Baylor Scott & White Health, along with Swim Across America – Dallas (SAA), announced its kickoff events have already raised $47,000 to support the Swim Across America Innovative Clinical Trials Center (ICTC) at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas. In its seventh year, SAA - Dallas has grown to include five events.
The successful first events started with a newly added New Year's Eve pool swim, hosted by the Keller Natatorium that raised nearly $14,000. Following, on May 19, players teed off at the annual golf tournament at the Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine, Texas. Hosted by the 7-Eleven Texas FOA for the sixth consecutive year, the tournament raised $25,000. Across town from the golfers, swimmers took to the water in their second annual pool swim, held at Cooper Fitness in McKinney, Texas, and raised $9,000.
The remaining two events are the largest for SAA – Dallas. These include the open water swim at Lake Ray Hubbard and the pool swim at Baylor Tom Landry Health and Wellness Center, which were moved from spring to fall in an effort to gain more high school and college swimmer participation.
"Our fundraising efforts in December and May with the golf tournament and pool swims offered alternative ways for those looking to get involved with this incredible cause," said Leslie Lucas, Event Director, Swim Across America – Dallas. "The golf tournament allowed non-swimmers to still be part of the Swim Across America – Dallas community, and the pool swims in December, May and October are great for those not fully comfortable swimming in the open water swim."
Every year, cancer survivors, former members of the U.S. Olympic Swim Team, hundreds of swimmers of all skill levels and more join together to raise funds for the ICTC. Participants may swim individually or as part of a team to honor friends and family that have been affected by cancer. Swimmers who pledge to raise a minimum of $1,000 for Swim Across America are designated "Wavemakers" and receive additional prizes and recognition at the event. The remaining two events include:
- Open Water Swim: September 30 at The Harbor at Lake Ray Hubbard, featuring a 3-mile, 1.5 mile and half-mile distances (registration fee $25 before July 22; students asked to raise $200, adults asked to raise $500)
- Pool Swim: October 1 at Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center featuring half-mile, one-mile and relay teams (registration fee $25; asked to raise $100)
Funds raised through all events support the ICTC at the Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas, the largest outpatient cancer center in North Texas dedicated to cancer care, research and education. To date, SAA – Dallas has contributed more than $2 million to Baylor Health Care System Foundation for the ICTC.
"We are excited to have gained the current momentum and look forward to a successful fall with our final two events, said JaNeene Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Baylor Cancer Center and Corporate Vice President of Oncology in North Texas. "The funds raised by all participants go directly to the Swim Across America Innovative Clinical Trials Center at Baylor Sammons Cancer Center, which is the brain behind cancer research of all types."
To participate in the remaining events, or for more details, contact: leslie@swimacrossamerica.org or visit swimacrossamerica.org/dallas.
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White is empowering customers to live well by reimagining traditional healthcare — creating more convenient, personalized and informed experiences. It serves more than three million customers through 53 hospitals, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple; the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute; 1,300+ access points; 59,000+ team members; and its leading digital platform — MyBSWHealth. The system's award-winning employer solutions include Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and Levanto — a company offering digitally enabled health products. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White's mission is to promote the health and well-being of all individuals, families and communities. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com