The Vols Swim Club will be joining the Swim Across America-Nashville organization on April 21 for a relay event. This will be SAA’s third year of hosting the event and will be the Vol’s second year of attending. The SAA is a charity event that raises money for cancer. Further, some of the money goes towards cancer research and clinical tests.

This event started in 1987 after the success of Run Across America, which Jeff Keith started after he struggled with cancer. His friend Matt Vossler was intrigued to find other ways to combat cancer, and his idea of a charity swim came to life. This charity event eventually caught the eye of the public and became the title SAA in 1992. Since then, the organization has been held in approximately 20 communities in America. Their overall goal is to raise $100,000 to fight cancer.

Alyssa Corb is vice president of the swim team and coordinates events and travel situations for the club team along with other duties. Born in Maryland, she is a junior with an education major and a STEM secondary concentration, as well as a double minor in mathematics and statistics. Corb has been involved in this organization since 2011. She is on SAA’s associate board and is the co-event director for Nashville’s event.

“This year, 10 members of our club will be in Nashville again for the event. With still a week to go until the swim, we have already raised over $24,000. However, fundraising is open through the end of October,” Corb said.

The members of the swim club feel deeply towards this cause, as most of them know someone in their lives who has experienced cancer. This event brings people together in a heartfelt way while also doing something they love.

“We are touched by all the stories of those fighting cancer, hearing stories of those who have lost someone to cancer and the stories of those who have beaten cancer,” Corb said.

Katie Fleming is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee and is double majoring in child and family studies and theater. She has a lot of experience with swimming, as she swam competitively for seven years. Fleming also relates to this cause on a deeper level.

“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last summer, and I love and cherish how I am able to swim in honor of her,” Fleming said.

This event offers several easy ways to support, and students do not need to have swimming skills to participate. People can easily donate. If people are unable to participate or donate, they can also sign up to volunteer and help out with the event. The event is a great way to form bonds with people who have gone through similar experiences and raise awareness and funds for cancer.

“My favorite part of Swim Across America is how welcoming and enthusiastic the atmosphere is,” Fleming said. “Everyone is so kind and supportive of each other, and I feel at home with so many people that are complete strangers.”

To show support for this deadly disease and help the Vol community raise money towards their goal, visit their website or register.