Swimmers Take to the Sound for Annual Cancer Fundraiser

The communities of Port Jefferson and Bridgeport will come together this Saturday, August 6, for the 24th annual SWIM Across the Sound Marathon to benefit cancer patients and their families.

This weekend’s marathon, which is sponsored by St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation located in Bridgeport, CT, is the culminating event in a year-long fundraising process run by the non-profit organization SWIM Across the Sound. Upwards of 250 swimmers and 110 accompanying boats are expected to make the trek from Port Jefferson’s to Bridgeport’s Captain’s Cove Seaport.

The scene on the Long Island Sound will surely be memorable as always, as teams and individual swimmers will make their way across the water surrounded by volunteer boaters, who will help ensure participant safety. During the 26 kilometer (15.5 mile) journey, a team of law enforcement boats, guide boats, and escort boats will watch swimmers closely and work together to see the entire event through.

“Every year we have returning volunteer boaters who come out to help, and we also actively recruit new volunteers months in advance,” explained St. Vincent’s Medical Center Marketing Coordinator Paula Marker.

The SWIM Across the Sound Marathon began in 1987, when a swimmer named Jeffrey Keith, who had recently lost a leg to cancer, swam across the Sound alongside his friend Matthew Vossler. That year, the two friends raised $5,000 for the non-profit, and in the process, began a yearly tradition. Since that year, the Marathon (and its accompanying events throughout the year) has grown into an enormous financial success, raising over $2.6 million in 2010 alone.

As in years past, the swimmers for this year’s event have raised money in advance of the marathon for the cause. Individual swimmers have been tasked with raising a minimum of $1,500. Two-person relays are required to raise $3,500 each, and team relays must raise $7,500. In 2010, the marathon itself brought in over $480,000, and continued success is expected this weekend.

Money that is raised by SWIM Across the Sound goes towards cancer education, screening, and prevention programs at little to no cost for those in need in addition to providing cancer patients and their families with often overlooked treatment costs (transportation, day-care scholarships, etc.).

General Manager Stewart Weiner, who has personally been involved for 15 years with SWIM Across the Sound, encourages residents on both sides of the Sound to come out and see what the event is all about.

“It’s a great cause, and people are donating their time and money to help out,” he said. “It’s great to see it come together each year, and [the Danford’s staff and management] is always glad just to be able to help out and be a part of the event.”

Those on the Port Jefferson side are welcome to come out to the docks at Danford’s, where things will begin to get underway at 7:30 a.m., with swimmers all in the water by about 8:30 or 9 a.m.  Anyone who wants to come out and encourage the swimmers before the swim can come enjoy some free light refreshments at the docks.

The first few swimmers and boaters are expected to arrive at the Connecticut shore around 2 - 2:30 p.m., with most making it between 4:30 - 6 p.m. The general public is invited to come cheer swimmers as they cross the finish line during the day and enjoy the festivities, including an awards ceremony, which will take place at 7 p.m. at Captain’s Cove Seaport. Event coordinators have put together a number of events for the whole family, including fun photos and face painting.

“These swimmers are also fundraisers throughout the year in addition to making the swim. I really encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the event, and cheer the participants on as they come across the Sound,” Marker added.

More information is available on the SWIM Across the Sound website and on Facebook.