3 weeks ago my mom, Melissa, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome or pre-leukemia severely lowering her platelet and white blood cell count. 

She received a double lung transplant at the peak of Covid in 2020 and has had to take many drugs to fight off rejection. Unfortunately, the drugs that are keeping her alive, are also the same drugs that progressed this rare form of cancer. She has started her chemo treatment and per her daily motto "is taking everything one breath at a time"

With your help we can fight off cancer "one donation at a time". Anything we can do to increase research and fight off this terrible disease is worth doing.

I chose the team name Smokey Bear because fun fact - my mom used to work for the forest service and has a collection of well over 2000 Smokey Bear items and trinkets. She even has him tattooed on her ankle. 

While we swim for Melissa, we also swim for everyone who has been, is currently, or will fight cancer in their lives. We honor the memories of those we have lost, and fight alongside those currently going through their battle. 

Thank you for helping us #MakeWavesToFightCancer.

You can make a credit card donation by clicking on one of the members of our team below, or send a check to:

Swim Across America, 8508 Park Rd. #389, Charlotte, NC 28210

Checks should be made out to Swim Across America but please include a note mentioning our team or the swimmer you are supporting!