On August 10th I will be participating in my 16th Boston Swim Across America Swim. We will once again swim in Pleasure Bay, an outlet of the Boston Harbor. Since 1987, Swim Across America has granted nearly $100 million to 55 cancer research projects at 27 beneficiary hospitals and has been a major funder in the advancement of immunotherapy, personalized medicine, gene sequencing, detection and patient programs such as adolescence and youth survivorship. 100% of the SAA grant must be applied to the approved clinical trial or research project and not other things such as overhead and buildings. Our swims do matter!

As most of you know by now, I started this swim in 2009 because my grandmother died in 2000 from renal cancer and two years  later my Godfather/ Uncle Bob passed away from esophageal cancer. In 2008, I lost two very special people, my friend Jeff Dropo and my best friends mother who was like a second mom, Mrs. Worth. I never imagined how many people I knew would be stricken by the nasty “C” after taking that initial plunge into the Harbor including  the two most important people in my life- my parents. My Dad was diagnosed with melanoma in January 2021 and my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and I am happy to say both are now cancer free.

Despite all the hard work by great researchers and medical professionals,  an estimated 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. I will continue to swim for all those battling cancer until a cure is found! My true wish is to someday soon be able to do this swim and not have to dedicate it to someone in the battle, rather dedicate  it  only to everyone that has beat it! This year I will dedicate my swim to my boyfriends father Roger M and a childhood friend who have both completed treatments for their second battle with cancer, for my colleague Naseem who is undergoing treatment now and for Ernie, the wonderful partner for a dear friend/ mentor who survived the big C many times and now she is supporting Ernie during his fight.  I will continue to swim for those that have lost the battle to this terrible disease: my Mamere, Uncle Bob, Dave Welch, Stacey Bower, Nancy Krasnow, Milena De Melo Jorge, Micki Harris, Ed Colbert, Jeff Dropo, Rick Starkweather, Mrs. Worth, Mr. Vehlow, Mr G, Mr. Smith, Mr. Gallo, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Cliff H, Mr. Humphries, Bonnie B, Jerri Hamiton.,  and Jeff Houston.  I will  also swim for all those that are currently undergoing treatment and those that have survived the big C:  Susan K, Mary Alice M, Jim, Dean R, Celine C, Paula H, Erin P, Mr. B,  Tammy S, Kitty, Rick O, Aunt Sandy, Aunt Gerry, Laura S, Gerriann S, Kathy G, Joel F, Kelly A, John M, Marilyn F, Kristin M, Michael M,  Amy V, Joyce L, Barbara M, Jan D, Richie and Linda M, Gail H, Craig F, Maria P, Bob C, Cathy B, Ann B, Margie K, Ellen W, Jack W, Amy V, Chuck C, and of course my mom and dad.

If you are able, please support me by making a donation. Each donation supports Swim Across America to raise funds for cancer researchers at MGH for Child Cancer Center and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. 

Thank you for your continuous support!

Much love,

Michele
Beating cancer, one stroke at a time