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TIME GIVEN

Over the past decade, there has been a wave of advancements in cancer detection and cures, such as immunotherapy. These new promises have given hope and the precious gift of time to those battling cancer.

But for the cures to occur, there needs to be funding. And it’s not an exaggeration to say that Matt Vossler’s vision for Swim Across America to fund cancer research has directly saved lives. More than simply saving lives, our world has been made better because of the new treatments to fight cancer. These new treatments aren’t limited by age, gender, ethnicity, geography or even cancer type.

Because of research, children surviving cancer are graduating from school. Because of research, parents surviving cancer are walking their sons and daughters down the aisle. Because of research, grandparents surviving cancer are cherishing more holidays with their families.

 

STORIES OF TIME GIVEN THANKS TO SAA'S IMPACT

  • SAA Aflac Lead Image

    MARK WINNE
    SAA - ATLANTA
    "There’s no mathematically plausible explanation for Kate’s wondrous story of surviving and thriving in the midst of 12 occurrences of colon cancer besides a true power-of-prayer miracle. And Swim Across America, which funded a groundbreaking immunotherapy trial which saved her life when we were out of conventional medical options, has been an instrument in the Hand of God. Truly. And the SAA community has embraced and uplifted us many times, adding to a debt I can never repay."

  • SAA MassGeneral and Dana Farber Lead Image

    RICK OSTERBERG & JESSICA STOKES
    SAA - BOSTON
    Rick and Jessica began participating in Swim Across America—Boston in 2009. In 2018, Rick was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. After a very difficult year of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, Rick and Jessica celebrated Rick’s clean scans. Unfortunately, in 2020, Rick’s cancer returned. Two weeks prior to discovering the recurrence, an immunotherapy treatment was approved to treat his type of colon cancer. Rick qualified for this more targeted treatment, and it would allow him to have a better quality of life. Nearly a year and a half after starting immunotherapy, Rick’s scans continue to be very encouraging, and he experiences no side effects. Swim Across America grant funding has played a significant role in the FDA approval of several immunotherapy treatments, including the one Rick is receiving.

  • SAA Siteman Lead Image

    WALTER DENTON
    SAA - ST. LOUIS
    "I first became involved with SAA in Dallas in 2011 following my father’s death from leukemia. At the time, my wife and I thought it would be a great idea to have an event in our hometown of St. Louis. In 2013 I was diagnosed with sarcoma which brought even greater urgency to our idea. Since my diagnosis, I have undergone three surgeries, chemotherapy (three different times), radiation, cryoablation, a stem cell transplant, and a sarcoma recurrence while also battling multiple infections and spending more than 100 days in the hospital. Ironically, the treatment for my recurrence was Keytruda, the same immunotherapy drug that was funded by SAA. Thanks to SAA and the committed doctors at the Siteman Cancer Center, my disease is currently stable and I am enjoying life’s blessings each day. I am grateful for what Swim Across America has done, is doing, and will do through the generous donations of cancer fighters everywhere."

Swim Across America is celebrating 35 years of impact in 2022. SAA has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.