Olympic Swimmers and Cancer Survivors Unite for the Sixth-Annual Swim Across America Benefiting Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
The Seattle Open Water Swim Will Take Place on Lake Washington Saturday, September 6
SEATTLE — August 19, 2014 — Swim Across America (SAA), a non-profit dedicated to raising money for cancer research, prevention, and treatment through swimming-related events, will host its sixth annual Seattle Open Water Swim on Saturday, September 6. All proceeds from the event will benefit Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) and its mission to turn cancer patients into cancer survivors. Swimmers of all levels are able to participate in two-mile or half-mile swims. Children age 11 and under are also welcome to participate in a 50 meter freestyle open-water Kids’ splash. Additionally, participants will have the exciting opportunity to swim alongside several local Olympians including Mary Wayte, Camille Thompson, Chris Chalmers and Rick Colella.
Since launching the fundraising program 27 years ago, Swim Across America has raised more than $50 million nationally. Here in Seattle, the organization partners with the experts at SCCA to help advance breakthrough treatments. Specifically, funds from the Seattle Swim have gone to support the Pancreas Cancer Specialty Clinic and the newly named Swim Across America Cellular Therapy Lab (SAA-CTL).
“We are humbled by the generosity of the Seattle community and are grateful for the continued support from Swim Across America,” said Dr. Marc Stewart medical director and vice president at SCCA. “The funds from these swims have helped advance novel protocols that apply the techniques of immunotherapy to cure patients with cancer and other malignant diseases.”
Adult swimmers may participate alone or form groups to honor someone who has battled cancer. Each adult swimmer is responsible for a registration fee of $75. In 2013, more than 300 swimmers and 100 volunteers raised more than $225,000 to help SCCA.
All participants and volunteers are invited to a post-swim celebration and award ceremony at the swim beach, featuring a pancake breakfast, refreshments and DJ entertainment.
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