Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Supporters,

 It has been a while, and  I hope this email finds you well.  Last year I participated in the virtual event logging activities such as walking and biking while waiting for the pools to reopen.  I did not feel right asking to support a swim with no swim.  This year I will swim in Chicago, so I’m back and asking for your support!  I’m a big fan of Swim Across America  - this will be the sixth time I participate in the Chicago event! Please consider donating as your generosity will help seek a cure for cancer. 

Why do I swim?  I swim because our family has been affected by cancer.  Many of you know the stories, but numerous friends and family have battled cancer, and most have lost their battle.  I saw them fight; it was heartbreaking.  I want to do something, so I swim to raise money to find a cure. Please donate today!

Why Swim Across America (SAA)?  While many of us have a favorite organization, I support Swim Across America as I am impressed with their work.  They host swims across the country by partnering with swimmers and institutions.  The recipients of the grant money attend the event. There is mutual respect among the researchers and the fundraisers/swimmers. SAA continually reports on who received the research grants and updates on their research.

You might remember the story of Dr. Luis A. Diaz, MD, a junior faculty member, in 2009 at the John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. He received an SAA grant when no one else would support his research idea for an immunotherapy treatment that is now FDA approved and saving lives.  Dr. Diaz received numerous rejections for funding a clinical trial using Keytruda until Swim Across America backed his research.  This is just one example of researchers benefiting from funding from SAA. YOU MAKE THAT HAPPEN!  Your donation will make a difference.

What am I doing for your donation?  I will be attending the main event in Chicago on Saturday, August 21, 2021, where I plan to swim the longest distance they have, which will be 2 miles in Lake Michigan. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate

If you’ve read this far, thank you for allowing me to share my experience and reflections.  But to be blunt, I need your help!  Let’s find the cure!  Please donate today!

Thank you,

Peter

You can make a credit card donation here, or send a check to Swim Across America - Chicago, 47 Polk Street, Suite 100-561, Chicago, IL 60605.

Check should be made out to Swim Across America but please include a note mentioning my name as the swimmer you are supporting!