June 24 marks one of the biggest days of the year in the fight to cure cancer.
Each year, Swim Across America Fairfield County (SAA-FC) holds an Open Water Swim to raise money benefitting Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT).
Through 2022, swimmers, volunteers, donors and the incredibly hard-working SAA staff have raised more than $5 million to benefit ACGT with their ongoing efforts in making waves to fight cancer!
This June 24th marks another opportunity to move us a little closer to beating cancer once and for all – the 17th Annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim. The event is at 96 Cummings Point Road in Stamford, CT. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. (eastern time) and the first swimmers hit the water at 8:05 a.m. in the beautiful Long Island Sound.
“Everyone has someone they know or love who has or is battling cancer. It’s a disease that has sadly touched too many of our friends and too many in our community. But through organizations like Swim Across America Fairfield County, we can make a difference and raise funds that go toward life-saving treatments that can change the outcomes of this disease.” — Nancy Carr, co-chair of Swim Across America Fairfield County
There are three distance options for the open water swim: 0.5 miles; 1.5 miles; and 3 miles. There is a minimum fundraising requirement of $500 for swimmers ages 18 and older. Swimmers younger than 18 have a minimum fundraising level of $300.
Swimmers can participate as individuals, start a team or join a team that has already registered. Individuals can also participate virtually in SAA My Way by doing their own activity on their own timeline, helping to contribute to SAA’s goal.
“Our goal this year, as it has been in the last few years, is to raise $500,000,” Nancy said. “It’s a big number, but the last couple years were tough and we have a lot of ground to make up. Cancer did not stop because there was a pandemic.”
Swim Across America Fairfield County has already raised more than $71,000, as of May 23, toward this year’s event. Some of the top fundraising teams so far are: Team Julian; Team Colligan; and Team Tyler,. All three have raised more than $10,000 as of May 23, 2023. There are also individuals who have eclipsed $3,000 in fundraising so far!
Even if you can’t swim, there are other ways to support SAA-FC and ACGT. You can donate to a swimmer, team, or the event in general on the event website. The Swim also needs volunteers to help run the Open Water Swim. You can be a land volunteer, boater, kayaker or stand-up paddleboarder. These volunteers help make the event safe and fun for participants.
“What began as a singular summer event has turned into a year-long roster that is supported by a community getting together to fight a really serious disease with such fun and such joy. It is something you really have to experience to feel.” — Nancy Carr, co-chair of Swim Across America Fairfield County
Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy is enormously grateful to Swim Across America for its extraordinary efforts to raise money to fund our mission to cure cancer through cell and gene therapy.
We cannot wait to see you on June 24th. Register today and Let’s Make Waves to Fight Cancer!
