The Harborfields and Smithtown varsity girls swim teams came together on Wednesday August 30. 2017 at the Centerport Yacht Club for a mile long pool swim to raise money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through the Swim Across America organization. Harborfields has participated for the past 3 years and was happy to welcome Smithtown to join in the effort for their first year. Collectively, over 40 swimmers raised $4,000 dollars to benefit the cause and both teams have committed to swim again next summer.
“I would like to congratulate and thank all the students who participated and those who helped to coordinate this year’s swim benefit. Your commitment and support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.” said Suffolk County Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D.
A scientist from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory attended the event to speak with the swimmers and explain the importance of continued support for research and development. In addition, they discussed current research being conducted on lung cancer in non-smoking menopausal women.
Swim Across America (SAA) is a national not-for-profit which aims to unite the swimming community to raise money for a network of doctors and researchers pioneering the development of new cures and treatments for cancer. Since its inaugural season in 1987, SAA has fundraised over $65 million and has grown from a single event in Nantucket, MA, to 15 open water benefit swims across the country and 100 annual pool swims. For more information about Swim Across America, their mission and how you can get involved, visit www.swimacrossamerica.org.
From left to right: Team Leader Hannah Spencer and Coach Kiri Thomsen from Harborfields with Coach Sean Montalvo and Team Leader Gianna Palazzo from Smithtown
