Community Charity Swim at Skyline Aquatic Center in Mesa to Benefit Mayo Clinic

Swim Across America Launches Inaugural Pool Swim for Greater Phoenix Area on May 30, 2026

MESA, Ariz., April 14, 2026 — Swim Across America, the nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer by holding charity swims across the nation, will host the inaugural Swim Across America – Phoenix Pool Swim on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., at Skyline Aquatic Center, 845 S. Crismon Road, in Mesa. The community charity swim welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels who are passionate about diving in to fight cancer, with proceeds benefitting cancer research at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Participants may choose from a 1/2-mile swim, a 1-mile swim or a fun Team Relay; for those unable to participate in person, a virtual SAA My Way option is also available. In its first year, the event aims to raise $60,000 to support cancer research and care in the Phoenix community. For registration and volunteer opportunities, or to support the swim with a tax-deductible donation, visit swimacrossamerica.org/phoenix.

“We are thrilled to launch the inaugural Swim Across America – Phoenix Pool Swim and bring this meaningful event to the greater Phoenix area,” said Barb Sloan, co-event director for Swim Across America – Phoenix, and chair of Arizona Master Swimmers. Barb is also team captain of Team TY, in honor of her friend and fellow swimmer Ty Walker, who was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma last October. Ty is doing well, swimming three times a week and still working out at the gym, all while receiving immunotherapy treatment at the swim’s beneficiary Mayo Clinic. “This swim is about hope, action and coming together to make a difference for families and individuals touched by cancer. We welcome swimmers of all ages and abilities and are proud to support the incredible cancer research work being done by Mayo Clinic.”

Rick Bold, M.D., M.B.A., site director of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Arizona and an avid swimmer, said the event reflects a shared commitment to engaging the community in accelerating cancer research. He has participated in numerous open water swims, including the Trans Tahoe Relay Swim, which he plans to complete for a tenth time this summer.

“I’m pleased to welcome Swim Across America to Arizona,” said Dr. Bold. “Philanthropic support plays a critical role in awareness, accelerating cancer research and bringing new therapies to patients. This collaboration helps expand Mayo Clinic’s ability to deliver innovative, patient-centered care to individuals in Arizona and beyond.”

Terri Stauffer-Schmidt, a member of Team TY, is also swimming in support of her co-swimmer and friend Ty Walker. “I joined Swim Across America because I believe in their mission and want to help give more families hope,” said Stauffer-Schmidt. “I swim this year in honor of one of my co-swimmers who has cancer. Ty Walker is one of the bravest individuals I know. Our team joined Swim Across America because we believe in their mission and want to help Ty and his family as they face the challenges of cancer.”

Another team participating in the inaugural swim is Dolphins of the Desert, led by team captain Jeff Commings, head coach of the Dolphins of the Desert Masters swim group in Tucson. Commings knows firsthand what it means to face cancer. After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, he underwent a radical prostatectomy in Tucson with another provider. Although the cancer cells were small, they were considered highly aggressive, making surgery the best course of treatment. Today, he is thriving as a cancer survivor and avid swimmer.

“No one fights cancer alone, and I’ve experienced that personally,” said Jeff Commings. “The support of fellow Dolphin swimmers and the swimming community helped me throughout my recovery. Now, we are going to show our support for those who continue the fight to eradicate cancer. Our team has joined Swim Across America – Phoenix because we believe in the mission and want to help give more families hope.”

“Bringing Swim Across America to the greater Phoenix area is incredibly meaningful because of it being a huge swimming community,” noted Janet Stephens, also a co-event director of the swim. “This swim will honor that community spirit while helping fund important cancer research with our local beneficiary Mayo Clinic. What I especially love about this event is that the funds raised locally stay local, supporting those right here in Arizona.”

Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987, supporting critical funding for clinical trials that has led to FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy treatments. The organization supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs with its beneficiaries, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.

For those interested in swimming, volunteering or donating to the inaugural Swim Across America – Phoenix Pool Swim on May 30, please visit swimacrossamerica.org/phoenix.

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.

Prepared by:    Swim Across America – Phoenix swimacrossamerica.org/phoenix

Contact:           Jenifer Howard | 203-273-4246  jeni.howard@swimacrossamerica.org                                 

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