Swim raises $260,000 for SCCA

Swim Across America Seattle swimmers dive into Lake Washington to benefit pancreas cancer and cellular therapy

October 3, 2011 • By Christi Ball Loso

Participants included "Team SCCA"—volunteers, faculty and staff from the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Photo by Dean Forbes

Beneath sunny skies, hundreds took to the waters of Lake Washington for the third annual Swim Across America Seattle, which raised more than $260,000 on Saturday, Sept. 10. Proceeds benefit the Cellular Therapy Laboratory at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and research and treatment for pancreas cancer patients.

Many novice swimmers, including about 30 "Team SCCA" volunteers and staff, were among the participants. Swimmers chose between a two-mile and half-mile course in Lake Washington, finishing at Luther Burbank Park’s swim beach. About two dozen children participated in a special 50-meter "Kids Splash."

Several former U.S. Olympic swimmers—including Mary Wayte, Jeff Float, Emily Silver, Dana Kirk and Rick Colella—took part in the race and festivities, including an award ceremony and buffet breakfast at Luther Burbank Park. Also on hand were Panamanian Olympian Eileen Coparropa and Canadian Olympian Chris Chalmers.

in-tandem swimmers — Proceeds from the event benefit the Cellular Therapy Laboratory at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and research and treatment for pancreas cancer patients. Photo by Dean Forbes

The event is part of the nationwide, nonprofit Swim Across America organization, created in 1987 to raise funds and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment.

Swimmers and volunteers interested in learning about plans for next year’s Swim Across America may contact Ericka Sisolak at esisolak@seattlecca.org.

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