Crum Makes Waves In Fight Against Cancer

Danvers resident Jeff Crum started swimming competitively the summer he turned 11 and "was immediately hooked by the sport." Now, an engineer, but still an avid swimmer, Crum is participating in Swim Across America, to make waves in the fight against cancer.

Todays's event marks the 17th annual Boston Harbor 22-mile relay swim, and Crum's third straight year participating. 

Crum swam throughout high school, as well as his four years at Amherst College. It was after he took a 15-month swimming hiatus post graduation that he learned more about the Swim Across America program from a college teammate.

"This event means a great deal to me," he said. "I've lost a grandfather and two aunts to cancer, so anything I can do to help raise money to fight this disease feels like the least I can do in their honor." 

In order to participate in the event, swimmers must pledge a minimum of $1,500. "I've participated in other fundraisers in the past, but none with this kind of minimum fundraising requirement," Crum said. "Its become my primary focus for each calendar year now."

Swimming alongside Crum include Olympians Craig Beardsley, Carlton Brunner and Brooke Bennett. 

"The swims are a great way for people to come together and participate in a sport they love alongside Olympic swimming legends while raising critical funds for the David. B. Perini Jr., Quality of Life Clinic at Dana-Farber,” said 1988 Olympic Silver Medalist Janel Jorgensen, who is also the executive director of the organization, in a press release. 

After college Crum spent four years in the Air Force and later lived in Colorado Springs working for an engineering firm. Crum relocated with his family to Danvers in 2003, and has two children in the Danvers Public Schools. Crum is still with the same firm, working with a team on the next generation of GPS satellites for the Air Force.

Visit Crum's website for more information about the event and fundraising efforts.