They came out for their sisters, their coaches, their teammates, their uncles. Their reasons were all exceptionally personal, but their cause was collective, a cause that has been ongoing for 35 years: St. Vincent’s Swim Across the Sound.
On Saturday, August 6, 108 swimmers left Danfords Marina in Port Jefferson, New York to swim the 15.5 miles across Long Island Sound to Captain’s Cove in Bridgeport. Aided by hundreds of volunteers such as boat captains, dockhands and those at registration, the solo swimmers, duos and four-person teams raised over $228,000 to date to support St. Vincent’s Medical Center’s Cancer Institute. This includes research, screenings, prevention and education as well as assistance for cancer patients throughout all avenues of their journey. According to Bill Jennings, president of the Fairfield Region of Hartford HealthCare of which St. Vincent’s is a part, this is a focus on giving back.
“Swim Across the Sound fulfills the mission of its founders—to serve the needs of the community,” said Jennings, referencing the Daughters of Charity. “At its foundation, this is a fundraiser, but at its heart, this is a memorial and a celebration of all the individual stories.”
Throughout the day, it was the swimmers’ stories that resonated most, such as that of Nikko Price, the first solo swimmer to finish the event. Still partially covered in sunscreen when he reached the dock in just over seven hours, this 28-year-old from Branford said he was swimming for his grandmother, a breast cancer survivor, and for his uncle who passed away in March. “He was an avid swimmer,” Price said of his uncle, “and I bonded with him over swimming.”
Like Jennings, Price too reflected on the reason behind the event, saying, “These are the greatest, most selfless people who do this every year. I really stand for their mission.”
Nathan Malsheske, a 15-year-old from Southington, swam with the Floppers, the first team to finish. His story also involved the memory of someone special. “Our coach died of breast cancer in 2019,” he said. “We really pushed ourselves to swim for her, for our teammates, and for all those affected by cancer.”Likewise, Water Rats team captain Claire Kehley of Trumbull focused on the importance of working as a team and recognizing the challenges that those with cancer face each day. “We all pushed on together,” said the recent Lauralton Hall graduate whose grandfather is battling cancer. “There’s lots to encounter out there, like the jellyfish! But I kept thinking about all the people who are suffering more than I was. I really appreciate the chance to do this.”
It wasn’t just the swimmers who participated in the fundraising or had stories to tell. Volunteer Stacy Giunta of Fairfield used the digital app “Fish Out of Water” to raise over $1,000, sharing the link on Facebook and Instagram. This was the first year that those not swimming could lead their own fundraising campaign. Like the others, though, this was personal for Giunta, a cancer survivor. “I want to honor my experience and give to others in that same journey. It’s important to support the programs that St. Vincent’s offers and to help all those that cancer touches,” she said, adding that this event aligned within weeks of her diagnosis three years ago.
As the swimmers gradually reached the marina throughout the afternoon, scores of spectators cheered from the deck. A band playing classic songs added to the joyful atmosphere, and the announcer kept everyone informed with shout-outs like “Here comes the High Rollers!” and “Looks like the greatest finish ever!” An awards ceremony and post-swim party began just after the last swimmer came in.
As lively as Saturday’s event was, a more subdued tone followed Sunday morning during the annual Memorial Service. This celebration included music, prayers and a reading of the names of those whose lives were lost to cancer during the past year. As is the tradition, family members could dedicate a sunflower in memory of their loved ones.
“We do this in honor of those fighting and for those we lost,” said Jennings. “This is healthcare-related, but it’s also about fundraising, spirituality and athleticism. And in the middle of it all is compassion.”
By Emily Clark
