant, Labs, News, olympians, partnerships, Top FundraisersTagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Swim Across America Founder Matt Vossler, Team Darien YMCA Piranhas and Darien Blue Wave Swimmers Highlight Darien’s Deep Ties to June 20 Cancer Benefit Swim

From the founder of Swim Across America to the next generation of young swimmers diving in to fight cancer, Darien will be well represented at the 20th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim on Saturday, June 20, at Dolphin Cove in Stamford.

The annual swim benefits Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, headquartered in Stamford and the nation’s only nonprofit dedicated to funding cancer cell and gene therapy. Established in 2007, Swim Across America – Fairfield County has raised more than $8.2 million for cancer research, supporting ACGT grants advancing better treatments and clinical trials for brain cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, solid tumors and, this year, ovarian cancer.

For Darien resident Matt Vossler, the Fairfield County swim is part of a much larger story that began nearly four decades ago. Vossler co-founded Swim Across America in 1987 after he and a small group of friends first ran across America, and then decided that more can swim than run, so in 1987, he and a group of swimmers, including some notable Olympians at that time, crossed Long Island Sound to raise money for cancer research. Since then, Swim Across America has grown into a national nonprofit holding open water and pool swims across the country – in 27 communities across America! Vossler remains a constant presence at Swim Across America – Fairfield County, helping lead the safety team and standing on the beach each year to count swimmers down as they enter the water and his family has been involved every year as well, swimming, volunteering, paddle boarding and boating.

Matt Vossler, Swim Across America founder, at the SAA-Fairfield County open water swim.

“Matt Vossler helped create a movement that has changed the landscape of cancer research philanthropy,” said Nancy Carr, event director of Swim Across America – Fairfield County and a two-time cancer survivor. “He is still inspiring the next generation to make waves to fight cancer. It is incredibly special to have that legacy rooted right here in Darien and Fairfield County.”

That next generation includes Shep Jennings, a Darien swimmer and team captain of Team Darien YMCA Piranhas. Shep swims year-round with the Darien YMCA Piranhas and has already made a major impact as a young fundraiser for Swim Across America – Fairfield County. After first joining the swim in 2024, he quickly became one of the event’s top young fundraisers, raising thousands of dollars for cancer research and inspiring teammates, friends and family to get involved.

One of Shep’s YMCA Piranhas teammates is Jedd Gallagher, whose family’s story underscores why cancer research funding matters.

Jedd swims in honor of his grandmother, Mary Jo Re, who passed away in 2024 from glioblastoma, and his father, John Gallagher, a survivor of stage 4 metastatic melanoma. John was diagnosed at age 30, on his birthday, June 20, and battled cancer for eight years. His treatment journey included surgery to remove the original tumor, a vaccine trial, surgeries to remove lung metastases, biochemotherapy, high-dose IL-2, removal of his left lung, six brain surgeries, three rounds of radiation to the brain, oral chemotherapy and interferon shots. 

John was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and was cared for by Jedd Wolchok, MD, Ph.D., a physician-scientist whose work helped establish immunotherapy as a standard approach to cancer treatment. Jedd Gallagher is named in honor of Dr. Wolchok, who helped save his father’s life.

“I swim in honor of my grandmother, Mary Jo Re, who bravely fought and finally succumbed to glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, and for my dad John Gallagher, a survivor of stage 4 metastatic melanoma,” said Jedd Gallagher. “Swim Across America is important to my family as we believe in funding those doctors and researchers who are trying to find cures for some of the most devastating cancers such as those that have impacted my family. I am very proud to be named in honor of Dr. Jedd Wolchok, who saved my dad’s life.”

Darien’s connection to Swim Across America – Fairfield County also extends to the high school swim community. The Darien Blue Wave Swim and Dive team, under longtime coach Marj Trifone and now captained by Caroline Gies and Heili Jalakas, has been a longtime participant in the Fairfield County swim, bringing generations of Darien swimmers into the mission of making waves to fight cancer. Together with Team Darien YMCA Piranhas, Darien’s young swimmers are helping carry forward Swim Across America’s tradition of combining athleticism, teamwork and service to support lifesaving cancer research.

Kids’ Splash participants after swimming along the shore.

The 20th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County open water swim will take place Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Dolphin Cove, 96 Cummings Point Road, in Stamford, on the Greenwich/Stamford border. The event welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels to help make waves to fight cancer. Participants may choose from a half-mile, 1.5-mile or 3-mile swim course, and children ages 11 and younger can participate in a fun Kids’ Splash along the shore. A virtual SAA My Way option is also available. For registration, volunteer opportunities, or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/fc.

“For this 20th year of making waves to fight cancer, we are celebrating the individuals and families who have built this swim and the young swimmers who are carrying it forward,” Nancy Carr said. “From Matt Vossler, who helped launch Swim Across America, to Shep Jennings, Jedd Gallagher, Team Darien YMCA Piranhas and the Darien Blue Wave swimmers, Darien represents the full circle of this mission: swimming with purpose, raising money for research and helping give cancer patients and families hope.”

Participants at SAA-Fairfield County.

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 20th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County open water swim on Saturday, June 20, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/fc.

Swim Across America 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.

Hope Got Me Through: Jeff Schneider’s Journey from Diagnosis to Remission

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Corporate Partners, Events, Grant, nantucket, News, olympians, partnerships, Technology, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

On Saturday, July 25, hundreds of supporters will Make Waves to Fight Cancer at Jetties Beach for the annual Swim Across America – Nantucket open water swim. Many of those supporters have a personal connection to the Swim Across America mission. They may be cheering on a swimmer, sharing their own cancer journey, or volunteering in honor of a loved one. 

For Jeff Schneider, that connection became deeply personal when he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. For many years, Jeff cheered on his daughter, Rachel, as she swam at the event. Now he also cheers on his grandchildren who participate in the kids’ splash along the shore. 

Jeff has been his family’s loudest cheerleader, and he saw that support return back to him when he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2023. 

Photo of Jeff sharing his story at SAA-Nantucket’s open water swim in 2024.

“At age 56 I was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. A hell of a thing to be told you have three to five years to live,” shared Jeff. 

Jeff quickly sought treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a long-time beneficiary of Swim Across America funding through the Boston community. He underwent surgery, radiation and hormone therapy. 

“I like to say they threw everything including the kitchen sink at me,” joked Jeff.

After a two-year fight, Jeff was declared in remission and he has remained in good health ever since. Jeff is grateful to organizations like Swim Across America, which funds groundbreaking immunotherapy treatment in communities across the country.  

Proceeds from the Swim Across America – Nantucket community swim support cancer treatment and patient care at Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket, and cancer research at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. Through the efforts of these organizations and the support of SAA – Nantucket, residents and visitors alike can receive outstanding cancer treatment and support on the island.

“This is why I am so committed to doing whatever I can to support the important work Swim Across America makes possible,” shared Jeff.

“My wife, children, six grandchildren, and my friends all are grateful for the part Swim Across America played in keeping me – and so many other patients – around much longer than three to five years.”

Jeff’s daughter, Rachel, her husband, and their four daughters swim each year as part of Team Jeff, continuing to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.

Photo of ‘Team Jeff’, excited to support SAA-Nantucket.

Now that Jeff is on the other side of his two-year battle, he reflects on what kept him going through the darkest times. 

“Throughout my battle with stage 4 prostate cancer I had hope,” shared Jeff. 

“I had hope and kept it close. Hope got me through the worst of times. Hope helped me bear the surgery, radiation and the nasty hormone therapy drug I had to take for two years.” 

“Hope eased the fear and dried the tears that came whether I wanted them or not.”

This hope is what keeps Jeff and his family dedicated to Swim Across America. If you are moved to support Team Jeff and SAA-Nantucket, click here.