Founded in 1987, Swim Across America hosts charity swims to raise money for innovative cancer research. Since then, Swim Across America has raised over $100M to fund the next generation of pioneers in oncology and cancer-support care. Gina Mannix Wente was one of my dearest childhood friends and I am swimming this year in her memory. Gina and I first met on the swim team during the first week of our freshman year of high school and we were close and fast friends and swimming was something we always shared. Gina and her family have participated with Swim Across America for years and will continue the tradition this year with Team Gina to honor her legacy as she lost her short but rigorously fought battle to breast cancer on February 26, 2024. My incredible father, a prostate cancer survivor, was diagnosed with lung cancer in late 2023. He unfortunately lost his battle on May 19, 2024 so I also swim to honor him and the strength he put forth fighting this disease. I believe in Swim Across Americas mission and want to help give more families hope. If you are able, please support me by making a donation. Thank you so much!#MakeWavesToFightCancer.