ATLANTA OPEN WATER SWIM TO FIGHT CANCER 2013

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

To our Family,

To many of us, Swim Across America is a beloved brand, a way to give back, and a summer family. For 25 years we have held close to our roots, to fight cancer Towhile our supportingSwim Across beneficiaries America locally, Family, ensuring that our swimmers ALWAYS know their impact. To many of us, Swim Across America is a beloved brand, a way to give back, and a summer family.Back in For 1987, 25 we years began we as havea handful held of friendsclose swimmingto our roots, swimming to fight cancer while from Nantucket to Cape Cod and have evolved into a sunationalpporting organization beneficiaries that has locally, raised over ensuring $45 Million. that our swimmers ALWAYS know their impact. We have also grown tremendously over the past few years, Backadding in 1987,swims wein Baltimore, began as Tampa, a handful the Hamptons, of friends Rhode swimming from Nantucket to Cape Cod and have evolvedIsland and into this a nationalyear’s newest organization swim in . that has Together, raised we over $45 Million. We have also grown have become a national powerhouse, able to seek out and tremendously over the past few years, adding swims in Baltimore, Tampa, the Hamptons, Rhode support the most reputable researchers and institutions in Islandthe country. and this year’s newest swim in Atlanta. Together, we have becomeDO a national NOT powerhouse, GO WHERE able to seek out and support the most reputable researchers and institutions in the country. With 15 Open Water Swims and dozens of pool swims in THE PATH MAY LEAD; With2013, 15 we Open look forward Water to Swims our biggest and event dozens series of yet. pool As swims in 2013, weGO look forwardINSTEAD to our WHERE biggestwe continue event to grow,series we yet. are evolvingAs we continuethe Swim Across to grow, we are evolving the Swim Across America America brand, while formally recommitting ourselves to brand,the values while that formally make us unique,recommitting and have ourselvesbeen the pillars to the values that make THEREus unique, andIS haveNO PATH beenof our t hesuccess pillars for of 25 our years. success for 25 years. AND LEAVE A TRAIL. ThankThank youyou for for being being a part a part of the of Swim the AcrossSwim AmericaAcross America family and for helping— RALPH to make WALDO us EMERSON whofamily we and are. for Mosthelping importantly, to make us who thank we are. you Most for impor joining- us in 2013 as we approach the next 25 tantly, thank you for joining us in 2013 as we approach the yearsnext 25with years unparalleled with unparalleled energy energy and and commitment commitment to to the fight against cancer. the fight against cancer. All the Best, All the Best, McArdle Janel Jorgensen McArdle

President & CEO President & CEO Swim Across America, Inc. Swim Across America, Inc.

A Dear Swimmers, NOTE Donors, OF Volunteers & APPRECIATIONFriends,

Thank you so much for joining us for the X annual SAA – X Swim. In this year’s swim, X swimmers challenged themselves not only to jump into the open water, but also to raise as A LETTER FROM THE EVENT TEAM April 13, 2013

Dear Swimmers, Sponsors and Volunteers,

We are so thankful for your support for our Inaugural Swim We have so many people to thank for such a successful Across America event in Georgia. We have been humbled Inaugural event. Thank you to Accenture, Cisco and all of by the countless stories of courage, heart-break, and triumph our early sponsors who believe in the work we are doing! that have given such meaning and importance to our Thank you to our Team Captains for taking the lead, with event. Team Chip’s Nation is swimming for a very special little direction, to bring swimmers together for an important 15 year old boy who has spent the past year courageously cause. Thank you Coach Doug and Coach Jason, for and diligently recovering from brain cancer. Team Aqua teaching our swimmers that their sport can have an impact Tots swims for 7 year old Leah, who lost her battle with beyond the clock. Thank you volunteers like Amy, Megan, cancer in January and Team Brookie swims to celebrate Nancy, and Margaret who go above and beyond on a daily good health and the beauty of a ‘normal’ day in the life basis to make our event one that our swimmers will want of an 8 year old cancer survivor. Our team and individual to come back to every year. Thank you to our lean and pages are full of dedications honoring loved ones who have mighty staff in Boston, Janel, Blake and Kay for stretching all been impacted by cancer. We are all swimming to make yourselves beyond capacity. Thank you to our Olympians an impact on the Fight Against Cancer. for continuing to give back to swimmers in such meaningful ways! And thank you to all of the swimmers that choose to While Swim Across America has raised over $45 Million for be a part of our event. Together, we will make a difference cancer research by hosting swim events across the country, in the Fight Against Cancer. this is the first year the open water swim event and Olympian clinic will be held in Georgia. The participants in the 2013 Sincerely, Atlanta swim represent a very special group of people. With so many wonderful causes and reasons to participate in other athletic events, you made a commitment to support Sheri Hart Swim Across America Atlanta. Your involvement is critical because we are providing funding for pediatric cancer Megan Melgaard research that might not otherwise be possible through traditional funding sources. Our early support for Amy Tillotson Dr. MacDonald and his research team at The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will provide funding that goes directly to the resources who are doing breakthrough research that could lead to new treatments and better quality of life for pediatric cancer patients. Every dollar we raise is important in the Fight Against Cancer! A LETTER FROM OUR BENEFICIARY LIFE’S MOST PERSISTENT AND URGENT QUESTION IS: WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR OTHERS? — DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your support of Swim Across America! I am deeply grateful for your interest in and enthusiasm for raising funds for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Aflac Cancer Center is the largest childhood cancer and blood disorders program in the country, caring for more than 6,500 children on a yearly basis.

Approximately 3,000 children and teens are diagnosed with brain tumors in the each year. This makes brain tumors the most common pediatric solid tumor, and the reason I am personally grateful for your support of my research. It is only through discovery, innovation and collaboration that researchers at the Aflac Cancer Center are able to find safer, more effective methods of treatment for children with brain tumors - and ultimately a cure.

Again, you have my deepest thanks for being a vital part of this urgent work.

Gratefully,

Tobey MacDonald, M.D. Tobey MacDonald, M.D. WHO WE ARE UNTIL THERE IS A CURE FOR CANCER, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A REASON TO SWIM, ALL ACROSS AMERICA. — MATT VOSSLER, SAA CO-FOUNDER

2013 will mark the 26th year of Swim Across America. During that time, we have grown from a single event in Nantucket, MA, to 15 Open–Water Swims in 13 major metropolitan areas, as well as dozens of pool swims across the nation. To date, SAA has raised over $45 million for cancer research, prevention and treatment.

At Swim Across America, we promise that our swimmers will always know their impact in the fight against cancer because, at SAA, money raised locally, stays local. Each open water swim supports a beneficiary in the city where it is held…When you join the SAA family, you are making an impact in your city.

MISSION STATEMENT Swim Across America, Inc., [SAA] is 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 to find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. COMMITTEE & SPECIAL THANKS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SPECIAL THANKS TO Sheri Hart, Chair Georgia Tech CRC – for the use of your state of the art Megan Melgaard, Open Water Event Director facilities for our Olympian Clinic. Amy Tillotson, Brand Manager, Event Manager Tracy Meazell and Concourse Athletic Club for your early Kevin Hart, Executive Advisor sponsorship and the many events you hosted at the club Diane Vaughan, Beneficiary Sponsor to generate awareness and excitement for our event. Sara Wagoner, Beneficiary Chair Dena Malson, Jessica Potts, Marketing Lake Spivey Homeowners Association for your support and Shelton Stephens, CHOA Sports Network Sponsor use of your beautiful lake. Special thanks to Steve, Brent, Jessica Killgallen, CHOA Sports Network Event Director Mike, Jon, Beth, Barbara, and Joe! Heather Kirksey & Lucy Crosswell, Public Relations Clayton County Parks and Recreations for providing event , Olympian Clinic Director parking and shuttle services. Nancy Peek, Olympian Hospitality and A/P Chair Trish Carter and The Lovett School for hosting our Swim Series. Margaret Kleiman, Olympian Clinic Coordinator Ed Saltzman & Rob Copeland, USMS liaisons The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Patients who , Site Procurement & Readiness helped with our Award design. Travel Holdings and the Hilton Downtown Atlanta for EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS hosting our Olympians. Pete Sumner, Lynne Mcganity, Julie Schaner, Molly Clay- Molly and Grant Clayton for sponsoring our reception ton, Beth Umstead, Jim Devaney, Brent Benedetti, Jon dinner beverages. Momper, Joe Starr, Mike Collier, Lisa LaPerriere, Misty Salo, Janelle Bowersox, Nancy Young, Olympian Clinic Vol- Margaret Shaw, Dennard Wright from 4EverABeast, Sports unteers, Colleen Bjerg, Carole Brooks, Sue Burgess, Lynn Network of Children’s Healthcare, Foundation of Children’s Camp, Lanette Cousineau, Janie Fowler, Margaret Kleiman, Healthcare and Sherry’s Produce for their contributions to Laurie Ragan, Kristen Schultz, Daimian Shelton, Megan the Olympian Hospitality Bags Snare, Richard Stevens, Janet Quatella, Lynn Walley, Larry SAA Swim Series Coaches Megan Melgaard, Winter, Selina Winter John McDonald, Sheri Hart, Trish Carter and Dar Smith. Holy Innocent’s 5th grade Girl Scout Troop, led by OPEN WATER SWIM LAND VOLUNTEERS Toni Nunn, for taking pictures during our Olympian Clinic. Simon Zhu, Camille Woodhouse, Edward Wood, Christine Lovett Daisy Troop #3569, led by Genie Gray, for helping Wilson, Melanie White, Mary Tripp, Cecilia Tripp, Nancy with participant goodie bags. Tao, Buffy Swinehart, Aaditya Subramanian, Joe Starr, Ali Sharif, Ed Saltzman, Michael Ramsey, Anirudh Prabhu, Dr. Victor Riccardi, Dr. Trephina Galloway, Hammer Nutrition, Juan Perez Carrizosa, Nancy Peak, Ricardo Olivo, Heidi WSB, Veris Skin Care for goodie bag items. Natkin, Santosh Naikankatte, Alison Milsaps, Lauren Link, Jim May, General Manager, Panera Bread, for catering Morgan Lee, David K. Lee, Alyson Lee, Marjorie King, breakfast for our Olympian Clinic. Katie Kim, Jessica Kilgallen, Cindy Keen, Tin Huynh, Vicki The Kauffman Clinic for supporting our Inaugural event. Holmes, Simon Hakim, John Finck, Cecilia Edmiston, Carrie Diewock, Rupali Chitre, Edith Chiketero, Shanika Alison Edwards and Nancy Tao for your ‘above and Brown, Saumya Bhattacharya, Mandi Bell, Chloe Barzey, beyond’ sponsor support! Keith Bartig, Courtney Avin, Shayna Atkins, Hallie Ander- The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Foundation and son, Omair Aleem, Jonathan Lively, Christine Wilson, and CHOA Sports Network team for being such amazing partners! Vishnu Akula Thank you to Nancy Suarez for all of your generous hospitality KAYAK VOLUNTEERS and for opening your home to our team and spectators! Kathy Bruce, Tony Buckli, Wendy Cope, Gordon Crump, Pete Farren, Kim Flethcer, Robert Gallup, Laura Gilbert, Grace Guynn, Mike Guynn, Eddie Hedrick, David McGan- ity, Harold Merck, Julia Willard, Jenniefr Willis, Jim Young, Sheri Young, Gary Harris 2013 OPEN WATER SCHEDULE ATLANTA OPEN WATER SWIM Clayton, GA - May 5th TAMPA BAY OPEN WATER SWIM Clearwater, FL – May 18th DALLAS OPEN WATER SWIM Rockwall, TX – June 8th GREENWICH/STAMFORD OPEN WATER SWIM Stamford, CT – June 22nd HAMPTONS OPEN WATER SWIM Amagansett, NY – July 6th BOSTON HARBOR ISLAND SWIM Boston, MA – July 12th NANTASKET BEACH OPEN WATER SWIM Hull, MA – July 13th CHICAGO OPEN WATER SWIM Chicago, IL – July 20th LONG ISLAND SOUND OPEN WATER SWIM Larchmont, NY – July 27th SOUND TO COVE OPEN WATER SWIM Glen Cove, NY – August 10th SEATTLE OPEN WATER SWIM Mercer Island, WA – September 7th RHODE ISLAND OPEN WATER SWIM Narragansett, RI – September 7th BALTIMORE OPEN WATER SWIM Pasadena, MD – September 22nd SAN FRANCISCO BAY SWIM San Francisco, CA – October 5th LONG BEACH OPEN WATER SWIM Long Beach, CA – October 19th NATIONAL BENEFICIARIES

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA PROUDLY SUPPORTS THESE FINE INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND PROGRAMS

With the assistance of hundreds of nationwide volunteers, past and current Olympians, and our corporate sponsors, Swim Across America, Inc., (SAA) is proudly subsidizing cutting-edge cancer research, progressive survivorship clinics, and the foremost in patient care and treatment. Thoroughly dedicated to our beneficiaries and their groundbreaking efforts, it is SAA’s privilege to assist some of the world’s most renowned cancer institutions. Indeed grateful for the opportunity to be of service, we present our distinguished list of Funded Institutions, Organizations and Programs:

NO ACT OF KINDNESS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, IS EVER WASTED —AESOP

The Swim Across America Laboratory at The Swim Across America Laboratory at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Johns Hopkins - Baltimore, MD New York, NY www.hopkinsmedicine.org www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/44.cfm Since its inception in 1973, The SKCCC has become one SAA is honored to finance The Swim Across America of the most prestigious and advanced cancer centers in Laboratory at MSKCC. Combining research with clinical the world. Dedicated to finding more effective treatments, studies, “Our Lab” concentrates on how the immune system their scientists were the first to map a cancer genome, recognizes and accepts cancer and its mutations and, deciphering the genetic blueprints for colon, breast, conversely, how the immune system rejects them. The lab’s pancreatic, and brain cancers. Discoveries made at SKCCC ultimate goal is the development of new avenues in cancer have paved the way for personalized therapies and patients treatment, those which use stimulation of the immune who visit the Kimmel Cancer Center have access to some system to attack cancer cells. Results from our laboratory of the most innovative and advanced therapies in the world. are the bases of ongoing clinical trials at Sloan-Kettering. Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy - Stamford, CT Columbia Presbyterian Children’s Hospital www.acgtfoundation.org New York, NY The Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy [ACGT] is a foundation www.childrensnyp.org/mschony focused exclusively on funding cancer gene therapy research. Another deserving SAA beneficiary is The Tommy Palazzo ACGT’s revolutionary approach to gene therapy is at the Fellowship for Pediatric Oncology Research at Columbia apex of modern studies seeking alternative cancer treatments Presbyterian Children’s Hospital. As one of the leading and management. “It’s about innovation,” says founder pediatric-oncology programs in the US today, it serves Edward Netter. as a referral center for patients across the country and abroad. This hospital is one of only 20 nationwide institutions “Science isn’t only about proving hypotheses; science is designated by The National Cancer Institute to conduct about discovery.” Phase 1 Pediatric Clinical Trials, which gift to pediatric patients/families the freedom to choose participation in potentially lifesaving therapies.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Boston, MA Mercy Medical Center - Long Island, NY www.dana-farber.org/pat/surviving/childhood/default.html www.mercymedicalcenter.chsli.org In 1996 the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute established The The MIRACLE Pavilion at MMC is likewise endowed by Swim Across America, Inc., Training Grants Fund for The SAA. This impressive, state-of-the-art Outpatient Radiation Perini Quality-of-Life Clinic. The Perini Clinic was developed /Medical Oncology facility opened its doors in December 2005. to address the obstacles that cancer survivors are likely In this relatively brief time span, MIRACLE has significantly to face post-treatment. Its mission is twofold: first, to help increased their onsite oncology-treatment capacity. Mercy survivors tackle personal issues that treatment has caused Medical Center, home to The Memorial Sloan-Kettering them and their families; and, second, to support research Cancer Center in Nassau County, accords Long Island aimed at improving treatment methodology and easing residents local access to “... the best cancer care anywhere.” post-treatment affects.

Cancer Support Team - Westchester, NY The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore - Bronx, NY www.cancersupportteam.org www.montekids.org A home healthcare agency true to its name, CST offers Osteosarcoma, the single most common type of bone both medical and personal support to lower Westchester cancers, is unusually common to children. Our chief residents living with cancer. CST’s services include pain beneficiary at this hospital is MSKCC fellow Alex Chou, MD, and symptom control, care management, financial aid, who passionately devotes his work life to the cultivation transportation assistance and referrals to community and implementation of a targeted-therapy approach for resources. In addition, patients can be seen in their own osteosarcoma. The project is supervised by Richard Gorlick, homes…with or without insurance coverage. CST delivers MD, Chief of Hematology/Oncology at CHAM. a “human response to human needs.” Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Fighting Chance - Long Island, NY Cold Spring Harbor, NY www.fightingchance.org www.cshb.edu Fighting Chance is a non profit counseling and resource A new beneficiary, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory we will center serving the East End of Long Island since 2001. be funding a lung cancer research project to identify the FC provides a comprehensive range of services, free of molecular mechanism behind EGFR dependency in non- charge, to the five towns of the East End. Professional small cell lung cancer, utilizing state-of-the-art proteomic counseling is available in one on- one sessions, in sup- and genomic techniques. Understanding why cancer cells port groups and via email. Patient navigation of the health are dependent on specific oncogenes could lead to the care system is provided by a dedicated staff member and development of more effective therapies. a unique, 75 page guide to local cancer care resources. Coping with Cancer on the East End is updated annually.

UC San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute San Francisco, CA Oakland, CA www.ucsfhealth.org/childrens/special/s/100903.html www.chori.org One of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals, UCSF Benioff Swim Across America is proud to support the Children’s conducts advanced biomedical research simultaneous Hospital Oakland Research Institute. CHORI, the internationally to providing complex patient care. The hospital creates a -renowned biomedical research institute of Children’s warm and homelike environment where children and their Hospital & Research Center Oakland. Bridging basic families find compassionate treatment…all within arm’s science and clinical research in the treatment and prevention reach of scientific discovery. As medical technology of human disease, CHORI is a leader in translational research. contributes in large part to an increase of pediatric oncology A collaborative nexus for innovative research and learning survivors, UCSF Benioff physicians strive to ensure that this that stretches beyond local boundaries, CHORI is at the population receive appropriate clinical follow-up care, including forefront of basic and clinical research that strives to educating them and their families about post-treatment risks. change the world–one patient at a time.

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance - Seattle, WA Women & Infants - Providence, RI www.seattlecca.org www.womenandinfants.org Seattle Cancer Care Alliance’s vision is to lead the world in The Program in Women’s Oncology at Women & Infants translating scientific discovery into the prevention, diagnosis, Hospital of Rhode Island, the largest and most diverse treatment and cure of cancer. SCCA unites the doctors from oncology service for women in the Northeast, was launched Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine, in 1989 to provide a broad spectrum of care for gynecological and Seattle Children’s to form a world-class treatment and breast cancers. It has evolved into a world-renowned, center that provides advanced therapies and clinical multi-disciplinary facility where clinicians uncover key answers studies for cancers and other blood disorders. to the questions of cancer, and focus on the needs of the patients and families. Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas Moffitt Cancer Center - Tampa, FL Dallas, TX www.insidemoffitt.com www.baylorhealth.com The institute has made a lasting commitment to the prevention The new 10-story Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer and cure of cancer, working tirelessly in the areas of patient Center at Dallas is a 467,000 sq. ft. facility, the largest care, research and education to advance one step further outpatient cancer center in North Texas. Baylor Sammons in fighting this disease. Moffitt, one of the world’s most Cancer Center offers more than 100 clinical trials, 800 sophisticated cancer centers of excellence, employs patients participated in trials in 2009. Also, more than fellowship-trained physicians and medical researchers 15 disease-specific support and educational groups and who are among the best in their respective fields. programs are available at Baylor Sammons Cancer Center, making it one of the most comprehensive programs in the country.

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center - Nashville, TN Rush University Medical Center - Chicago, IL www.vicc.org www.rush.edu/cancer Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is one of 40 National At the new, state-of-the-art Rush University Cancer Center Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, –one of the largest providers of cancer care for patients in dedicated to a patient-focused approach to cancer research, Chicago and the surrounding tri-state area–medical oncologists, treatment, support, prevention, education and outreach. surgeons and radiation oncologists collaborate with other This leading oncology treatment center serves patients in specialists and highly trained nurses to provide leading-edge, Tennessee, Kentucky, across the Southeast and beyond. compassionate care for a wide array of cancers.

Memorial Care Todd Cancer Institute Aflac Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Long Beach, CA Healthcare of Atlanta - Atlanta, GA www.memorialcare.org/hope www.aflaccancercenter.org Personalized care developed for the unique needs of each Researchers at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders patient is a clinical reality at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta seek answers Institute (TCI) at Long Beach Memorial. Every patient has to pediatric oncologic and hematologic conditions with access to targeted, customized therapy treatments specially two goals: discovery and integration. Through research, designed for their unique needs. In addition, patients have the Aflac Cancer Center provides leading-edge care to access to many research protocols and a wide range of children and young adults with cancer and blood disorders services to prevent or detect cancer at very early stages. while creating an innovative environment for physicians and Psychosocial support is woven throughout the plan of care researchers. to ensure total wellness. SWIM ACROSS AMERICA OLYMPIANS ATLANTA, GA Since our inception in 1987, Swim Across America has been extremely fortunate to have the support of US Olympic Swimmers, some downright legendary in our sport. The athletes’ presence and participation have enriched our events over the years and we are extremely grateful for their commitment to SAA. We are honored that the following Olympians will be joining us at the 2013 Atlanta Swim.

CARLTON BRUNER , considered Craig Beardsley was heavily amongst the world’s top ten favored to win the 200m 800m and 1500m freestylers butterfly as a member of the between 1992 and 1996, earned 1980 Olympic Team, only to be a coveted spot on Atlanta’s US forced from competition when Olympic Swimming Team. Born politics intervened, and the US and raised there, he finished boycotted Moscow’s Summer 13th in the 1500. As a former Games. member of the Dynamo Swim Club, now one of the nation’s Between 1980 and 1983, Craig premier groups, Carlton went on to amass several held both the World and the American Records in the 200m championships and record titles. butterfly, and he won Gold at the in both 1979 and 1983. In 1993 and 1995, he placed third at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships and in 1995 first in the Pan American A nine-time US National Champion, Craig captured another Games, all in his favored 1500m. Gold in the same event at the NCAA Championships while an All-American at the . Carlton joined forces with SAA in 2005 for the Boston Harbor Swim and has been dedicated ever since. A proud and devoted father, he and his two children Carter and Caroline live in NJ.

Having been an inspirational SAA swimmer since 1987, Craig also currently works for Swim Across America as the Pool Program Director. ANDREJS DUDA JANEL JORGENSEN McARDLE Andrejs is a two-time Olympian Janel Jorgensen rose to national and nine-time NCAA DIII prominence while still in high national individual champion. school when she won two gold He represented Latvia at the medals at the Pan American 2004 Olympics in Athens, Games. That momentum Greece and 2008 summer catapulted her to qualify the Games in Beijing, China. Duda next year for the US Olympic graduated from Kenyon College team that traveled to Seoul, in Gambier, Ohio in 2006 where South Korea in 1988. The then he was a member of four 17 year old Jorgensen won a national championship swimming teams and set a college silver medal in the women’s 400 medley relay and finished record with 28 NCAA national event titles. 5th overall in the 100 Butterfly. Jorgensen then went home to Ridgefield, CT to begin her senior year in high school. Andrejs is currently an age group coach at Swim Atlanta. Her swimming and academic success took her to Stanford University where she graduated in 1993 with a degree in AMANDA WEIR Psychology. Jorgensen held four American records, was a 27 time All American, won 15 NCAA championship titles, Amanda Jo Weir (born March and is currently a member of the Stanford Hall of Fame. 11, 1986) is an American Jorgensen parlayed her athletic and academic success into swimmer and Olympic silver a fast rising 12 year career at Oracle where she worked in medalist. She was a member of strategic development. the 2012 United States Olympic Team, and won a bronze medal After participating in and working as a volunteer and a in the 4×100-meter freestyle board member of Swim Across America for 18 years, relay at the 2012 Summer Jorgensen decided to dedicate her life to ensuring the Olympics. success of the program and growing SAA’s impact on communities, families, individuals and cancer research. In Weir holds many of the sprint freestyle age group records October 2005 she took over the Executive Director duties for USA Swimming, setting her first record at age 12, in of SAA and, through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers the 50-yard freestyle in 23.17 seconds. She attended and a dedicated board of directors, the organization is now Brookwood High School in Snellville, Georgia, and led the raising over $5 million a year. Brookwood swim team to four consecutive Georgia Class 5A state championships. As President & CEO currently residing with her husband Peter in the Boston area, Janel has successfully raised At the 2004 Summer Olympics, Weir swam the third leg in the profile of Swim Across America, increased charitable the U.S. team for the Women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay. contributions and grown corporate support to assist in the Leading after her leg of the relay, the U.S. team finished expansion of SAA programs. Her experience in competing second to the Australians, setting an American Record at the highest level in a sport that is both individual and with their finishing time. Weir earned a Silver medal in the team oriented provided her with the skillset to lead a large 4×100-meter medley relay by helping her team qualify for group of volunteers and donors. She feels blessed to be the final. able to merge her passion with swimming with her job! Weir became a freshman at the University of Georgia in 2004, where her team dominated the 2005 NCAA championships, with Weir anchoring four of the unprece- Geoff Gaberino earned Gold in LA’s 1984 Olympic Games, dented five UGA winning relays. She was recognized as having boosted the 800m free-relay team to experience the Atlanta Amateur Athlete of the Year for 2005. that proverbial Thrill of Victory. Geoff was also an American and World Record holder in the same event. A 14-time At the 2012 United States Olympic Trials in Omaha, All-American at the University of FL, Geoff was named Nebraska, the U.S. qualifying meet for the Olympics, Weir team captain and NCAA champion in 1983 and 1984. made the U.S. Olympic team for the second time by finishing Before that time, as a standout swimmer at Baylor School fifth in the 100-meter freestyle with a time of 54.41, which in Chattanooga, TN, he led the team to an Eastern Prep qualified her to swim in the 4×100-meter freestyle as a School Championship in 1980. Geoff received his BS from member of the U.S. relay team. At the 2012 Summer FL in 1984 and an MBA four years later. Geoff has been an Olympics in London, she earned a bronze medal as a integral member of our SAA family for nearly a decade. member of the third-place U.S. team. MEGAN NEYER Dr. Megan Neyer is the founder Born and raised in Southern and principal of Neyer Maryland, Daniel began swimming Performance Strategies, LLC, at the age of 6 and competed a company that specializes in for the St. Mary’s Aquatic Club individual, team and organizational until age 13 when his family performance with businesses moved to Pensacola, Florida. and athletic teams. Her services Under the guidance of Coach include performance coaching, Steve Bultman, he set multiple wellness consulting, leadership National Age Group Records in development, employee selection the 100 and 200 Breastroke, and talent development. won 3 State Championships in the 100 Breast and a Junior National Championship in the 200 Breast. In 1988 he Dr. Neyer has worked with executives, coaches and elite qualified for the US Olympic Team in the 100 Meter athletes for 20 years at organizations such as Coca Cola, Breastroke and swam at the Seoul, South Korea Olympic Heery International, CMAA, ACEC, David Evans and Games. The following year he accepted a scholarship to Associates, Inc., Bell South (AT&T), Decatur General swim for the University of Texas where he swam on 2 NCAA Hospital, Pediatric Associates of Durango, the United Championship Teams and was voted team captain his States Olympic Training Center, the University of Florida, senior year. Georgia Institute of Technology, many sports national governing bodies, the United States Air Force and United Daniel now resides in Dallas with his wife Alex and their two States Air Force Academy. At the USAFA, she provided daughters. He has been active with Swim Across America leadership development and team building to the cadets since 2009 when he participated in the San Francisco and staff through the Center for Character Development. Open Water. Since then he has returned to San Francisco She is the past chair of the Organization Change Alliance annually and swam in the Inaugural Baltimore Open Water. in Atlanta. In 2011 he helped bring Swim Across America to Dallas for the Inaugural Open Water and remains as Co-Director of Dr. Neyer received her undergraduate and doctorate degrees the Dallas Committee for Swim Across America. He swims with emphases in performance and health psychology from in memory of his Aunt Charlotte who lost her battle with the University of Florida, and is a licensed and nationally cancer and to honor his nephew Lindsay who is a cancer certified counselor, certified NET practitioner, certified health survivor. He hopes that through his efforts and the efforts of coach and neurofeedback practitioner. She is a former all that swim, volunteer or donate their time to Swim across world-class competitive diver whose accomplishments America we can help bring an end to this terrible disease. include being an Olympian on 3 and 10-meter, a World Springboard Champion, 15-time US Diving National STEVE LUNDQUIST Champion, 8-time SEC and NCAA champion, and multi- time international champion. She has more wins than any Steve Lundquist — in swim other diver in the history of the SEC and NCAA, and in speak, “Lunk the Hunk” - lost 2006 was named NCAA Most Outstanding Diver of the out on competing with his USA last Quarter Century. In 1997, Megan was honored as a Team in Moscow in 1980. But University of Florida Alumna of Outstanding Achievement, in 1984 at the LA Olympic awarded to only 47 women of the 85,000 who have Games, Steve emerged as the graduated from the University of Florida. She has been best American breaststroker inducted into the University of Florida, International in the history of international Swimming, and Academic All-American and World swimming. There he earned Acrobatic Society Halls of Fame. two Gold Medals while setting two World Records in the 100m breast and 400m medley relay. Throughout his swimming career, Steve broke World and American Records on 15 occasions. An inductee into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1990, he was honored again six years later by being the flagbearer for the Olympic Games in Atlanta. With much media exposure and experience, including many talk-show appearances and TV credits, Steve is civic-minded, involving himself in innumer- able charities. His BBA and MBA were put to good use when Steve opened his own company, Digipak, in Georgia. He has been known to liven the party while swimming in SAA events since 1987. DOUG GJERTSON Doug was a member of the Zemina was born in Boynton United States’ world record Beach, Florida. She attended 4x200-meter freestyle relay Fort Lauderdale High School in team at the1988 Summer Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Olympics in Seoul, South her mother was an English Korea. The 1988 relay team set teacher, and she swam for the world record with a time of coach Jack Nelson’s Fort 7:12.51. He was also the fourth Lauderdale Flying L’s high member of the United States’ school swim team. She was bronze medal 4x200-meter a five-time Florida state high freestyle relay team at the 1992 Summer Olympics in school champion—three times in the 100-yard freestyle, Barcelona, Spain with a time of 7:16.23 and twice in the 200-yard freestyle. She set the national high school record of 1:48.60 seconds in the 200-yard Doug attended the University of Texas at Austin, and swam freestyle in 1984. Zemina was also a member of a national for coach ’s Texas Longhorns swimming and record-setting team in the 200-meter freestyle relay (short diving team. He was a three-time individual NCAA champion course) in 1985. She graduated from high school in 1985. and a nine-time relay NCAA champion. He was inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor in September 2006 for his She accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University accomplishments not only at Texas but also on the Olympic of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where she swam for coach stage. ’s Florida Gators swimming and diving team in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competition Doug was inducted into the Georgia swimming Hall of Fame from 1986 to 1989. During her career as a Gator swimmer, in 2012. Zemina was a five-time NCAA champion, including the 4x200-yard freestyle relay (1986, 1988, 1989), the 4x100- He is currently the head coach for Swim Atlanta. yard freestyle relay (1988), and the 4x50-yard medley relay (1989). She also received twelve All-American honors as a college swimmer.

Eric Wunderlich enjoyed Zemina competed for United States national teams at competing in the 1996 Olympic international swimming tournaments in Germany (1983), Games in his hometown of Sweden (1984), Japan (1985), the (1986) Atlanta, where he placed seventh and South Korea (1988). At the 1986 Goodwill Games in in the 200m . In Moscow, Russia, she won two gold medals as a member 1995, Eric was awarded Gold of winning U.S. relay team in the 4x100-meter freestyle in the 100m at the 1995 Pan and the 4x200-meter freestyle, as well as bronze medal Pacific Championships and, in in the individual 100-meter freestyle. At the 1988 Summer 1994, Silver in the 200m at the Olympics in Seoul, Korea, Zemina received a bronze medal World Championships. Like as part of the women’s 4x100-meter freestyle relay. fellow SAA Olympian Carlton Bruner, Eric began his swimming career as a Dynamo. While attending the University of MI, he just missed clinching a spot on the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Team. It was at this time that Coach Bob Bowman [of current ’ fame!] came calling, luring him to CA for concentrated training in anticipation of the 1996 Games. Eric has been active with Swim Across America, first in Boston and then Chicago, for four years.

DREAMS ARE WHAT GET YOU STARTED. DISCIPLINE IS WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING. — JIM RYAN SWIM ACROSS AMERICA ATLANTA TEAMS Swim Across America Tribute Teams are swimmers that band together with friends, family, and coworkers to swim for a cure as one. They swim in memory of family or friends that have lost their battle with cancer, to support loved ones that courageously continue their battle with the disease, or simply to gain momentum in their swimming and fundraising effort. Tribute Teams are central to what Swim Across America is all about – friends, family and joining together to “Make Waves to Fight Cancer.

TEAM FLYING FISH TEAM CHIP’S NATION Team Flying Fish, led by Team Chip’s Nation, co-captains Amy Tillotson, led by captains Lynne Janelle Bowersox and Crump and John Misty Stallo, consists of McDonald, is swimming seasoned swimmers, in honor of Chip Madren, triathletes of all ages, and a brave 16-year old students and grandparents boy who has been alike, all of whom have fighting brain cancer been impacted in some way by cancer. for several years. Chip was diagnosed with As a team, our swim is dedicated to our hero, 3-year old Metastic Anaplastic Medulloblastoma, which is a spreading, Cameron Durban-Jackson. Born with a hole in his heart, aggressive, brain cancer. He has endured over six months Cameron underwent open heart surgery just after his first of intense chemotherapy at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta birthday. He recovered and was finally able to keep with his with multiple admissions for infection, 38 round trip ambulance twin. Just prior to Cameron’s second birthday he became rides to the hospital, and several surgeries. Chip’s current ill, and after weeks of tests his family was given devastating scans are clear and he is considered “off-treatment”. He news: Cameron was diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma. works hard every day trying to gain back his strength, coordination, walking, balance, speech, vision, and eating. Since the diagnosis Cameron has had six rounds of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants. His mother Chip and his family have inspired thousands of friends and states “Our journey is far from over, but Cameron continues acquaintances with their resilience, positive attitude, and to fight and beat the odds. He is our hero!” most importantly, their faith in God. Chip’s Nation is a large and growing community that is fighting to end cancer on Team Flying Fish set a roster goal of 40 swimmers – and Chip’s behalf and that is praying continuously for Chip’s a hefty fundraising goal of $20,000 to accompany those recovery. swimmer numbers! We have a great group competing and supporting one another in this endeavor, and are honored The Madrens are an amazing family dedicated to continuing to be a part of making history in the first annual Swim their fundraising efforts and service work for Children’s Across America – Atlanta event. Most importantly, we are Healthcare of Atlanta even after Chip is restored to health. honored to support our beneficiary, the Aflac Cancer and We are honored to swim for Chip and the entire Madren Blood Disorders Center, in ground breaking work in the family, and to raise money to help cure cancer. fight against cancer that will directly impact the lives of children and families battling this disease. TEAM SANDY SPRING TEAM COX COMMUNICATIONS SWIMMERS Team Cox, led by co-captains Kevin Hart and Linda Trickey, Team Sandy Springs Swimmers boasts a varied group of swim- is led by captain Audrey LeSage, mers of all levels, including a high school junior and swim collegiate, high school, triath- coach at Hammond Hills Pool letes, a synchronized swimmer, in Sandy Springs. Our team and “just for fun” swimmers. is comprised of high school, Regardless of level of experience, club and summer league the entire team is motivated swimmers from various Sandy by our team hero, 7-year old Springs neighborhoods. Declan, and by the work of Dr. Tobey MacDonald. As a team we are swimming in memory of Summer Dale, a Riverwood High School student who was diagnosed with In March 2012, Declan was diagnosed with Acute Lympho- a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer at the age of 15 blastic Leukemia. While the treatment was difficult, Declan and subsequently lost her battle the following year. While remained upbeat and has maintained his usual sense of she was in the hospital, Summer started an organization, humor, even finding the bright side of having cancer. He Team Summer, to help other children cope with the has collected courage beads, enjoys the “awesome” pizza difficulties of having cancer. offered at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, and attended cancer camp where he participated in archery Our team is also swimming in honor of Lynn Wyatt, a and games. Declan continues to “show cancer who is the dedicated summer swim team mom who is currently fighting boss” and Team Cox is inspired by his great attitude. a recurrence of cancer. Lynn is one of the most spirited women we know and we are looking forward to supporting Dr. Tobey MacDonald, the beneficiary of the Swim Across her by our participation in the inaugural Swim Across America-Atlanta fundraising, is a leader in research to treat America Atlanta. childhood brain tumors, particularly medulloblastoma. Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Dr. MacDonald’s long-term goal is to TEAM LOVETT identify more effective and less toxic therapy for children Team Lovett is led by Kaleigh with medulloblastoma. Team Cox is pleased to swim in Hart, a Lovett first grade student. support Dr. MacDonald’s research. The team is swimming in honor of Felicity, a five year old girl who Team Cox has a goal of 15 swimmers with a fundraising was diagnosed with a Stage goal of $10,000. Cox employees have a long history of Three anaplastic ependymoma supporting charitable endeavors, and the team hopes that brain tumor. The tumor, which Swim Across America-Atlanta becomes an annual event. was the size of a tangerine, was placing too much pressure on her brain stem, and immediate TEAM CHOA removal was required. When The Children’s Healthcare of the surgeon operated on Felicity, Atlanta Team is swimming in he was forced to leave a tiny section of the tumor on the honor of the amazing doctors brain stem so Felicity would not lose vital motor skills. She and nurses who give of also had a shunt permanently placed in her head to allow themselves so selflessly excess fluid resulting from the scar tissue to drain to her behind the scenes in their stomach. After almost forty rounds of chemotherapy, which commitment to the Aflac she finally completed in January 2012, she was declared in Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. The team is led by remission. co-captains Anna Janss, a neurosurgeon at Aflac specializing in brain tumors, and Skippy Mattson, a physical therapist Felicity loves ballet, horses, the Disney Princesses, and is a for over nine years at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, huge fan of the Georgia Bulldogs! Her favorite class is PE, and consists of swimmers of all skill levels. Team CHOA where she loves to run. Team Lovett is swimming to raise is thrilled to be participating in the inaugural Swim Across money for research that will help the many courageous America-Atlanta event to raise money for the Aflac Cancer children who are diagnosed with cancer at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and welcomes your support! and Blood Disorders Center each year. TEAM DYNAMO MULTISPORT TEAM ATLANTA WATER JOCKS Team Dynamo Multisport is Team Atlanta Water Jocks, led dedicating its swim to the son by former Tennessee swimmer of Mary Ellen Blanchard Warta, Bart Graham, consists of over a special Dynamo alumni who thirty talented masters swimmers. was an American record holder Many of the swimmers on the in the breaststroke events. team have won masters national Recently, Mary Ellen’s son, championships, with at least five Jonah, was diagnosed with continuing on to win world masters retinoblastoma, a rare eye championships. They are also the only masters group in cancer. His right eye was the United States to be sponsored by Arena, the Italian removed in 2012, followed by based competition swim wear company. an intense six months protocol of chemotherapy. When Jonah was diagnosed, there was Team Atlanta Water Jocks is dedicating its swim to Aflac concern that the cancer could spread from the optic nerve Cancer and Blood Disorders Center patient Lake. Lake, to the brain; however, early detection and the important affectionately known as Superman by his family and doctors, work of the medical team at the Aflac Cancer and Blood is a first grade student who loves all sports! Soon after Disorders Center led to a clear post treatment MRI! being selected to an All Star baseball team last summer, his mother noticed he did not have his usual high level of Team Dynamo Multisport is led by captains Trephina Galloway energy. After consultations with the Aflac Cancer and Blood and Maria Thrash. The team consists of enthusiastic swimmers, Disorders Center, Lake was diagnosed with acute myeloid runners, cyclists, adventure racers and triathletes who are leukemia and spent months in the hospital receiving intensive dedicated to raising money for Jonas and the many children chemotherapy treatments. His family attributes his feisty, diagnosed with pediatric cancer every year! spunky attitude to helping him through those difficult times. Lake was permitted to go home in October and is still in remission! He makes routine monthly visits to the Aflac TEAM DYNAMO clinic and thankfully, is still going strong! Team Dynamo consists of talented swimmers from Team Atlanta Water Jocks is looking forward to a rewarding the Dynamo Swim Club. and memorable day of swimming as they make waves for The team is led by two Lake and all other children who have been diagnosed with former Dynamo Olympians, pediatric cancer. Eric Wunderlich and Carlton Bruner, who have been involved with Swim Across America for several years, participating in open water events across the country to raise money for cancer research. They are returning to their hometown of Atlanta to inspire other swimmers in their open water swim at Lake Spivey for the inaugural Swim Across America Atlanta event.

Team Dynamo is dedicating their swim to the son of Mary Ellen Blanchard Warta. Mary Ellen is a special Dynamo alumni who was an American record holder in the breast- stroke events. Recently, Mary Ellen’s son, Jonah, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer. His right eye was removed in 2012, followed by an intense six months protocol of chemotherapy. When Jonah was diagnosed, there was concern that the cancer could spread from the optic nerve to the brain; however, early detection and the important work of the medical team at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center led to a clear post treatment MRI! In addition to swimming in honor of Jonah, Team Dynamo will be swimming for the 350 other children diagnosed at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center this year with the goal of raising money to increase the number of diagnoses which become “treatable and beatable”! TEAM BROOKE TEAM ACCENTURE Team Brooke is led by captain Team Accenture is honored Sheri Hart. In January 2010, to be a corporate sponsor of Brooke was five years old she the inaugural Swim Across was diagnosed with a medul- America, Atlanta Open Water loblastoma brain tumor. It was Swim. Our team of swimmers devastating for Brooke’s family and land volunteers is excited to see their beautiful little girl to participate in today’s event have to go through all of the and to support the ongoing effort to find a cure for cancer. treatments necessary to save her life. Brooke’s team of doctors Our team captain, Duncan White, is a managing director at Seattle Children’s Hospital at Accenture and former competitive swimmer at Southern were absolutely amazing! They Methodist University. The Atlanta Open Water Swim is a cared for her as if she was their own daughter. Today Brooke nostalgic occasion for Duncan, who will be reuniting with is a happy, healthy, vibrant and talented eight-year-old! She his former swimming teammate and college roommate, plays soccer, basketball, golf, and tennis! She loves school, Olympic gold medalist Steve Lundquist. and math is her favorite subject. Her favorite tradition is celebrating her birthday over Thanksgiving in Hawaii with We are dedicating today’s swim to three-year-old Aflac her twin sisters and her mom and dad. Cancer and Blood Disorders Center patient Norah, who has been diagnosed with leukemia, as well as all of the Brooke thankfully does not remember much of her ordeal children at the Aflac Cancer Center and all Accenture as a five-year-old. Brooke’s family is so very grateful for all employees who have been impacted by cancer. of the amazing doctors who treated her. Team Accenture applauds Swim Across America, it’s Brooke’s mother, Julee, relayed the following heartfelt message volunteers and past and current Olympians for their tireless to all the participants of Swim Across America Atlanta: efforts to raise money and awareness for cancer research, “I would like to thank you all so much for participating in prevention and treatment. Here’s to “making waves to fight this event. It means more than anyone can possibly put cancer!” into words! Our family appreciates everything that you are doing. Thank you for your love, generosity and kindness”. TEAM AQUA-TOTS Team Aqua-Tots is led by TEAM CHEROKEE captain Malena Hankins, Team Cherokee is led by President of Atlanta Operations co-captains Kennedy Hart for Aqua-Tots Swim Schools. and Megan Melgaard. Currently We are swimming in honor and consisting of over a dozen memory of Leah Anderson, a swimmers, the team is targeting former student at the Aqua-Tots to raise $5,000. The team is Swim Schools. In January 2009, dedicating its swim to Bailey, at the age of three, Leah was a ten year old girl who was diagnosed with Wilm’s Disease, diagnosed with osteoscarcoma Stage IV. She had a large tumor in 2012 after complaining of on her left side that was attached pain in her knee. Osteoscar- to her kidney. Eight weeks of chemotherapy reduced the coma is a very aggressive, tumor to an operable size, and in April 2009, it was solid tumor bone cancer which requires intense treatment. successfully removed. After many radiation treatments To date, Bailey has had ten weeks of high dose chemotherapy and more chemotherapy, in January 2012, she was and surgery to remove the tumor. This was followed by transferred to the cancer survivor clinic! However, in July another twenty weeks of chemotherapy, which she completed 2012, she was diagnosed with a secondary cancer, acute in September. She remains upbeat as she continues to myeloid leukemia (AML). She received a bone marrow seek out activities using her prosthetic leg. We are honored transplant five months later and fought hard through many to swim for Bailey and invite you to join with us to honor a ups and downs. Leah’s journey came to an end in January friend or loved one who has been impacted by cancer! 2013; however, she left us a legacy of hope, perseverance, strength, laughter and joy. We are honored to be participating in this worthy cause and to dedicate this inaugural swim to Leah. TEAM AFLAC TEAM LAKE SPIVEY Team Aflac, led by captain Buffy Team lake Spivey, led by former Swinehart, will be dedicating its Olympic Gold medalist Steve swim to a very special member Lundquist, is swimming in of the Columbus Hurricane celebration of a special Lake Swim team, Taylor Williams. Spivey resident and blood Taylor is AMAZING! disorder survivor, MaryAnn Keen. MaryAnn grew up on Last summer, Taylor had just Lake Spivey and attended qualified for the 14 and under Woodward Academy in Atlanta. Georgia State Championship At the beginning of her junior Long Course Swim Meet year of high school, after a scheduled for July 2012 when series of doctor’s visits to he noticed a swollen lymph node in his neck. He immediately investigate some unusual bruising and bleeding, she was had a biopsy, and a week later, was diagnosed with mature diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia. MaryAnn’s bone B cell lymphoma. Taylor had his first PET scan on July 18th, marrow had shut down and had stopped producing swam in the state meet on the 19th and 20th, had his port essential platelets and red and white blood cells. She placed on the 24th, and his first full chemotherapy treatment was told that she would only live three months without a on the 27th. For the next ten weeks, he continued his bone marrow transplant. The best candidate for a donor is chemotherapy treatments and swam a modified schedule, typically a family member, and fortunately, her older brother pushing through the side effects and fatigue of the treatments Ryan was a perfect match! The bone marrow transplant to swim. His port was removed on October 16th, and was successfully performed at Johns Hopkins Hospital, he swam in his first meet a month later. It was met with and she was able to resume a normal, healthy life, go back disappointing times but at least he was in the water! He to school, graduate from college, and pursue a career in persevered and in his next meet at Auburn University in the music business. January, he qualified for the 14 and under Georgia State Championship Short Course Swim meet in the 500 free! MaryAnn, who currently lives in Nashville, will be coming in What a totally unexpected comeback! for Swim Across America on May 5th to show her support! Team Lake Spivey is swimming to celebrate her health, and Making it to the state swim meet for most swimmers is a to inspire others to learn more about what they can do to huge accomplishment! Swimming can be physically and help save a life. We are excited that Swim Across America mentally demanding at this level, yet Taylor decided he has chosen our home, Lake Spivey, to host its inaugural wasn’t going to let his grueling treatments slow him down! Atlanta event! His doctors said it would take him a year to get back up to speed. He has changed those statistics and has been a role model and inspiration to other children facing challenging diagnoses! We will be cheering loud for Taylor on May 5th!

IF WE DID ALL THE THINGS WE ARE CAPABLE OF, WE WOULD LITERALLY ASTOUND OURSELVES. — THOMAS EDISON WHY I SWIM BETH UMSTEAD ADRI HERMAN TEAM CHIP’S NATION TEAM FLYING FISH I am passionate about raising money for Children’s In the fall of 2006 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a Healthcare Of Atlanta and I appreciate the SAA Atlanta healthy 54 year old distance runner and triathlete it was the founders for bringing such a valuable fundraising event last thing I ever expected. During my treatment (lumpectomy to our community. I am excited to be a team member for and radiation) I benefited from years of research and the Chip’s Nation and raise money to help Chip’s doctors find a experiences of many women who had gone before me. cure for children with brain tumors. My personal interest for My oncologist suggested chemotherapy but I insisted on the fight against cancer stems from how it has affected taking the Oncotype test, which can determine if chemo those whom I love. My mother bravely battled breast cancer is really necessary for women with my kind of cancer. The and is a three time survivor. I am swimming in memory of results showed that I did not need chemotherapy after all. close relatives and friends that have lost their lives to cancer. Four months after my last radiation treatment I finished my I am grateful for the significant advances that continue with first half Ironman as a way to show myself that cancer had cancer research. made me stronger.

I so much appreciate my health and the treatment options BILL BOND I had, that raising money for cancer research with an open TEAM ATLANTA WATER JOCKS water swim is a natural and fun way for me to make a One of the first memories in my life is throwing my inner-tube difference in the lives of current and future cancer patients. at my father and then running to the diving board, diving Even more so since my old friend and colleague from New in and swimming to the other end of the pool. I was nearly York, Willemijn Drese, is fighting Leukemia. three years old at the time. My dad just watched, laughing, but thanks to him I’ve been swimming ever since. Having no fundraising experience, I first called a friend on whose support I knew I could count. When I thanked him In April of 2010 dad was diagnosed with acute myelogenous for his donation he said that his girlfriend also wanted to leukemia - an aggressive and nasty thing that took his life in help. A request to my former boss resulted in donations less than five months. I’ve always appreciated the encourage- from 7 former co-workers that were matched by the ment he gave when it came to my swimming - especially company. How exciting to receive donations from people when I began the open water races. It is in his honor that I had not even asked! Meanwhile, Willemijn forwarded the I joined the Swim Across America community so that, SAA information to her friends (most of whom knew me together, we can change the fact that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 when I lived in New York City 23 years ago) which resulted women will be diagnosed with cancer. I am challenging in 9 more donations by people I had not even asked. If myself by swimming 10 kilometers in the Atlanta Open people were willing to give without me asking, it would be Water Swim and raising as much money to fight cancer interesting to see what happened if I asked. Most of my as I can. Please support me by sponsoring my swim and e-mails were answered with donations, an exciting and making a gift. The money you give will go towards cancer heartwarming experience which inspired me to increase my research, prevention and treatment and will make an impact fundraising goal 4 times. At this moment $1,750 has been in the fight to find a cure. Thank you for your generosity donated and I am trying to reach the $2,000 mark by May 5th. and may it lead to a cancer-free world! The support of so many people inspired me to train for the 5k swim. My longest open water swim is 1.2 miles and until February my swim training consisted of a grudging 1500 yards in the pool twice a week. It is truly amazing how my involvement with Swim Across America has changed my whole swim experience. After two months of gradually increasing yardage I now swim 10,000+ yards a week including a long swim of 4,400. Our team’s first open water swim this year was on March 3rd in 50 degree water and an air temperature of 30 degrees. Although I think I can complete a 5k open water swim, I am nervous and at the same time excited. In triathlons I am always among the slowest swimmers, so on May 5th I expect to be in the water a long time. It’s not important because knowing that I made a difference is all that matters. SHERI HART KENNEDY HART TEAM BROOKE TEAM CHEROKEE As event director for the Swim Across America Atlanta I started swimming to fight cancer last year when my friend event, I am honored to be team captain for Team Brooke. Brooke was diagnosed with Brain Cancer. I swam my first Brooke has been the inspiration behind the Atlanta swim 1 mile Open Water swim in Dallas in June of 2012. Now, from Day One. As good friends of the Bennett family, we I’m helping my family bring the swim to Atlanta. I’ve learned watched the miraculous journey of Brooke and her family, that there are some amazing doctors in Atlanta who are from the devestating news of her diagnosis, her countless working hard to find cures for pediatric brain cancer. I am trips to the hospital to receive treatment, the loss of her swimming next year to suppport their reserach and honor hair, and the rebuilding stages that have lead her recovery kids in Atlanta who have been impacted by cancer. today. The journey was not an easy one and Todd and Julee gave every ounce of energy they had to see that I have asked my friends and family to join me in honoring Brooke could have a successful recovery! With the help of a special girl named Bailey. Bailey is a beautiful, athletic some amazing doctors, Brooke is now in full recovery! girl who is my age. She was having some knee pains and found out she had osteosarcoma bone cancer. She had As a mother of 3 daughters as well, I can think of few her leg amputated this summer and is already rock climbing, things in life that could bring you to your knees faster thanks to her doctors at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. than the diagnosis of cancer for one of your children. We We swim to honor the journey she and her family have purposefully chose The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders begun and to let her know that we believe in the many Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to help support great things she will accomplish in the future! She is a any advances in research that will lead to fewer cancer champion! diagnosis and more targeted treatments for all types of cancers. The work Brooke’s doctor is doing in Seattle is The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s complementary and collaborative with the work Healthcare of Atlanta is the beneficary of our swim. I’ll be Dr. MacDonald is doing at the Aflac Cancer and Blood thinking about Brookie, Bailey and the 350 new pediatric Disorders Center. By supporting the work of these world- cancer patients that are diagnosed at the Aflac Cancer class researchers and clinicians, we can make a difference Center this year as I get ready for my 1 mile Open Water in the Fight Against cancer! Swim at Lake Spivey on May 5, 2013.

In our lifetime, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer. I will also be dedicating my swim to my Uncle KALEIGH HART Woody who died from brain cancer this year, my mother-in-law, TEAM LOVETT Sara, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last month, I am excited to swim in my first open water event this May my good friend Kara who was also recently diagnosed, to raise money for cancer research. My friend from Seattle and Renee and Jan who are cancer survivors. had brain cancer, and I want to swim so that she and other kids do not get cancer. I will be talking to the Lovett Swim I joined the SAA community so that, together, we can make Team to see if they would like to join my team in honor of an impact. I am challenging myself and family by swimming Felicity. I hope my friends will join my team or come out to in the Atlanta Open Water Swim and raising as much money the event. It will be lots of fun. to fight cancer as I can. My husband, Kevin, and daughter Kaleigh (7) are swimming the ½ for Team Cox Communications and Team Lovett. My oldest, Kenendy (10) will be swimming the mile as team captain for Cherokee. Kelsi (4) and I will be swimming side by side and do our best to get through the ½ mile together. Please support me by sponsoring my swim and making a gift. The money you give will go towards cancer research, prevention and treatment and will make an impact in the fight to find a cure. Thank you for your generosity and may it lead to a cancer-free world! IN HONOR & MEMORY NAME DISTANCE IN HONOR OF IN MEMORY OF Izumi Alcober 5K Swimmer Grace Netland Rob Anderson 1 Mile Swimmer Mary Claire Anderson 1 Mile Swimmer Dave Armento 10K Swimmer Ann Armento Lynn Barlik 5K Swimmer Davis Beauchamp 10K Swimmer Lynne & Lois Beauchamp, Dub Franklin Hugh Owen, Lynn Beauchamp Charlie Bello 5K Swimmer 1/2 Mile Swimmer Jessica Benson 5K Swimmer Buck Benson Michael Berger 5K Swimmer Beverly Berger, Mother Samantha Bertschi 1/2 Mile Swimmer Wynne Bolton 5K Swimmer Kathy Bolton Bill Bond 10K Swimmer John R Bond (Father) Janelle Bowersox 1 Mile Swimmer Peter Brandt 10K Swimmer Ken Brown 5K Swimmer Carlton Bruner 5K Swimmer Jonas Warta Tassie Bruno 1/2 Mile Swimmer Dr. James Stoddard Lauri Buell 1 Mile Swimmer Diana Hazell Tyler Burbridge 10K Swimmer Geoffrey Burbridge 1 Mile Swimmer Caleb Camus 5K Swimmer Alva Belle Garvin Melinda Camus 5K Swimmer Alva Belle Garvin Trish Carter 1/2 Mile Swimmer Thomas Cash 1 Mile Swimmer Sondra Choung 1/2 Mile Swimmer Miles Clayton 1 Mile Swimmer Tracy Collett 5K Swimmer Patti Collier 1/2 Mile Swimmer Marilla Dann Roy Smith Katie Colville 5K Swimmer Caitlin Connolly 1/2 Mile Swimmer Caldwell Connolly 1/2 Mile Swimmer Tom Connolly 1/2 Mile Swimmer Lisa Crawford 10K Swimmer Gilla Crawford Lynne Crump 5K Swimmer Gracie Crump 1 Mile Swimmer Chip Madren Jeff Czarnecki 5K Swimmer Sue VanDuinen & Cindy Blackstock Tally Danielson 5K Swimmer Dennis Danielson Jim Devaney 5K Swimmer Jennifer Draper 5K Swimmer Brooke Bennett Joan Smalec Jack Dubois 5K Swimmer Robert Dubois 1 Mile Swimmer Andrejs Duda 10K Swimmer Julia Durmer 5K Swimmer Erin Flager John Fields 10K Swimmer Jonathan Freeland 1 Mile Swimmer NAME DISTANCE IN HONOR OF IN MEMORY OF Stephen Fusco 10K Swimmer Trephina Galloway 10K Swimmer David Gaynoe 5K Swimmer Scott Gentles 5K Swimmer Ham Biggar & Vicki Shannon Anna Gleyzer 1 Mile Swimmer Bart Graham 10K Swimmer maddie graham 1 Mile Swimmer Mark Greatrex 1/2 Mile Swimmer Michael Grover 5K Swimmer Mary Grover William Hague 5K Swimmer Chip Madren Deb Hanson 10K Swimmer Kaleigh Hart 1/2 Mile Swimmer Brooke, Grandma, Felicity Kevin Hart 1/2 Mile Swimmer Mom, Kara, Renee, Brooke Sheri Hart 1/2 Mile Swimmer Sara, Brooke, Renee, Kara, Uncle Woody Kelsi Hart 1/2 Mile Swimmer Brooke, Gandma Kennedy Hart 1 Mile Swimmer Brooke, Grandma, Bailey Abigail Harty 1 Mile Swimmer Erin Anna Harvey 5K Swimmer Joseph Harvey (Grandfather) Connor Hawley 5K Swimmer Kate Hawley 5K Swimmer Paolo Hawley 5K Swimmer Adri Herman 5K Swimmer Joey Hesskamp 5K Swimmer Ali Holm 1 Mile Swimmer Erin Hood 1 Mile Swimmer Clara Hunter 1 Mile Swimmer Mom, Karen VarrGreat Grandmother, Rose Varrone Kim Hurst 10K Swimmer Roy Roddy Anna Janss 5K Swimmer Marin Marin Kirsten Justice 5K Swimmer Mary Kalafut 10K Swimmer Mark Kale 5K Swimmer Kiddu Kamya 1 Mile Swimmer MaryAnn Keen 5K Swimmer Emily Kelly 1 Mile Swimmer Wendy Korotkin 5K Swimmer Steven & Beth KoKristy Nolan Keen Jackie Lafontaine 5K Swimmer Bryan Lee 10K Swimmer Annie LeSage 5K Swimmer Lynn Wyatt Summer Dale Audrey LeSage 5K Swimmer Lynn Wyatt Summer Dale LeeAnn Lickteig 5K Swimmer The Lickteig, Singer, & Pomplun Fams Megan Littke‐Smith 5K Swimmer Noah Kate Lonis 5K Swimmer Steve Lundquist 1 Mile Swimmer Aquatots Malena 10K Swimmer Rao Manekar 1 Mile Swimmer Justin Mason 1 Mile Swimmer Skippy Mattson 5K Swimmer Dinah McClintock 5K Swimmer Murray Spitzer John McDonald 1 Mile Swimmer Chip Mandren Lynne McGanity 5K Swimmer Sallie Helms Howard Moses 5K Swimmer Chip Madren Amy Murphy 5K Swimmer Dianne Durand Melissa Nelson 10K Swimmer NAME DISTANCE IN HONOR OF IN MEMORY OF Monika Nelwan 5K Swimmer Carolyn Neumeister 1 Mile Swimmer Madison New 1/2 Mile Swimmer Cynthia Panter 5K Swimmer Mike Powell 10K Swimmer Debbie Price‐Alexand 5K Swimmer Hannah Quire 5K Swimmer Collier Cayce Don Ramon 1 Mile Swimmer Matthew Rose 5K Swimmer Richard Quick Amy Ross 5K Swimmer Jacob Rubin 1 Mile Swimmer Collins Sainovich 5K Swimmer Christina Sainovich 1 Mile Swimmer Madelyn Schaner 5K Swimmer Chip Madren Julie Schaner 10K Swimmer Chip Madren Katie Scharf 5K Swimmer Captain Bob Juttekraus Andrew Schoppe 1 Mile Swimmer Brenda Simpson 1/2 Mile Swimmer Lawrence Simpson 1/2 Mile Swimmer Larry Simpson 1 Mile Swimmer Madeline Simpson 1 Mile Swimmer Sarah Smith 10K Swimmer Jonas ‐ Team Dynamo Ivey Smith 1/2 Mile Swimmer Rachel Solomon 5K Swimmer Jack Spartz 5K Swimmer Big G Peter St Pierre 10K Swimmer Misty Stallo 5K Swimmer Cameron Dad, Mom, Kathy, Mike Maria Thrash 1 Mile Swimmer Amy Tillotson 5K Swimmer Persis Gleason‐Elkins Katherine Tipton 1/2 Mile Swimmer Jean Dent Linda Trickey 5K Swimmer Tanya Uherka 5K Swimmer Ryenne Ulett 1 Mile Swimmer Blossom Harvey Tristen Ulett 1 Mile Swimmer Blossom Harvey Beth Umstead 5K Swimmer Giorgia Valoti 10K Swimmer Katie Vinyard 5K Swimmer Gail Waller 5K Swimmer Abba Waller 1 Mile Swimmer Marsha Ward 5K Swimmer Jean Ward Mary Agnes Ward Georgiana Warta 1/2 Mile Swimmer Jonas Warta Mary Ellen Warta 1 Mile Swimmer Jonas Warta Marin Morrison Joan Wheeler 5K Swimmer Jonas Duncan White 10K Swimmer Jacob Willis 5K Swimmer Brynna Wolfe 5K Swimmer Eric Wunderlich 1 Mile Swimmer Michael Wysong 1 Mile Swimmer Ryan Young 5K Swimmer Jonathan Young 5K Swimmer Jacob Young 10K Swimmer Nancy Young 1 Mile Swimmer Joey Young 1 Mile Swimmer 220 Sandy Springs Circle Atlanta, Georgia 30328 404-843-0224 Strategic Solutions for Your Success.

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6065 Barfield Road • Suite 100 • Atlanta, GA 30328 404.252.2797 • Fax 404.252.3853 www.printingsandysprings.com • sales @printingsandysprings.com Afl ac is proud to support Swim Across America.

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Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. Worldwide Headquarters | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, Georgia 31999

Z130302 4/13 Swim Across America would like to thank Fox 5 News, Rona Roberts, Lucy Croswell, Malena Hankins and the Georgia Tech CRC staff for their work on our feature story for our Inaugural Year.

MOMENTS ETCHED . . . MOMENTS REMEMBERED

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Swim Across America would like to thank Merrill Lynch for their generous sponsorship of the SAA Olympian Clinic

The Aflac Cancer Center cares for more than The Aflac Cancer Center is 6,500 children each year with cancer and blood disorders. This includes diagnosing a different committed to pediatric research child almost every day with cancer. Your dedica- In conjunction with Emory University School of tion to Swim Across America enables the Aflac Medicine, the Aflac Cancer Center is dedicated Cancer Center to be the treatment center of to finding the most effective treatments and cures choice for thousands of families in need of hope. for children with cancer and blood disorders. The Aflac Cancer Center • Has higher survival rates than the national average for a majority of common childhood Your support cancers • Is recognized as one of the top pediatric can- saves lives cer centers by U.S.News & World Report • Is the largest childhood cancer and blood dis- orders program in the country, providing families The Aflac Cancer Center with an entire team of professionals, dedicated • Is home to one of the largest pediatric clinical hospital space, advanced technology and inno- trials programs in the country vative research • The physicians are widely regarded in national • Cares for more than 100 children with brain clinical trials and collaborative studies of the Chil- tumors each year dren’s Oncology Group • Is highly skilled and experienced in treating • 100 percent of hematologists/oncologists are children and young adults with all forms of can- researchers- as a result; every child is evaluated cer-from the most common to the rarest for clinical trial participation • Is home to a robust Cancer Survivor Pro- • Is one of only three centers in the Southeast gram-following over 1,200 survivors that is a member of the COG Phase I Consortium • Has the largest pediatric sickle cell program in the country, with more than 1,700 patients • Is a national referral center for pediatric cancer and blood disorders-treating patients from 43 different states throughout the U.S.