TEAM PAYNE for the LI Swim Across America was ‘founded’ in 2004.  

For those of you who know our family, you know the incredible story of my mom, Jane Payne. At the age of 46, Jane was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and given a short life expectancy. Against all odds, Jane fought and lived another 30 years. She lived long enough to watch her 7 children become adults and have kids of their own, and even long enough to meet all 16 of her grandchildren. In 2004, a year before her passing, Team Payne was founded in her honor.  Richard Payne, also a cancer survivor, passed away in 2016. For the last 18 years our family has kept Team Payne running in their memory.

SAA has always held a special place in our hearts. I started swimming in this event back in the late 90's for a dear friend whose father died from cancer.  My family joined 19 years ago in honor of Jane, and each passing year we swim and fundraise in honor of a growing list of survivors and fighters. What began as a small family team fundraising through bake sales at Richard and Jane's house, has grown into a team hosting fundraising events at the local bar. In 2021, Team Payne raised almost $50,000 and this year our goal is to beat that amount. Our devotion to the cause has grown immensely over the years and we will continue to fight to find a cure.

This year, we will all be swimming with a heavy heart with the recent loss of our dear brother Brian Payne who lost his fight against cancer in November of 2022..  During his two year battle with cancer Brian was a pillar of strength and positivity.  He never once complained and was always interested in what was happening in your life.  Brian was member of the Larchmont Fire Department from 1989 to 2007.  He served as Fire Chief for Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department from 2007 to 2022.  Brian was a first responder to the 9/11 attack in NYC.  We will swim also in memory of our dear cousin Lindsey Payne who passed away in 2022 from cancer. She was such an incredibly special cousin - so loving, kind, talented, with a wicked sense of humor.  

In our lifetime, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer. I joined the Swim Across America community so that, together, we can change that.  

If you are able, please support me by making a gift.  Any donation would be greatly appreciated.  The researchers we are funding are in our community and are the next generation of cancer pioneers. Without Swim Across America early stage funding, they are not able to conduct trials that can lead to breakthroughs that can save lives. Thank you for helping make an impact in the fight to find a cure!