Swim Across America is proud to celebrate our past while looking toward the future. We hope for a day that our participation and fundraising will not be needed, but until that day, we strive to introduce new generations of swimmers and young investigators to join us and 'make waves to fight cancer.'

The Future of Swim Across America

Every September in Narrangansett, Rhode Island, over a dozen college teams unite to support one cause. This next generation of participants in Rhode Island and youth participants across the country are ready to take the baton as the next leaders in the fight against cancer and honor the legacy that started in 1987.

“Our Rhode Island Swim is unique with so many college participants involved. We hope that once they graduate and relocate, they stay involved with SAA no matter where their future takes them.” - Coach John O'Neill, Providence College

The Future of the Research Model

More than 14 million Americans are living with cancer. An estimated 1.8 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year. For three decades, Swim Across America has played a meaningful role in funding the next generation of oncologists who have developed new cures and detection in the fight against cancer.

Swim Across America helps fill the funding void by providing grants so doctors can conduct clinical trials and research that can lead to breakthroughs in detection and treatment. When this funding leads to larger grants with organizations like the NCI or NIH, it’s a win not only for future patients but for all Swim Across America participants, donors and beneficiary partners.

“There is HOPE” that’s what every patient should hear after the words “you have cancer…” - Rob Butcher, Swim Across America CEO

"We are in the area of high-risk, high-reward research. What do the next steps look like and who is going to invest in that?" - Dr. Jedd Wolchok, Memorial Sloan Kettering

"Being at the base of the world's highest spot symbolizes the unfinished teamwork which remains, and the searing pain and arduous climb ahead - even though the summit is in sight!" - Gary Lehman, Team Heal the World