Swim Across America

We have grant agreements with all our beneficiaries that ensures all funds are directed towards doctors or personnel essential to an approved cancer project. Zero percent of our grants are used for buildings or administrative costs. How will you Make Waves in 2025? Visit https://lnkd.in/g4x45U68. #WhyIVolunteer #communityimpact #WhyWeMakeWaves #makeanimpact #pediatriccancerresearch #collegecup #CancerResearch #swimacrossamerica #makingwavestofightcancer #poolswims #MakeWaves #openwaterswimming #WhyISwim

Thanks to Swim Across America, two of our researchers will continue investigating novel therapies against cancer. Jezabel Rodriguez Blanco, Ph.D., who studies medulloblastoma relapse, and Leonardo Ferreira, Ph.D., who is investigating how to use Tregs in solid tumors, were each funded this year. Since 2017, the Charleston-Kiawah chapter has raised more than $500,000 for cancer research! Read on for details of Dr. Blanco and Dr. Ferreira's projects, and we'll see you at?Kiawah Island Golf Resort on June 7! Dr. Blanco's project Most therapies for children with medulloblastoma (MB) are designed to target the primary tumor, based on the?assumption that metastatic lesions are governed by similar signaling mechanisms. However, the significant?difference in survival rates between children with localized disease (80%) and those with metastases (35-59%) suggests that drugs targeting primary tumors may be less effective against metastatic disease. Our recent studies?showed that Minnelide, a compound that targets the well-known MB driver MYC, is less effective in controlling?metastatic growth. Given its limited efficacy, we hypothesize that metastatic lesions in MYC-driven MB are?regulated by signaling mechanisms distinct from those of the primary tumor. Our preliminary studies have?identified a small subset of genes as potential metastasis drivers. This project aims to validate these candidates?and evaluate the effectiveness of drugs targeting them using advanced in vitro and in vivo models that closely?mimic the metastatic MB environment. Additionally, we will assess whether these candidate compounds can?enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, including Minnelide, against the primary tumor. Importantly, the results?from these drug combination studies will help guide future clinical trials for children with disseminated MB,?potentially improving treatment outcomes for this high-risk population. Dr. Ferreira's project Our research aims to convert one of cancer’s best friends into its worst enemy. Chimeric?antigen receptors (CARs) are designer molecules that redirect T cells, immune cells that?patrol our body and eliminate unwanted cells, towards cancer cells to destroy them. CAR?T cell therapy has been remarkably effective for blood cancers. Yet solid tumors, the?deadliest and most frequent type of cancer, remain refractory to CAR T cells. The hostile?microenvironment of solid tumors is either impenetrable to CAR T cells or, if CAR T cells?do enter, they become dysfunctional. However, there is a subset of immune cells that?accumulate and thrive in solid tumors: regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs suppress immune?responses, helping solid tumors evade the immune system. We discovered that tightly?binding CAR Tregs engineered to recognize tumor cells kill them in the Petri dish and have?the potential to eradicate solid tumors in the body. With the support of Swim Across?America, we are engineering Tregs into stealth bombers for solid tumors.

“I was very humbled to receive the 40 Under 40 in Cancer Award and to be named alongside other recipients doing such big things in oncology. Every day I feel blessed to work in this extraordinary field, helping oncology patients on their cancer journeys. As the Associate Director of Marketing for the Oncology Nurse Education Team at AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, my primary role is developing and executing the oncology nurse education team strategy. Our goal is to provide nursing education to ensure the safe and effective use of our products, so patients receive maximum benefits from therapy. There is nothing sadder than a patient encountering adverse events that preclude them from completing treatment. My team focuses on improving patient outcomes by educating nurses on best practices in adverse event management. Working as a front desk receptionist in an oncology clinic after college completely changed my life trajectory. I was originally poised to attend grad school to develop drought-resistant crops, but hearing patient stories, watching their struggles, and seeing their resiliency inspired me to go to nursing school. Along the way, I was fortunate to have amazing mentors who taught me about clinical trials, treated me as a partner, believed in me, and encouraged me to be bold and confident. Attending the 40 Under 40 Award ceremony was especially exciting as it was held in my hometown of Chicago, and I was able to bring my parents. My parents don’t always understand what I do or why I work so much. The award ceremony allowed them a glimpse into that world. They were so proud of me. We got to dress up, take lots of photos, and share an extremely joyous occasion together. That will always be a top life memory for me.” Iqra Mehwish Ahmad, RN Associate Director, Marketing Oncology Nurse Education Team AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals 2024 40 Under 40 in Cancer Award Winner ? #40under40inCancer #CancerResearch #CancerTreatment #CancerCare #EmergingLeaders #HealthcareLeaders #CancerPolicy #CancerAdvocacy

Our unique peer-review program within our beneficiaries allows us to identify the most promising and unfunded projects. This means our grants can be awarded with speed and efficiency, and little bureaucracy. How will you Make Waves in 2025? Visit https://lnkd.in/g4x45U68. #swimacrossamerica #makingwavestofightcancer #poolswims #MakeWaves #CancerResearch #collegecup #collegeambassadors #pediatriccancerresearch #openwaterswimming #WhyISwim #WhyIVolunteer #WhyWeMakeWaves #communityimpact

Thanks to you - our generous community of donors, participants, and supporters - we continue to raise record-breaking funds year over year. How will you Make Waves in 2025? Visit https://lnkd.in/g4x45U68. #WhyWeMakeWaves #swimacrossamerica #makingwavestofightcancer #CancerResearch #cancersurvivor #collegeswimteams #collegecup #pediatriccancerresearch #poolswims #MakeWaves #openwaterswimming #WhyISwim #communityimpact #nonprofit #highschoolswimming

Dr. Andrea Cercek, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a Swim Across America Fellow, was on the Today Show this week to discuss the rise of early onset colorectal cancer and the importance of early detection and regular screenings. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/eszsaJf7 #CancerResearch #swimacrossamerica #makingwavestofightcancer #MakeWaves #WhyISwim #WhyIVolunteer

Calling all rising stars and emerging leaders in the field of oncology! Nominate a rockstar by April 4 for the 40 Under 40 award! https://lnkd.in/ewaYBgV

We are delighted to announce that our organization has been chosen to receive an AED, RSV training, and LifeVac from #ProjectAED365! This donation from Project AED365 is a significant step in enhancing our emergency response capabilities. "Through the generosity of the team at CoroMed and Project AED, Swim Across America has been generously given 3 AEDs and additional support for their use. As we head into the 2025 season and our coast to coast open water charity swims, we know that having these AEDs on hand will give participants and volunteers the best possible chance of a good outcome.?We are grateful to CoroMed and Project AED!" - Julia Brookshire, Director of Safety and Risk Management CoroMed, HSI: Emergency Care, LifeVac, ZOLL Public Safety #ProjectAED365 #ProjectAED365Winner #AnAEDADay

Swim Across America is pleased to announce the appointment of two distinguished leaders to its board of directors: Harry Wilcox, a life sciences entrepreneur, and Timothy Buttigieg, a hospitality and real estate executive. Their extensive backgrounds in science, business, finance and community engagement will help advance our mission and expand our impact. Congratulations! https://lnkd.in/esAWjHMA

Dr. Andrea Cercek, co-director of the Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and a Swim Across America (SAA) Research Fellow, is once again making waves on the national stage. As one of the featured voices in Time Magazine's February article, "The Race to Explain Why More Young Adults are Getting Cancer," Dr. Cercek shares her thoughts on the topic and her groundbreaking clinical research, which has received grant funding from SAA since 2016. "This article is a fascinating, big-picture read that delves into the theories around this trend and how science is working to head off this epidemic among young adults," said AVBCC Executive Director and Founder Burt Zweigenhaft. "I think you'll agree that AVBCC's continued support of SAA and its grants for cancer researchers take on a profound impact when you read this story." We encourage you to read the article and then make plans to join us at #AVBCC2025 when Dr. Cercek will return to participate in a panel, "The Changing Demographic Age of Cancer." Read the Time article: https://bit.ly/3EEyWmZ Request your invitation to AVBCC 2025: https://lnkd.in/g24mgN7M #AVBCC2025 #HealthcareLeaders #Cancer #OncologySummit #CancerResearch