As home to the world’s greatest swimmer and the world’s greatest hospital, it’s no wonder that in its first year, Baltimore’s Swim Across America,  a fundraiser for cancer research through swimming- related events, set the record for the largest inaugural event in SAA history.  Raising over $400,000 and enlisting over 400 participants, the open water and pool swims were a huge success.  In year two, the swims grew, raising over $500,000 for the Swim Across America Lab at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. The organizers hope to make the 2012 event, held this coming Sunday, Sept. 23, even bigger, and  it’s not too late to sign-up or support a team.

The swim takes place at the Waltjen Shedlick Farm at 5101 Mountain Road on the Magothy River in Pasadena. (The body of water for the swim is in a cove with flat water making it very swimmer friendly!) Swimmers have the option of a one or three mile swim, followed by a post event party and light breakfast.  For those who don’t like swimming in open water, there is also a swim at Meadowbrook Aquatic and Fitness Club in Mt. Washington.

Bob Bowman, Michael Phelps’s coach and head coach and CEO of the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, is the honorary chair of this year’s events and has donated Meadowbrook for the pool swim.  Michael Phelps has supported the event and continues his support through his Michael Phelps Swim School, which has offered a free, 16-week training program at the Meadowbrook Aquatic Center and Merritt Athletic Clubs for beginner-level swimmers interested in participating in the day.
“As we return to Baltimore for our third year, we continue to be astounded by the dedication of our swimmers, volunteers and donors in [the Baltimore] community,” said Janel Jorgensen McArdle, President, Swim Across America. “Everyone involved sees the impact of the cancer research being done at the Swim Across America Laboratory at Johns Hopkins, and that is why the Baltimore event continues to flourish each year.”

Even if you’re not a swimmer, you can support a team (Friends School, Johns Hopkins and the Kimmel Cancer Center are just some) and do your part to fight cancer. Check out the Baltimore Swim Across America website to learn more about how you can participate.