Swim Across America hosts charity swims that fund cancer research across the country. The clinical trial it funds saved this woman’s life.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte nonprofit is leading the way when it comes to funding rare cancer studies. Swim Across America is headquartered in Charlotte but helping save lives across the country.
The CEO of Swim Across America Rob Butcher said he’s getting more calls than ever before — often from oncologists themselves — asking for funding for research proven to change the face of cancer treatments.
Cancer survivor Maureen Sidaris is amazed by it.
“It’s amazing, it’s like science fiction,” Sidaris said. “We’re looking into the future.”
After participating in a clinical trial Swim Across America helped make happen, Sidaris’ tumor disappeared.
“The tumor was completely gone,” Sidaris said. “Started in October, and by January, no more tumor. It was like magic, unbelievable.”
The 71-year-old was diagnosed with a rare stomach and esophageal cancer in 2022. Her prognosis wasn’t good and her initial treatment plan wasn’t either.
“The prognosis was I would have to go through surgery, chemo and radiation,” Sidaris said. “It would have been a long journey.”
Instead, her doctor found a clinical trial that meant only nine immunotherapy infusions.
After six months, she was declared cancer-free.
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Dr. Michael Foote is an oncologist at Memorial Sloane Kettering, where Sidaris was treated.Â
Foote is part of a team of doctors leading the clinical trial — it was paid for in part by Swim Across America.
The Charlotte-based nonprofit hosts charity swims that fund cancer research and patient programs.
“When the oncologist said let’s try this, but who’s going to fund it and do high risk high reward — give us the 2 million in grant funding?” Butcher said. “We put our hands in the air and said we will do that.”
He says the nonprofit has raised more than $100 million dollars since it was founded in 1987.Â
Swim Across America typically gives away $10 million annually. It helped pay for the trial Maureen and her doctors say saved her life.
“The government doesn’t always like to fund rare cancer research, and by applying for philanthropic support through foundations like Swim Across America, we can fund small studies that others don’t want to fund,” Butcher said.
Butcher says what Swim Across America is doing is more important now than ever before.Â
“The federal funding situation is very challenging a lot of people are very worried and without that funding and the uncertainty, having support form Swim across America is crucial,” Butcher said. “This year I’ve got more calls from oncologists. We’re funding 250 oncologists throughout the country.”
People like Maureen make the work worth it, Butcher says.
“She’s a grandparent, she can hold her grandchild for the first time,” Butcher said. “That’s so meaningful and for us to be headquartered in Charlotte but our impact is not just in Charlotte community our impact is worldwide.”
More than 150 Olympic swimmers, including Michael Phelps, work with Swim Across America. They’re hosting a Charlotte swim this fall.Â
To get involved with the Charlotte fundraiser, visit Swim Across America.
Contact Michelle Boudin at mboudin@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.Â
