Swim Across America: Fighting Cancer in Rhode Island Waters

Photo Courtesy: Antone Botelho

By Delaney Lanker, Swimming World College Intern

Five hundred swimmers made their way out of the pool and into the ocean fighting to “make waves” against cancer.

On September 12, teams from all over the northeast came together at Roger Wheeler Beach in Narragnsett, R.I. to participate in Swim Across America’s sixth annual Rhode Island Open Water Swim. Being the biggest turnout yet, the event had to be capped to 500 participants.

“I felt like the New England Swimming community and all the local colleges really embraced the essence of what we are all about,” SAA President and CEO Janel Jorgensen said. “The energy was magical, with so many different people involved. Young kids, the college community joining hands in the effort, the cancer survivors, the Olympians, people just learning to swim in the open water. It was all great to see!”

Photo Courtesy: Antone Botelho

Swim Across America is an organization that raises money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment. They focus on raising money for the local communities that host every swim.

“We work really hard to draw the direct connection between research that the local swims are supporting and all the volunteers and swimmers that are raising money,” Jorgensen said. “For us, it is incredibly important that when they are out there swimming in the open water, there is no doubt that they have made a significant difference.”

This year, SAA Rhode Island far surpassed the $150,000 goal and raised $204,297.59, which will go to Providence’s Women and Infants Hospital. The top team fundraiser was Providence College raising a total of $30,685.

“I couldn’t be more proud of what the team down there has been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time,” Jorgensen said. “Without them and their passion and energy, we’d be nowhere.”

Photo Courtesy: Antone Botelho

Northeastern University’s associate head coach Katie McCann was awarded with the Betsy Bilodeau Award for her own battle with cancer this past year. Betsy Bilodeau was a close member of both the SAA and Women’s and Infants’ familes who lost her battle to cancer this past June.

“Katie was the obvious choice for the award. With all that she has endured and all that she has given back, it made perfect sense,” Jorgensen said. “Although it was one of the hardest moments of the swim, it was really special to have Betsy Bilideau’s daughters and family at the event this year, as a part of the team– Betsy’s Flock.”

Swim Across America has been growing rapidly over the past 10 years with their inspiring message and choice to keep the money raised away from a national pot and instead going to local communities.

“We would love to have anyone with great passion and energy join our efforts,” Jorgensen said. “There are tons of ways to help; even if you don’t swim, there are volunteer activities that we always need help with. Join the committee, volunteer or just help get the word out about SAA.”

To start making your own waves to fight the battle against cancer visit www.swimacrossamerica.org to start or join a swim.

Photo Courtesy: Antone Botelho

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