Access to care is a big obstacle in the fight against cancer and Swim Across America has been a significant supporter of this cause in some of our communities. These stories help share the scope of how Swim Across America makes an impact in patient care.

Nantucket

Prior to the return of Swim Across America to Nantucket in 2012, cancer patients on Nantucket could face tough travel conditions on top of health concerns to get the care needed. Since then, SAA-Nantucket has been a driving force behind the oncology and palliative care services which are now available at the Nantucket Cottage Hospital. A new infusion center, the Erwin and Stephanie Greenberg Swim Across America Infusion Center, opened in 2019. World-class cancer care is provided by Massachusetts General Hospital oncologists at the Cottage Hospital and residents can get infusion and chemotherapy without leaving the island.

“As a result of the event, patients now receive treatments and see world-class oncologists on-island at the Swim Across America Infusion Center, instead of having to travel to the mainland for these services. It has been a game-changer for those facing cancer on Nantucket.” - Jill Roethke, SAA-Nantucket

Cancer Support Team (SAA - Long Island Sound)

Swim Across America - Long Island Sound has been a long-time supporter of Cancer Support Team. As the only non-profit home care program licensed by the NYS Department of Health that is solely cancer focused, it is Cancer Support Teams’s unique mission to provide no-cost services without regard to insurance coverage to people with cancer and their families. Because of Swim Across America’s generosity, CST patients receive visits from registered nurses who advise them about symptom control and pain management; they benefit from sessions with the social worker who guides them through the difficult emotions associated with cancer; they find relief from financial worries due to the intervention of case managers; they are transported to chemotherapy and radiation appointments by our volunteer drivers. Since we must raise every dollar every year to cover the cost of this care, Swim Across America’s on-going support is vital for the continuation and enhancement of our services.

"I can't tell you how many people I know that have used Cancer Support Team and couldn't have gotten through without them" - Tony Sibio, SAA-Long Island Sound

Swim Across America is celebrating 35 years of impact in 2022. SAA has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.