July 27, 2006
Swim Across America Boston Makes Waves in the Fight Against Cancer
More than $250,000 Raised for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Swim Across America (SAA) made a splash in Boston this year. A record number of swimmers raised more than $250,000 to support survivor programs at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
This year's swims attracted competitive, college, and casual swimmers alike. Together they braved the chilly ocean waters with Olympic swimmers Janel Jorgensen, who is also the Executive Director of Swim Across America, Eric Wunderlich, Tim McKee, Carlton Brunner, and Craig Beardsley.
On Friday, July 14, 58 swimmers jumped into Boston Harbor for a 22-mile relay swim. The next day, July 15, more than 130 swimmers competed in half- and one- mile swims from Nantasket Beach, just south of Boston, in Hull, Mass., for the same cause.
Swim Across America is a non-profit corporation that runs events from Boston to San Francisco to support cancer research at the country's finest hospitals and institutions.
Proceeds from the Boston area swims and kick-off party benefit the David B. Perini, Jr. Quality of Life Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This innovative program helps survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers address long-term consequences of their treatments such as heart problems, fertility issues, and learning challenges through medical care, education, and support. In addition, Perini Clinic staff members conduct research to determine ways to improve the health of newly diagnosed patients and reduce or eliminate the harmful side effects of cancer treatments.
Due to its success, Swim Across America will be back for a 12th year in Boston and 9th year at Nantasket Beach in the summer of 2007.
For more information, go to www.swimacrossamerica.org.
