Swim Across America to make waves in the fight against cancer

May 11, 2009

Join Swim Across America this summer and make a splash for pediatric cancer survivorship programs at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The 14th annual Boston Harbor 22-mile relay swim is on Friday, July 17, and the 11th annual Nantasket Beach one- and half-mile swims are on Saturday, July 18. Registration is now open for teams and individuals.

"The ongoing dedication and commitment that Swim Across America has shown over the years in raising financial support and awareness for cancer treatment and research is echoed by the compassion and enthusiasm of those who participate in events held all over the country," says Christine Reilly, a Swim Across America volunteer. "We are hopeful that one day, we will live in a cancer-free world and Swim Across America will have played a major role in getting us there."

The Boston Harbor swim is an all day event that starts at 7 a.m. from behind the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf. A minimum fundraising pledge of $1,500 is required for individuals to participate. Teams of five or more must raise a minimum of $1,000 per swimmer.

The one-mile competitive ocean swim at Nantasket Beach in Hull, Mass., starts at 9 a.m. from the Mary Jeannette Murray Bathhouse. Half-mile swimmers run into the water at 9:15 a.m. All participants must raise a minimum of $150 each.

The swims are not for beginners, so training should start immediately. Wet suits are mandatory.

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 go directly to the David B. Perini, Jr. Quality of Life Program at Dana-Farber, where experts help pediatric cancer survivors with an array of issues, including long-term effects of treatment, social and psychological concerns and the risk of second cancers.