DALLAS, April 9, 2013 – Swim Across America (SAA), a national non-profit organization dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through nationwide swimming-related events, will host its third annual SAA – Dallas Open Water swim event on Saturday, June 8, 2013, at The Harbor at Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall, Texas to raise money for the Innovative Clinical Trials Center at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas. This is the largest outpatient cancer center in North Texas dedicated to cancer care, research, and education. SAA – Dallas participants will swim knowing that the money they have raised is staying local, and will make a tangible impact in their city.
In 2011, SAA – Dallas organizers pledged to raise $1 million in four years for Baylor Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas. The event, which has raised $600,000 in two years is well on its way to fulfilling that pledge. Once SAA – Dallas raises $1 million, the Baylor Sammons Cancer Center will name the Innovative Clinical Trials Center for Swim Across America.
Jeanne Cunningham, former U.S. National Team swimmer
“This year we set a fundraising goal of $300,000 that if achieved, will put us near our $1 million goal for the Innovative Clinical Trials Center at the Baylor Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas,” said Jeanne Cunningham, a former swimmer on the U.S. National Team and one of three co-chairs for the Swim Across America – Dallas event. “I have high hopes for what 2013 has to offer. We have a wonderful group of former Olympians and volunteers joining us in this year’s swim, and we aim for this year to be our most successful event to date.”
“We are always thrilled to work with Swim Across America and are so grateful for their commitment to raise funds desperately needed for our research facility,” said Dr. Alan Miller, medical director, Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas and chief of oncology, Baylor Health Care System, and a swimmer in the event. “These event funds go directly to the Innovative Clinical Trials Center, where researchers are continuously getting closer to finding a cure for a broad range of cancers.”
Swimmers must raise a minimum of $500 in order to participate in the ½-mile, 1-mile or 2-mile course at Lake Ray Hubbard. They may swim individually, or as part of a team, to honor friends and family that have been affected by cancer. A new program will also be offered this year to participants who pledge to raise a minimum of $1,000 for SAA. These “Wavemakers” will receive additional prizes and recognition at the event.
To learn more about how the Swim Across America – Dallas is “making waves to fight cancer,” please visit WWW.SWIMACROSSAMERICA.ORG/DALLAS.
Swim Across America, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming- related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, SAA is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service.
This is an unedited press release.