Swim Across America LI Sound Raises Record $1.82M To Help Save Lives

LARCHMONT, NY — One of the region's most effective and captivating fundraising organizations is celebrating the most successful summer on record.

This summer’s Swim Across America Long Island Sound open-water and seven pool events have once again made a huge splash by raising a record $1.825 million for local cancer research, prevention and treatment. This year's impressive efforts pushed the chapter past the $25 million milestone in total donations raised since its inception in 1992.

"For 31 years, dedicated swimmers of all ages have been taking the plunge to raise money to beat cancer, and they have shown their unwavering commitment to our cause by once again breaking our fundraising record," Event Director Jean Fufidio said. "We are incredibly grateful to all our swimmers, kayakers, and volunteers, who continue to make even greater waves to fight cancer. Every person involved in our swims can be proud of the fact that they are playing an important role in the fight against cancer."

Proceeds from the swims support the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Columbia University Cancer Center, the Weill Cornell Medical Center and patient services with the Cancer Support Team.

Running a clinical trial can easily cost millions of dollars. Early-stage sponsors such as Swim Across America are necessary to fund the costs, according to the organization. Swim Across America's grant for a recent headline-making clinical trial helped directly fund the science and speed the sharing of information.

Swim Across America's grant agreements with beneficiaries such as MSK require that 100 percent of the grants be spent on approved research and clinical trial programs. Over 35 years, Swim Across America has made a point to grant nearly $100 million specifically to innovative and otherwise unfunded ideas so that scientists can develop new treatments.

Swim Across America has previously funded early-stage clinical development of FDA-approved immunotherapy treatments, including ipilimumab (YERVOY), nivolumab (OPDIVO), pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA) and atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ).

Although the swim season is officially over for 2023, donations are always welcome and can be sent to SAA-Long Island Sound, P.O. Box 217, Larchmont, NY 10538.

"Cancer touches far too many individuals and families each year," Fufidio said. "Our Swim Across America Long Island Sound chapter is making a significant difference through our annual swim events and affecting real change. Together we are funding essential cancer research, offering support and hope to cancer patients, and saving lives."

About Swim Across America

Swim Across America, Inc. was founded in 1987 and has raised over $100 million for cancer research and prevention programs at the country’s finest hospitals and managed-care facilities. Since Swim Across America’s inception, it has grown from having a single event in Nantucket, MA, to 22 open water benefit swims across the country.

The Long Island Sound chapter was started in 1992 and has grown to be the largest in the organization, having raised over $25 million since its inception. For more information about Swim Across America Long Island Chapter, call 914-769-8411 or visit their website.

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