Newswise — SEATTLE – Swim Across America (SAA), a non-profit dedicated to raising money for cancer research, prevention, and treatment through swimming-related events, will host its sixth annual Seattle Open Water Swim on Saturday, September 6. All proceeds from the event will benefit Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) and its mission to turn cancer patients into cancer survivors. Swimmers of all levels are able to participate in two-mile or half-mile swims. Children age 11 and under are also welcome to participate in a 50 meter freestyle open-water Kids’ splash. Additionally, participants will have the exciting opportunity to swim alongside several local Olympians including Mary Wayte, Camille Thompson, Chris Chalmers and Rick Colella.

Since launching the fundraising program 27 years ago, Swim Across America has raised more than $50 million nationally. Here in Seattle, the organization partners with the experts at SCCA to help advance breakthrough treatments. Specifically, funds from the Seattle Swim have gone to support the Pancreas Cancer Specialty Clinic and the newly named Swim Across America Cellular Therapy Lab (SAA-CTL).

“We are humbled by the generosity of the Seattle community and are grateful for the continued support from Swim Across America,” said Dr. Marc Stewart medical director and vice president at SCCA. “The funds from these swims have helped advance novel protocols that apply the techniques of immunotherapy to cure patients with cancer and other malignant diseases."

Adult swimmers may participate alone or form groups to honor someone who has battled cancer. Each adult swimmer is responsible for a registration fee of $75. In 2013, more than 300 swimmers and 100 volunteers raised more than $225,000 to help SCCA.

For those who are interested in swimming or volunteering, please visit www.swimacrossamerica.org/seattle to learn more. All participants and volunteers are invited to a post-swim celebration and award ceremony at the swim beach, featuring a pancake breakfast, refreshments and DJ entertainment.

About Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is a cancer treatment center that unites doctors from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s. Our goal, every day, is to turn cancer patients into cancer survivors. Our purpose is to lead the world in the prevention and treatment of cancer. SCCA has five clinical care sites: an outpatient clinic on the Hutchinson Center campus, a pediatric inpatient unit at Seattle Children’s, an adult inpatient unit at UW Medical Center, a medical oncology clinic at EvergreenHealth, and medical and radiation oncology clinics at UW Medicine / Northwest Hospital & Medical Center. Additionally, proton therapy services are provided at SCCA Proton Therapy, A Procure Center. For more information about SCCA, visit www.seattlecca.org.

About Swim Across America

Swim Across America, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming- related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, SAA is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. Swim Across America - Seattle is the Pacific Northwest chapter, benefitting the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and being held on September 6, 2014.