In our lifetime, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer. I joined the Swim Across America community so that, together, we can change that. 

Last year, I swam in hopes of friend Rodger beating his metastatic  cancer.  Sadly, I am swimming in memory of him this year and in support of his wife, Lane, herself a breast cancer survivor.  

 Please join me in support of all those in your life who are or have been afflicted with cancers.  My list has grown over the years with many, like my friend Ed who has beat lymphoma and is re-gaining his former strength and Sue, Amy, Ruth, Marilyn and Lane who have beat breast cancer.  If you are reading this, someone special in your life, or you yourself has been touched by this disease.    

                               Why I Swim Across America

A partner physician suddenly succumbing to Mantle Cell Lymphoma, the failure to diagnose cancer in time to save lives of beloved patients, the sorrow and suffering, the fear and bewilderment, the courage to fight and the courage to stop fighting, and the roller coaster of emotions are just some of the reasons I swim.  Swim Across America allows me to do something when I am impotent to do enough.  We fund the cell lab that allows scientists to make life saving breakthroughs in the fight against cancer.  This open water swim feels short when each stroke is a prayer, a memory, a meditation, and a celebration of love for friends, family and patients affected by this disease.  When I am tired of fighting the waves, I think of Noah who endured countless brain surgeries for childhood cancer.  Then rolling with the waves the grief washes away remembering his spirit and joy as he flew down the racetrack with a real racecar driver from the Make A Wish Foundation.

If you are able, please support me by making a gift. The researchers we  fund 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.

MANY THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY, MYSELF AND SWIM ACROSS AMERICA IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER!

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Kintner