I am ready and excited for my 13th year of Swim Across America.

I always want to make a bigger difference and find ways to raise more money for cancer research... so that's what I did. One of the factors of my decision to go to school in Tennessee was the opportunity to bring Swim Across America to Tennessee. Again this year, I helped to organize the Nashville event at Ensworth Natatorium.

I have been participating in Swim Across America since I was 8 years old at the Baltimore Pool Event. Three years later I transitioned to the Baltimore Open Water event, where I swam 3 miles most years. In 2021, due to my transition into college at UT and knee surgery, I could not make it back to Baltimore, so I swam a mile at the Charlotte Open Water event. I am excited to once again be a part of the Nashville swim.

In 12 years, I am honored to have raised over $157,000, all thanks to your support, $140,000 of which benefitting Johns Hopkins -- where my brother was treated. For 9 of my 10 years in Baltimore I won the Alec Cosgarea award for being the highest fundraiser under the age of 18. For the past two years, I was honored to pass down the tradition to my brother JD. I can't wait to see what year 13 brings. No matter where I swim, the money will still be going to the hospital and helping those fighting for their lives. This year, my swim is benefitting another one of the worlds best hospitals for cancer research. I am asking for your continued support in raising money to fund groundbreaking cancer research and clinical trials. Whether you swim, donate, or volunteer, you are helping to make a difference and save the lives of current and future cancer patients. 

Everyone is touched by cancer in one way or another, personally I have been touched in many ways. My main inspiration for swimming is my brother Michael, who passed away from mixed lineage leukemia when he was nine months old. I was 2 when he was born and 3 when he was diagnosed and died. I don’t remember every second but I do remember loving every minute with him, and his face lighting up whenever I walked into his room. To me, this event is not just about raising money to find a cure, it’s to honor and remember those who fought their battle and prevent other parents, siblings, and families from going through the loss of a loved one. I swim to honor Dr. Robert Arceci or “Dr. Bob” who was Michael’s smart, kind, and loving pediatric oncologist, I swim in memory of my great-aunt Alison who died Christmas Day in 2014 after a 7 year fight with lung cancer, and for my uncle Michael, my mom’s brother, who lost his fight to glioblastoma before I was born. I swim for my great-uncle Pat, who recently finished chemo and radiation for head and neck cancer. I swim for my former teammate, Garrett Brown. Garrett swam with us on RAC until he began his chemo treatment. Garrett is battling osteosarcoma and lung cancer, fighting like a warrior, with the best attitude too. Garrett has beaten cancer once, and unfortunately is now fighting again. His strength and determination to win this fight and keep fighting is truly inspiring. You can follow his journey here. 

You could say I’ve been touched by cancer a few times, and you’d be right. That’s why I want to do everything I can so other families won’t go through what my family and I have gone through.