On Saturday, July 27th, I will be swimming the 2K in the Long Island Sound as a part of Swim Across America alongside my family in loving member of my Uncle Brian who we lost on November 12th 2022, after his 2 year battle with cancer. For those of you who were lucky enough to have met my uncle, know how kind, compassionate, witty, and family-oriented he was. May his legacy live on in our hearts and empower our fight to find a cure. We swim in tribute to all those who have lost a parent, child, spouse, sibling, uncle, or friend to cancer.

We swim in honor of all Payne family members who have lost their battle to cancer, including my grandparents, Jane and Richard Payne, as well as Lindsey Payne who lost her battle in February of 2022.

At the age of 46, Jane was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and given a short term life expectancy. She fought and she lived for another 30 years; long enough to watch her 7 children become adults, and long enough to meet all 16 of her grandchildren. A year before her passing, Team Payne was founded by Jane’s daughter Tara. Richard Payne, also a cancer survivor passed away in 2016. For the last 18 years our family has kept the team running in their memory.

Thank you everyone who has reached out and supported my family.

 If you are able, please support me by making a gift. The researchers we are funding are in our community and are the next generation of cancer pioneers. without Swim Across America early state funding, they are not able to conduct trails that can lead to breakthroughs that can save lives.

Thank you for helping make an impact in the fight to find a cure!!!!