My name is Prasanthi Oruganti and I am a software engineer for Salesforce living in Seattle with my husband Keshav and 2 kids.  In December 2021, I was diagnosed with triple negative stage 2 breast cancer and our lives have changed completely after that diagnosis.In addition to a very aggressive chemotherapy treatment, I underwent immunotherapy, multiple surgeries and radiation.  I still have 8 more months of oral chemotherapy.I am really thankful to my doctors at Fred Hutch Cancer Center.  I am thankful to all the research and clinical trials that are going on for cancer treatments but still there is so much more to do to make headway against cancer. I went through several sessions of immunotherapy (KEYTRUDA) and didn't have many side effects as compared to chemotherapy and radiation. Swim Across America's funding early stage grants have played a major role in clinically developing KEYTRUDA. I am hoping that this immunotherapy brings down my risk drastically as studies have shown. In 2013 my Mom passed away with ovarian cancer when she was 53 years old. She persevered multiple chemotherapy sessions and surgeries but finally succumbed to cancer. I only wish there was immunotherapy and other advanced treatments available at that time so that she had a better chance. But better late than never I am hoping to see lot more research going into fighting cancer so that it could help thousands of people like me worldwide. Together let's fight this.

Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has hosted charity swims with one goal: to raise money for innovative cancer research that would lead to breakthrough treatments and therapies. Since then, Swim Across America has raised over $100M to fund the next generation of pioneers in oncology and cancer-support care. 

I joined Swim Across America because I believe in their mission and want to help give more families hope. If you are able, please support me by making a donation to help me reach my fundraising goal. 

Thank you for helping me #MakeWavesToFightCancer.