Swim Across America-Florida Keys, which has raised almost half a million dollars for cancer research, is having its fifth annual open-water swim this year at Islamorada’s Founders Park on Saturday, April 18.
Last year, attendees included about 50 volunteers, 75 swimmers and multiple Olympic medalists.
There are many moving parts to the event, said co-director Glenn Latham. It takes three months of planning and networking. This year he and his wife, co-director Susan Latham, started their organizing in December.
But the idea for Swim Across America actually started very simply: Among friends after a game of tennis.
“I have a group of girls that I play tennis with,” said Susan. “We were talking about what we could do to supplement tennis since it’s too hot in summer.”
And while some friends may be happy with drinking Bloody Marys at a brunch in an air-conditioned restaurant once a week and call it a day, this group had a different approach.
“One of the girls suggested swimming in the bay at Founders,” said Susan. “I had never thought about that.”
The friends went swimming in the Florida Bay at Founders Park along the jetty for a half-mile, and over the next weeks, gradually worked up to a mile and a quarter.
“The group grew. We all got addicted to it,” said Susan. “You get so energized. We regularly have 10 people, and we swim at 8 a.m. We send out a group text a couple of times a week. Then we met Bob Coakley, one of the husbands of the girls. He’s an All-American swimmer. Someone realized this would be a great Swim Across America event — that was the catalyst. Then we talked to the board of Swim Across America.”
Luckily, the board agreed that the group of friends had a great idea.
Swim Across America is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. The open water and pool swims span 27 communities across the country — from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge. The nonprofit has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987.
Locals may agree that a swim in the open water in Islamorada is particularly special.
“Our Swim Across America – Florida Keys swim is one of the most beautiful swims in the world,” said Susan. “Sometimes we get lucky and a few dolphins decide to join and swim alongside us.”
“The goal this year is $100,000, and 100 percent goes directly to support cancer research,” said Glenn. “Not just to some institution somewhere. You feel a tangible impact with Swim Across America that you see and hear about. They fund breakthrough therapies — called high-risk, high-return research — that make a huge difference.”
Since there are no organizations for cancer research in the Keys, any money raised by the Lathams’ event goes to Miami Cancer Institute, which is renowned for its advances in the field. The money raised from last year’s Keys event went to support the research of Miami Cancer Institute oncologist Yuliya Linhares, who specializes in lymphoma. She is involved in several clinical trials for patients who are battling lymphoma.
The Lathams are still neck deep (no pun intended) in the event planning.
“There are a lot of logistics involved,” said Glenn. “Set up the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the swim zone; hold safety meetings; get electronic chips for the swimmers and a visual number system; find merchandise to sell; print T-shirts and towels.”
Glenn is grateful to be connected to Swim Across America due to his own bout with cancer: He is now 13 years in remission after fighting metastatic prostate cancer for four years with surgery and radiation and chemo therapies.
“I was not going to live five years. And here I am, hallelujah!” said Glenn.
And the Lathams’ friend group? They are still happily swimming away.
“We swim hard and laugh a lot,” said Glenn. “Once we went out when the cold front was in, and the water temp was 62 degrees. We were like, ‘What are we doing?’” he said, laughing.
Those who are interested in swimming, volunteering or donating for the April 18 event at Islamorada’s Founders Park can learn more at swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys. It starts at 7:30 a.m., and swim lengths are a half-mile, one mile or two miles. There will also be a Kids’ Splash, Mermaid Swim, and a ceremony with the national anthem and speeches from cancer survivors and staff from the Miami Cancer Institute.
