Swimmers present $180,000 to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

David Day and Scott Whelan, co-directors of the annual Swim Across America Seattle, presented a check for $180,000 to Norm Hubbard, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance executive vice president, and Robb Bakemeier, chairman of the SCCA board of directors, at a Dec. 4 reception honoring those who participated in the open-water swim.

Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Olympic silver medalist and national Swim Across America president and CEO, joined Day and Whelan for the presentation.

The funds will support the Pancreas Cancer Specialty Clinic and research conducted through SCCA’s Cellular Therapy Lab, which helps physicians improve their ability to treat blood cancers.

The swim for cancer research

On the warm, sunny morning in September, hundreds of novice and Olympic swimmers had their choice of a two- or half-mile course in Lake Washington, both finishing at Luther Burbank Park’s swim beach. Children participated in a special 50-meter "Kids Splash."

This year, U.S. Olympians who participated in Swim Across America Seattle included medalists Mary Wayte Bradburn, Rick Colella, Dana Kirk and Margaret Hoelzer. Canadian Olympian Chris Chalmers also swam.

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. Learn about plans for next year's Swim Across America by contacting Ericka Sisolak at esisolak@seattlecca.org.