18-Year-Old Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige Completes North Channel Swim, Her Fifth Oceans Seven Crossing

Posted on July 8, 2026 Posted in UncategorizedTagged fiction, short-story, swimming, travel, writingLeave a comment

California swimmer finishes one of the world’s toughest channel swims in 12 hours, 19 minutes while raising funds for cancer research with Swim Across America

PORTPATRICK, Scotland, July 8, 2026 — Eighteen-year-old marathon swimmer Maya Merhige of Berkeley, California, successfully swam the North Channel, 34.5 kilometers, or 21.4 miles, from Ireland to Scotland, finishing July 8, 2026, in 12 hours, 19 minutes and 37 seconds (12:19:37). Maya completed the swim by touching the Scottish shoreline near Portpatrick. Maya not only made waves for herself, but also to support family and friends who are enduring even greater challenges, fighting cancer — with the names of those who have or are fighting that battle written on her swim cap.

Maya began the swim at 4:28 a.m. Irish time in calm, glassy conditions, with the support vessel Infinity, pilot Bobby, crew Jacqueliine Kelly, her father Chris Merhige, crew chief and support swimmer Kelly Gentry, and independent (ILDSA) observer Rebekah documenting the crossing. Her land crew included her mother Liz Tung and family dog Kip who met Maya upon her landing in Scotland, and her sister Lucy cheering from California.

*Maya swimming the North Channel — which she successfully finished in 12 hours, 19 minutes and 37 seconds.*

As Maya approached Scotland, the harbormaster raised the Scottish flag to welcome her in — a powerful finish to one of the most difficult open-water swims in the world.

The North Channel is known for powerful tides, cold water, unpredictable conditions and lion’s mane jellyfish. Maya swam in water temperatures ranging from about 13.4 to 14.4 degrees Celsius, or the mid-50s Fahrenheit. Along the way, she encountered jellyfish, enduring a few stings, swam past a seal, and pushed through sore shoulders, fatigue and the punishing final stretch of the channel.

The swim held special meaning for Maya. It came exactly one year after she endured a major surgery last summer, part of a series of health challenges she has faced since doctors discovered a benign tumor on her pancreas following a ski accident in 2023. Hospital stays, surgeries and ongoing health issues have given Maya a deeper understanding of what patients and families endure during a health crisis — and strengthened her commitment to using her swims to help others.

“I think there’s something special about this happening exactly one year after my major surgery last summer,” Maya said before the swim. Her song for the crossing was “Back in My Body” by Maggie Rogers — a fitting anthem for a young athlete who has returned again and again to the water.

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. Since then, she has raised more than $172,000 for cancer research and has carried the names of friends and family members affected by cancer on her swim cap during her marathon swims.

“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 said. “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.”

*Maya, before completing the swim, was wearing the swim cap with the names of families who need hope and for the research that can lead to better treatments.*

The North Channel is Maya’s fifth Oceans Seven swim. She completed the Catalina Channel in 2021, the Molokai Channel in 2023, the English Channel in 2024 and New Zealand’s Cook Strait in 2025. This August, she plans to attempt the Strait of Gibraltar, between Spain and Morocco, followed by the Tsugaru Strait in Japan in 2027.

The Oceans Seven is considered the aquatic equivalent of mountaineering’s Seven Summits and requires swimmers to complete seven of the world’s most challenging ocean channel crossings, solo and unassisted. If Maya completes all seven, she could become the youngest person in the world to complete the Oceans Seven, pending official ratification and any future changes to the record.

Maya, who recently completed her freshman year at Georgetown University, 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. At 14, she became the youngest woman to swim the 20-mile Catalina Channel. At 15, she became the youngest person to swim the Molokai Channel.

Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually at leading cancer institutions across the country.

To support Maya’s swims and fundraising efforts, visit swimacrossamerica.org/maya.

18-Year-Old Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige Attempts North Channel Swim with the Goal To Become The Youngest to Complete the Oceans Seven

Posted on July 7, 2026July 8, 2026 Posted in UncategorizedTagged family, fiction, swimming, travel, writingLeave a comment

California swimmer is attempting her fifth of seven Oceans Seven swims while raising funds for cancer research with Swim Across America

DONAGHADEE, Northern Ireland, July 6, 2026 — On or about July 7-9, at a time that will be chosen by tides, weather and the temperament of the sea, 18-year-old Maya Merhige of Berkeley, California, will dive into the cold waters of the North Channel in Ireland, wearing only a swimsuit, swim cap and goggles. She will be making waves not only for herself, but also supporting family and friends who are enduring even greater challenges, fighting cancer.

Maya Merhige at the SAA-San Francisco event.

Maya will attempt to swim 34.5 kilometers, or 21.4 miles, from Ireland to Scotland across one of the world’s most difficult open-water crossings, known for powerful currents, unpredictable weather, cold, choppy water and lion’s mane jellyfish. The swim is expected to take more than 12 hours in water temperatures of about 12 to 13 degrees Celsius, or the mid-50s Fahrenheit.

The North Channel will be Maya’s fifth Oceans Seven swim. The Oceans Seven is the aquatic equivalent of mountaineering’s Seven Summits. It requires swimmers to complete solo, unassisted crossings of seven of the most challenging and dangerous ocean channels in the world. She completed the Catalina Channel in 2021, the Molokai Channel in 2023, the English Channel in 2024 and the Cook Strait in 2025. This August, after the North Channel, she will attempt the Strait of Gibraltar, between Spain and Morocco. In 2027, she will attempt her final crossing of the Oceans Seven, the Tsugaru Strait in Japan. Maya embarks on these major swims not only to accomplish a rare athletic feat, but also to raise critical funds for cancer research through the nonprofit Swim Across America, of which she has throughout her years of swimming, raised an incredible $165,000.

“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,” noted Maya, as she has the names of friends and family members who have battled cancer written on her swim cap. “The North Channel is intimidating, but I know why I am there. 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.”

Maya grew up in Berkeley, California, and just completed her freshman year at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Her mission to “make waves to fight cancer” began when she was just 9 years old and first swam with Swim Across America in San Francisco to honor a family friend and three-time cancer survivor. She has swum every year since. She has also supported the nonprofit by leading the Swim Across America Junior Advisory Board and started her own team to swim in the annual open water event. The excitement of that first swim and the swell of the water has stuck with her.

Since those early years, Maya has built an extraordinary open-water resume. She has swum the Tahoe Triple Crown, including the length and width of Lake Tahoe, circled Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay, and completed the Three Rocks swim, also in San Francisco Bay. Just a week after her 13th birthday, she became the youngest woman to swim the width of Lake Tahoe. At 14, she became the youngest woman to swim the 20-mile Catalina Channel. At 15, she completed the 28.5-mile Manhattan 20 Bridges swim, and also became the youngest person to swim the Molokai Channel. At 16, she crossed the English Channel, earning the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming. In March 2025, at 17, she completed New Zealand’s Cook Strait in 14 hours, eight minutes and 36 seconds – enduring hundreds of jellyfish stings in the process.

“The Cook Strait swim was one of the gutsiest swims I’ve ever seen,” said her father, Chris Merhige, after she successfully finished the swim. “The winds were tough, blowing Maya off course for a bit, but she persevered.”

To make these swims even more impressive, Maya has faced her own medical challenges, deepening her connection to the cause. In 2023, after a ski accident, doctors discovered a benign tumor on her pancreas. Hospital stays, surgeries and ongoing health issues have given Maya a closer understanding of what patients and families endure during a health crisis. Still, she has kept swimming.

Throughout her swims, Maya has faced challenges head-on. The Molokai/Kaiwi Channel demanded more than 27 consecutive hours in the water and brought close encounters with sharks. The English Channel brought cold, currents and exhaustion. The Cook Strait brought rough water, wind, a longer route and jellyfish. Each time, Maya returned to the water with the same purpose: using her swims to help fund cancer research and honor those facing far greater battles.

The North Channel now becomes the next test — not just of endurance, but of patience. Swim attempts can shift by hours or days depending on weather, tides and safety conditions. Maya and her support crew will wait for the best possible window, then begin the crossing when pilots determine the conditions are right.

Maya is also moving toward a historic achievement. Guinness World Records currently lists the youngest person to complete the Oceans Seven at 20 years and 227 days. If Maya completes the Tsugaru Strait in 2027, she would be younger than the current listed record, pending official ratification and any future changes to the record before then.

To support Merhige’s swims and fundraising efforts, visit swimacrossamerica.org/maya.

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 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.

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

Posted on July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, nantucket, News, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged cancer, cancer research, fundraising, health, health-care, life, media, News, swim across america, swimming, wellnessLeave 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.

Nearly 1,000 Swimmers Participate in Annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound Open Water Swim July 25

Posted on June 23, 2026June 23, 2026 Posted in Long Island Sound, UncategorizedTagged cancer, cancer events, cancer fundraising, cancer research, fundraise, fundraising events, long island, long island ny, Long Island Sound, media, new york events, new york fundraising events, News, nonprofit events, nonprofit fundraising, ny events, research, swim across america, swimming, swimming events, television1 Comment

One of the nation’s largest charity swims in the nation, the 34th annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim aims to raise $2.5 million for cancer research — and every swimmer has a story

For the Stokes family of New Rochelle, New York, diving into Long Island Sound and swimming with thousands of others who are all making waves to fight cancer on Saturday, July 25, for the 34th annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim, is a way of bringing hope to their own family and to others who have been touched by cancer. Team Stoked to Fight Cancer originally joined Swim Across America in 2023 in honor of Leo Stokes, who was diagnosed with leukemia in November 2022 at just 5-years-old. In February 2025, Leo rang the bell marking the end of his treatment — a milestone for him and his family. But while Leo is now in remission and doing well, his mother, Leanna Stokes, age 36, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in October 2023. Leanna is currently participating in a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — one of the swim’s beneficiaries — and is on the new medication daraxonrasib, which has recently drawn national attention for its promise in treating pancreatic cancer.

“No one fights cancer alone,” noted Team Stoked to Fight Cancer team captain Brittany Freeman, Leanna’s childhood best friend, and also a New Rochelle, New York resident. “Through every high and low, it’s the Stokes’ strength and spirit that keep their family and friends going. They show us all what it means to be strong, faithful and full of hope. We swim to honor Leanna and Leo, and every brave cancer mom and kid — past, present and future.”

“My family and I have been touched very closely by cancer,” said Eddie Stokes, Leanna’s husband and Leo’s dad, who also lost his mother, Patricia, to lung cancer shortly after Leo’s diagnosis. “I swim in memory of my mom and in honor of Leo and Leanna to raise money for groundbreaking research. Leo and Leanna have both personally seen the benefits of funded research during their treatments. We rejoiced when my strong, resilient son finished his treatment and had a top-notch bell-ringing ceremony. As my wife continues her battle, I swim on the Stoked to Fight Cancer team created by Leanna’s best friend Brittany. No one fights cancer alone.”

Nearly 1,000 swimmers and hundreds of volunteers will take to the water on Saturday, July 25, 2026, for the 34th annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim in Larchmont, New York — one of the largest Swim Across America events in the nation. Since its first Westchester County swim in 1992, Swim Across America – Long Island Sound has raised more than $32 million for cancer research, care and patient support services in the New York City area for its local beneficiaries: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and Cancer Support Team. Following a record-breaking fundraising year last year, the 2026 goal is to raise $2.5 million in 2026. The open water swim is joined by eight community pool swims across Westchester County running June 26 through August 1.

Swimmers and land and water volunteers (boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders) can register at swimacrossamerica.org/longislandsound.

The July 25 open water swim is a point-to-point swim that begins at the Larchmont Yacht Club, 1 Woodbine Ave., and finishes at the Larchmont Shore Club, 1 Oak Bluff Ave. Swimmers can choose 2K, 5K and 10K distances, with 10K swimmers crossing Long Island Sound from Glen Cove, New York, on Long Island, to the Larchmont Shore Club. The minimum fundraising requirement is $500 for 2K and 5K swimmers and $5,000 for 10K swimmers. For those who prefer a pool to open water, a half-mile same-day pool swim is offered at the Larchmont Shore Club.

“Every year, our Swim Across America – Long Island Sound community reminds us that this event is about hope, action and the power of coming together,” said Jean Fufidio, event director of Swim Across America – Long Island Sound. “Whether someone swims 10K, 5K or 2K in Long Island Sound, joins a pool swim, participates virtually through SAA My Way, or comes out to volunteer on the land or water, every stroke and every dollar helps support the doctors, researchers and caregivers who are making breakthroughs in cancer care.”

To learn more about Swim Across America – Long Island Sound or to register to swim, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/longislandsound.

From Supporter to Survivor: Why Mark Monson Makes Waves

Posted on June 15, 2026 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, dallas, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Grant, Labs, Messages of Hope, News, olympians, partnerships, SAA PrideTagged breast cancer, cancer, cancer fundraising, cancer research, dallas, dallas community events, dallas events, dallas fundraising, fundraise, fundraising, health, hospital fundraising, life, media, nonprofit, olympians, swim across america, swimming, wellnessLeave 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 June 11, 2026 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 cancer, cancer research, fundraise, fundraising, media, News, olympians, swim across america, swimming, televisionLeave 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.**

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 June 11, 2026 Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, Corporate Partners, Events, Grant, nantucket, News, olympians, partnerships, Technology, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged cancer, cancer research, cancer survivor, cancer survivor story, events in nantucket, fundraise, fundraising, health, media, nantucket events, nantucket island, News, olympians, prostate cancer, swim across america, swimming, swimming event, television, writingLeave 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.

Swim Across America – Nashville Makes Waves to Fight Cancer at 5th Annual Pool Swim on June 14

Posted on June 8, 2026June 9, 2026 Posted in #DefeatCancer, beneficiaries, college swimming, event directors, Events, Family Tree, Fundraising, Grant, Labs, Nashville, News, olympians, partnerships, Pool Swims, Technology, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged cancer, cancer center, cancer research, fundraise, fundraising, health, media, Nashville, nashville swimming, News, olympians, swim across america, swimming, swimming events nashville, television, vanderbilt-ingram cancer center, wellness, writing1 Comment

Team Relay at Ensworth Natatorium to Benefit Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Swim Across America, the nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer by holding charity swims across the nation, will host the 5th annual Swim Across America – Nashville Pool Swim on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Ensworth Natatorium, 7401 Tennessee Highway 100, in Nashville. The community charity swim is a Team Relay event that welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels who are passionate about fighting cancer. Proceeds benefit Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, with a 2026 goal of raising $100,000 to support cancer care and research in Nashville. For registration and volunteer opportunities, or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/nashville.

Established in 2022, Swim Across America – Nashville has raised more than $375,000 for Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, helping support cancer research, care and hope for individuals and families facing cancer.

For 23-year-old Aly Corb, an associate board member with Swim Across America and one of the planning committee members for the Nashville swim, the event is deeply personal. Aly, who currently lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been part of Swim Across America since she was just 8 years old and is now participating for her 16th year with the organization. One of the factors in her decision to attend college in Tennessee was the opportunity to help bring Swim Across America to the state. This year, she is diving in again to help organize the Nashville event at the Ensworth Natatorium.

Aly swims in memory of her brother, Michael, who sadly passed away from mixed lineage leukemia when he was just 9 months old. This past March, Aly and her family celebrated what would have been Michael’s 20th birthday; this December will mark 20 years without him.

“Although he lost his battle with cancer when he was only 9 months old, his memory is the reason this cause has meant so much to me and why Swim Across America has become such an important part of my life,” said Aly. “Every year when I swim, I do it in his honor, with the hope that together we can create a different future, one without cancer.”

Aly originally set her 2026 fundraising goal at $20,000 in honor of Michael’s 20th birthday. After quickly surpassing that goal and raising more than $25,000, she increased her goal to $30,000 — a threshold she has never reached before. Throughout the past 15 years with Swim Across America, Aly has raised more than $230,000 for cancer research, including $140,000 benefitting another Swim Across America beneficiary, Johns Hopkins Medicine, where Michael was treated.

“No matter where I swim, the money will still be going to help those fighting for their lives,” said Aly. “Whether you swim, donate or volunteer, you are helping to make a difference and save the lives of current and future cancer patients.”

Aly’s connection to cancer extends beyond her brother. She also swims in memory of her great-aunt Alison, her uncle Michael, and former teammate Garrett Brown, and in honor of family members and friends who have faced cancer.

“To me, this event is not just about raising money to find a cure; it’s to honor and remember those who fought their battle and prevent other parents, siblings and families from going through the loss of a loved one,” noted Aly Corb. “That’s why I want to do everything I can so other families won’t go through what my family and I have gone through.”

Another swimmer, Tara Helmer, who lives in Nashville, also brings a deeply personal connection to the event. For Helmer, Swim Across America combines three important parts of her life: swimming, research, and her own experience as a cancer patient at Vanderbilt.

“I swim because Swim Across America combines three very important aspects of my life,” noted Tara. “My husband and daughter are very involved in the swim community. In fact, my husband is a former swimmer and current high school coach, and my daughter is a competitive swimmer.

Tara has also worked in research administration at Vanderbilt for about 20 years, supporting researchers across the institution. She also has been a cancer patient at Vanderbilt since 2016, when she was initially diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. In 2023, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to work with brilliant and passionate researchers across the institution over the years,” said Tara. “I am truly blessed and thankful for Dr. Park and all of the other incredible cancer researchers. I know far too many who have been diagnosed with cancer and have lost their lives to it. We’ve come such a long way, but still have a long way to go. Organizations like Swim Across America that support cancer research definitely help move the needle in the right direction. I also know that cancer patients like myself are always buying time until the next treatment or a cure is available. Having an organization dedicated to advancing cancer research is critical, and it gives cancer patients hope. If sharing my story helps even just one patient feel less scared, it is worth it.”

For those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating to the 5th annual Swim Across America – Nashville Pool Swim on June 14, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/nashville.

Hundreds Expected to Dive In at 20th Annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim on June 20th

Posted on June 2, 2026June 2, 2026 Posted in UncategorizedTagged cancer, cancer research, connecticut, Connecticut events, connecticut things to do, Fairfield County, fundraising, greenwich county, media, News, olympians, samford connecticut, swim across america, swimming, televisionLeave a comment

This Milestone Event Honors Two Decades of Making Waves to Fight Cancer Through Swimming ½-mile, 1.5-miles or 3-miles and a Fun Kids’ Splash!

Swim Across America, the nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer by holding charity swims across the nation, will host its 20th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County open water swim on Saturday, June 20 2026, in Dolphin Cove in Stamford, Connecticut, at 96 Cummings Point Road, on the Greenwich/Stamford border. The event welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels to help make waves to fight cancer, with proceeds benefiting Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT), headquartered in Stamford, and the nation’s only nonprofit dedicated to funding cancer cell and gene therapy. Participants may choose from a 1/2-mile, 1.5-mile, or 3-mile swim course, and children ages 11-years-old and younger can participate in a fun Kids’ Splash along the shore, as well as enjoy other Kids’ Splash zone activities like face painting, tattoos, arts and crafts, and a visit by Dash the Dolphin, Swim Across America’s mascot. There is also a “SAA My Way,” virtual option for those who are unable to participate in-person on June 20th. For registration and volunteer opportunities (land and water), or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/fc.

Established in 2007, Swim Across America – Fairfield County has raised more than $8.2 million for its local beneficiary ACGT, supporting dozens of cancer research grants supporting better treatments and clinical trials for brain cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, melanoma, pancreatic, lung cancer, solid tumors, and this year, ovarian cancer. Each year, the event proudly hosts more than 250 swimmers, and hundreds of volunteers, spectators and supporters, as well as Olympic swimmers for this inspiring community swim.

“For this 20th year of making waves,, we’re aiming to make our biggest impact yet,” said Nancy Carr, event director of Swim Across America – Fairfield County. “This is truly a community effort where everyone makes a difference — in and out of the water – driving us towards a record-breaking year in the fight against cancer. Volunteers and younger participants amplify their impact by fundraising alongside our most seasoned swimmers. A middle school student is currently our top fundraiser.”

Special recognition will be given to longtime swimmers Craig Lawrence of Redding, Connecticut, whose sister Kimberly Lawrence Netter, sadly passed away from breast cancer in 2001, and who was the inspiration behind Greenwich residents Barbara and Edward Netter founding ACGT. Craig has swum 1.5 to 3-miles every single year and now swims with his teenage son Graham, who has also been a part of the swim since he was a baby. Old Greenwich residents Rob and Julie Colligan, who also swim (Rob swims 3-miles and Julie has done various distances, as well as managing more than 100+ volunteers as the event’s volunteer coordinator), will also be honored. The Colligans, along with their two children, have been a constant presence at the swim throughout the years. Darien resident Matt Vossler, who started Swim Across America in 1987, 20 years before the Fairfield County swim began, is also a constant with the swim. Beyond Matt’s incredible depth of knowledge about all things Swim Across America, he also heads up the safety team and is on the beach every year counting down for the swimmers to enter the water. Other veterans include longtime volunteers Roberta Bass of Greenwich, Julie Gibian of Old Greenwich, Wendy Probert of Westport, and longtime boating and safety team members Jim Gibian and John Palmer of Old Greenwich, and others who have helped steer the event safely year after year. Also recognized will be top fundraiser and 3-mile swimmer Peter (Pete) Carlson, Jr., of Riverside, Connecticut, who is team captain of the largest team participating in the swim, Team Julian, which is in memory of Julian Fraser, a Greenwich High School four-time High School All-American and captain of the GHS swimming and water polo teams, who sadly succumbed to a brief battle with sarcoma in 2017 at just age 20. Pete and his wife Sue as well as their entire family have been part of the Swim Across America family since its early days.

This year’s featured ACGT researcher supported by Swim Across America – Fairfield County is Joseph Fraietta, Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, whose work is focused on developing new treatments for ovarian cancer. Fraietta will attend the swim and represent the cutting-edge research being advanced through the local support of the swim.

Also attending will be Laurie Adami, a CAR T–cell therapy recipient who is alive today after a decade-long battle with follicular lymphoma (a non-Hodgkin lymphoma) because of the breakthrough treatment she received. Early CAR T-cell clinical trials were funded by ACGT, making her story a powerful reminder of how today’s donations can help create tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

“For 20 years, Swim Across America – Fairfield County has brought together families, friends and neighbors to turn the tide against cancer,” noted Nancy Carr. “What began as a local charity swim has grown into a beloved community tradition that continues to send hope, momentum and critical funding straight to the front lines of cancer research. There isn’t a person among us who hasn’t been touched by cancer. I hope that everyone comes out to join us on Saturday, June 20th, for the 20th annual open water swim.”

Swimmers, volunteers, boaters and donors are encouraged to register or give today at swimacrossamerica.org/fc.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NANTUCKET IN THE NEWS

Posted on May 27, 2026May 28, 2026 Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, event directors, Events, Fundraising, Making Waves With Hope, Messages of Hope, nantucket, News, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged cancer, cancer research, fundraise, fundraising, local swimming news, media, News, olympians, research, swim across america, swimming, televisionLeave a comment

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Nantucket community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket, and Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, at swimacrossamerica.org/nantucket.

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