When Kathy White became the Girls’ Head Coach in 2013, one of her captains, Maddie Myers, suggested that the team participate in Swim Across America as their service project. Maddie’s family had long been involved with SAA events—her uncle, a 1976 Olympian, was a major influence. Today, Maddie has gone on to become a physician specializing in OB/GYN, carrying her passion for service into her career.
Coach White immediately embraced the idea. Having lost both of her parents to cancer at a young age—one in their 40s and the other in their 50s—she felt strongly about continuing this project with her team. “Unfortunately, most of us have been personally touched by cancer in our lifetime,” she shared.
Swim Across America (SAA) organizes events nationwide, with funds staying local to support cancer research and patient programs. Its mission is to provide grants that fuel research, clinical trials, and patient-centered initiatives. At a time when federal grant funding is uncertain, this work is more important than ever. The dollars raised through SAA often provide the data researchers need to secure larger-scale support from federal agencies and pharmaceutical companies.
This year, Bishop Feehan Swim & Dive had 14 participants, including two coaches, with two more team members volunteering at event check-in. Together, they raised $5,800 through outreach to family, friends, and social media. Each student who participates earns four community service hours, but the lasting impact of this event is far greater.
The Rhode Island Swim Across America event is the largest in the country, with many colleges and universities involved. Bishop Feehan was the first high school team to register back in 2013, and now 1–2 other high schools and several club teams have joined the cause.
What began as a student’s suggestion has grown into a proud Bishop Feehan tradition under Coach White’s leadership. Swim Across America continues to inspire the program, reminding athletes that together, they can make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.
Leave a Reply