I’m feeling happy and pleased at the recent swims in Houston, Fairfield County, New York, Charleston, Detroit and Chicago to raise funds and awareness of the efforts to end cancer.  The people I’ve met in each of these cities inspired me by their devotion to this cause.  Many were healthcare professionals going the extra mile (some literally in the water with me) by helping to organize and execute the events.  They are so determined to fight cancer that I am chastened to continue to do my part with them as my example.

The fight now moves on to Seattle where over 600 swimmers will be swimming on Lake Magnuson.  We will be working to raise funds for the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Fred Hutch, Seattle Children’s and UW Medicine.  They are engaged in research for pancreatic cancer and immunotherapy.  Our efforts will bridge funding gaps and accelerate research particularly in these two areas. 

Here’s a brief clip from one of the doctors involved in this research https://vimeo.com/488254765

This fight is both a personal one for all of us and it is a collective one.  I hate losing friends to this dreaded disease and seeing families in pain.  This effort helps me redirect that pain toward solutions and of course the ultimate goal of ending cancer.  That cannot happen without collective effort and force of will. 

If you are able, please support me by making a gift. The researchers we are funding are in our community and are the next generation of cancer pioneers. Without Swim Across America early stage funding, they are not able to conduct trials that can lead to breakthroughs that can save lives. Thank you for helping make an impact in the fight to find a cure!

Rob McLaren