Getting All Wet for a Good Cause

by Paula Eisenberg

(June 12, 2003) Cancer is a formidable enemy, but some Westchester swimmers will be launching an aquatic assault on it next month. Swim Across America, a Westchester-based non-profit group, is sponsoring two swim events to raise money for cancer treatment and research.

SAA will kick off its 11th season on Saturday, July 12, with one- and four-mile swims in Long Island Sound, and another swim on Saturday, July 19 at the Orienta Beach Club in Mamaroneck. For the Sound swim, participants will be taken by boat to starting points, finishing on the shore in Larchmont.

Money raised by sponsoring the swimmers will go to Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Cancer Center Research Laboratories, the Childrens Hospital at New York Presbyterian's cancer therapy programs, and Mamaroneck's Cancer Support Team.

Larchmont's Biffy Halliday, an event organizer, said SAA has raised over $2,550,000 in the past 11 years, and approximately 90 cents on each dollar raised goes to the supported charities.

Last year, Larry Spollen of Larchmont had just returned from a stint with the Peace Corps in Honduras when he decided to do the swim against cancer. "I did it because it's a fun day, with lots of familiar faces, and because you feel good raising money for cancer research. I don't know anybody who hasn't been touched in some way by cancer."

If you'd like to swim in the event, sponsor a swimmer, or donate directly, you can call 1-888-SWIM-USA for more information, or visit the organization's website.