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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.

Bringing the Good Vibes: Steven Carroll Volunteers with Purpose

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When Steven Carroll arrives at Swim Across America – Dallas this year, he won’t be diving into the water. Instead, he’ll be behind the microphone as the event DJ, helping create an atmosphere of celebration, hope and inspiration for everyone to enjoy.

Steven during treatment for multiple myeloma.

For Steven, every song played and every smile shared has a deeper purpose.

In July 2022, Steven was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Since his diagnosis, he has undergone a stem cell transplant, countless treatments and continues to receive monthly care. Thanks to advances in cancer research, he’s able to spend more time with his wife, Donna, their children, grandson and loved ones.

“The treatments that have given me more time exist because someone before me invested in cancer research,” Steven said. “I want to help create that same hope for the people who will hear the words, ‘You have cancer,’ tomorrow.”

Now, Swim Across America holds special meaning because Steven has experienced firsthand how research changes lives. Every dollar raised supports the discoveries that give patients more treatment options, more hope and more time. Proceeds from the Swim Across America – Dallas event support the Texas Cancer Interception Institute at Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center.

Steven and Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Swim Across America COO, at the 2025 SAA-Dallas event

“Every breakthrough isn’t just a medical milestone,” he said. “It’s another birthday, another anniversary, another chance for a family to make memories together.”

It’s the family who inspired Steven to adopt his mantra, “Fight Like a Freak” that helped him during his battle. 

“My sister Lori Lee, who recently passed away from ovarian cancer, told me one day, ‘You’re just fighting like a freak.’ I loved it, so I decided to make that my motto,” shared Steven.

He wore a shirt emblazoned with the word “freak” to every appointment and treatment. It was a reminder to keep fighting no matter what.

“Every story matters,” Steven said. “If sharing mine encourages someone to volunteer, donate or simply keep fighting, then it’s worth telling.”

By bringing energy, encouragement and hope to the SAA-Dallas event, Steven is helping ensure that every participant, survivor and family member knows they are part of a mission creating more tomorrows for families facing cancer.

If you are inspired to support SAA-Dallas, give here.

Among Nearly 1,000 Swimmers Making Waves to Fight Cancer July 25, Mamaroneck’s Ryan Harrell Will Be One of Just 14 to Swim 10K Across Long Island Sound

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Longtime swimmer dedicates his 2026 swim to Mariah Aldridge, a 32-year-old mother with colon cancer, whose final journey home he helped make possible

LARCHMONT, N.Y., July 14, 2026 — When Ryan Harrell, 42, of Mamaroneck, New York, enters the water in Glen Cove, New York, on Saturday, July 25,he will be one of 14 swimmers attempting the 10k crossing of Long Island Sound as part of the 34th annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim. As he swims toward the finish at the Larchmont Shore Club, Ryan will carry with him the memory of a young mother who passed away too soon from cancer, whose final wish he helped fulfill.

This year, Ryan is dedicating every stroke of that crossing to Mariah Aldridge, a 32-year-old mother with colon cancer, whose final wish was to return home to Albertville, Alabama, and spend her remaining time with family and friends. She had been receiving hospice care in Santa Ana, California, but complications from her illness prevented her from traveling commercially. Ryan learned of her situation through social media, and with the help of his employer Soar Jets, a private jet charter company, he was able to arrange a flight for Mariah. With support from her friends Joslyn Marie, Justin Nunley and Chris Young, the flight became possible. Mariah was able to leave California, return to Alabama and fulfill her wish of spending her final days with those she loved most.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help Mariah in her final wish of being surrounded by family and friends,” Ryan noted. “That experience changed me. In my 25th year swimming with Swim Across America, I am dedicating every stroke I take in her honor. While we lost Mariah to cancer, we didn’t lose the chance to know someone as extraordinary as her in this world. Her love endures, her memory lives on, and her spirit lives on in every life she touched, including mine.”

Mariah’s cancer battle underscores the urgent need for cancer research – and one Swim Across America is tackling with its support of critical cancer research with its beneficiaries Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and Cancer Support Team.

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.

Following a record-breaking fundraising year last year, the 2026 goal is to raise $2.5 million. The open water swim is joined by eight community pool swims across Westchester County running June 26 through Aug. 1.

“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.”

The upcoming 2026 Swim Across America – Long Island Sound swim schedule in Westchester County, New York, includes: Coveleigh Club Pool Swim, Rye, Wednesday, July 15, 3 to 5:30 p.m.; Orienta Beach Club Pool Swim, Mamaroneck, Saturday, July 18, 6:15 to 9:30 a.m.; Chappaqua Swim & Tennis Club Pool Swim, Chappaqua, Sunday, July 19, 8 to 10:30 a.m.; Leewood Golf Club Pool Swim, Eastchester, Tuesday, July 21, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim on Saturday, July 25, in Larchmont; Larchmont Shore Club Half-Mile Pool Swim, Saturday, July 25, 8 to 9:30 a.m.; Scarsdale Golf Club Pool Swim, Hartsdale, Thursday, July 30, 4 to 6 p.m.; and Lake Isle Club Pool Swim, Eastchester, Saturday, Aug. 1, 7 to 9:30 a.m.

Those interested in swimming, donating or volunteering, including boaters, kayakers and paddleboarders at the July 25th open water swim or swimming at the pool swims, can register and support the cause at swimacrossamerica.org/longislandsound.

For Ryan, his connection to Swim Across America is 25 years in the making. He originally started swimming with Swim Across America in 2001, when he was a student at Iona Prep and swam with the Badger Swim Club. He joined the event in honor of Bill Weaver, a close family friend from New Rochelle who had pancreatic cancer. Ryan’s father, then principal of Davis Elementary School in New Rochelle, helped his teenage son learn how to fundraise by encouraging the school’s teachers and staff to contribute.

“I was incredibly fortunate to have my father help me raise money when it was entirely new to me,” Ryan said. “Mr. Weaver will forever be the reason I started this journey, but sadly, the list of people who need our support has continued to grow.”

Today, Ryan trains year-round with Team Masters under coach Dave Samuelsohn. His mother is a cancer survivor, and he has lost his best friend’s father and sister, whom he considered family, to the disease. He also swims for friends who are still undergoing treatment.

“I swim for those who are fighting this disease,” Ryan added. “My motivation is to swim to raise as much money as possible to help anyone currently facing this battle.” For Ryan, swimming across Long Island Sound is a way to transform heartbreak into action – one stroke and one donation at a time.

As Mariah’s story and the flight home have helped spread awareness, supporters have also rallied around Ryan’s Swim Across America fundraising. He has already raised more than $15,000, while his Team Masters collectively has raised close to $75,000, just in 2026. But there is still a need for more.

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.

To learn more about Swim Across America – Long Island Sound or to register to swim, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/longislandsound. To support Ryan directly or Team Masters, visit swimacrossamerica.org/longislandsound and click on Ryan’s name or Team name.

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

Two Teens Take on Monumental Task of Running the Inaugural Swim Across America – Martha’s Vineyard Open Water Swim on July 18, 2026

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Swim Across America’s two newest event directors, Leah Thomson and Zoe Treitman, both residents of Martha’s Vineyard, are only 17-years-old and high school juniors. Thomson and Treitman were inspired to launch a Swim Across America event on their own island of Martha’s Vineyard after seeing last year’s Swim Across America – Nantucket open water swim raise $1 million to fight cancer. They believed Martha’s Vineyard could do the same – or better! After all, there has always been a friendly competition between the neighboring islands. The fundraising goal for the swim in its first year is $200,000.

For Leah Thomson, the cause is deeply personal. She was four years old when her grandmother, Susan Parker, her mom Rebekah’s mother, was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and only five years old when her grandma passed away. Her great-aunt Aiko Nakamura also sadly lost her battle with cancer several years ago. Leah has other family members currently battling cancer and their fights have inspired her to jump in and help organize the swim in their honor. They include D.L., her grandfather’s second wife, who was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and is currently recovering well; her great-uncle Jonathan and great-aunt Ellie, who are each facing cancer diagnosis; and her long time tennis mentor, Jay Grossman, who sadly lost his battle with cancer this April. 

“I was inspired to get involved with Swim Across America for my Grammy, for family members who are facing cancer and for my dear friend and coach Jay Grossman,” said Leah Thomson. “Swimming is nothing compared to the challenges our loved ones with cancer face. By helping put on this event, I can help make a difference and swim for those who can’t – and with my community’s support, I know it will help make a significant impact on cancer care on our island.”

Leah also noted that leading the Swim Across America open water swim has also given her a meaningful way to turn a challenge into action. “Swim Across America has introduced me to an entire family of brilliant, loving and compassionate individuals and it has given me a way to play a small part in the fight against an awful disease that I have seen way too many people suffer from.”

Co-event director Zoe Treitman also has her own family’s experience with cancer that has fueled her commitment to the event. Her grandmother Leonora had colon cancer and lost her battle when Zoe was in second grade. She also has long been inspired by her grandfather Rick Treitman, who has participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge to raise money for cancer research.

“So many on Martha’s Vineyard and beyond are affected by cancer, and I want to help make their quality of life better – all while raising funds locally that stay local, supporting Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute Martha’s Vineyard Hospital here on the island,” said Zoe Treitman. “Cancer has taken so many of our loved ones, and we want to do all we can to fight it. I hope our community will come out and join us on Saturday, July 18, at Menemsha Beach and help us make waves to fight cancer!”

Rebekah Thomson, Leah’s mother, is playing a supporting role if needed, but is mostly there to proudly watch her daughter Leah and friend Zoe run the event.  “I’m really proud of the ambition that Leah and Zoe have to organize this event and their passion for making a difference,” said Rebekah. “To take on running a major event is a huge endeavor for anyone of any age, but for Leah and Zoe to just be 17, it is a major accomplishment. I’m here to support them and help guide them, if they need it, but they are already taking the reins and running with the tasks needed to manage and hold a successful fundraiser and sporting event.”

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.

The inaugural Swim Across America – Martha’s Vineyard open water swim on Saturday, July 18, 2026, will be held at Menemsha Beach in Chilmark, Massachusetts, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. The swim will raise funds for its local beneficiary Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and support cancer care on the island. Hundreds are expected to dive in and make waves to fight cancer, swimming at this iconic location. Swimmers, land and water volunteers (boaters, kayakers, stand up paddle boarders) are encouraged to register for this inspiring event. Those interested in participating can learn more and register at swimacrossamerica.org/marthasvineyard and follow on instagram or facebook @saamarthasvineyard.

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

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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

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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 – LONG ISLAND SOUND IN THE NEWS

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Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Long Island Sound community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Cancer Center, Cancer Support Team, and Weill Cornell Medical Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/long_island.

SAAswim.com – Swim Across America blog

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

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Swim Across America Long Island Sound raises millions for cancer research

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Swimming To LI And Back To End Cancer, Mamaroneck Man Will Take The Plunge

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34th Annual Swim Across America Makes Waves to Fight Cancer July 25 on Long Island Sound

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – FAIRFIELD COUNTY IN THE NEWS

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, #MakingWavesToFightCancer, Events, Fairfield County, Fundraising, NewsTagged , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America – Fairfield County community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, at swimacrossamerica.org/fc.

SAASWIM.COM – Swim Across America blog

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Make Waves to Fight Cancer with T-Shirt Design Contest

Darien Arts Center

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20th Swim Across America

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Stamford Patch

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

20th Annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim & Kids’ Splash

Samford Chamber of Commerce

Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim

Chamber Conversation: Swim Across America Fairfield County

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Swim Across America Marks 20 Years of Making Waves Against Cancer

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Swim Across America Fairfield County 2026: 20 Years of Open Water Swimming to Fight Cancer

Westport Planner

20th Annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County!

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Swim Across America – Fairfield County Swim + Kids’ Splash

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20th Annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim + Kids’ Splash

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Annual Swim Across America event marks 20 years of fundraising in Fairfield County

Good Morning Connecticut

Swim Across America Fairfield County Helps Fight Cancer

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. 

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

Posted on Posted in #DefeatCancer, beneficiaries, college swimming, event directors, Events, Family Tree, Fundraising, Grant, Labs, Nashville, News, olympians, partnerships, Pool Swims, Technology, Top Fundraisers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 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.”

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 5th annual Swim Across America – Nashville Pool Swim on June 14, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/nashville.

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.