Since 2017, Swim Across America has helped advance cancer research at Atrium Health. Through the generosity of its swimmers, volunteers, and donors, the organization’s collective contributions have surpassed $1 million. Today, Swim Across America is propelling $370,000 in active research funding at Atrium Health Levine Cancer, supporting the work of Drs. Lawrence Druhan, Michael Grunwald, Greg Knight, Zvonimir Milas, Jai Patel, Brittany Ragon, and Srinivasa Sanikommu. Together, this team of physicians and scientists is driving progress toward safer, more effective treatments for patients.

Four current studies supported by Swim Across America include:

  1. Personalizing leukemia care: Identifying genetic predictors of how chronic and acute myeloid leukemia patients metabolize drugs and experience side effects, helping guide more precise treatment and dosing.
  2. Reducing transplant risks: Assessing genetic and clinical factors linked to cardiac toxicity after bone marrow transplants, with the goal of improving survivorship and quality of life.
  3. Addressing financial stress: Exploring how financial navigation services can reduce distress and improve outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
  4. Understanding cancer evolution and early detection: Studying how cancers develop through genetic changes, with an emphasis on identifying disease earlier. This includes the Firefighter Project, which screens firefighters for premalignant conditions tied to occupational exposures, aiming to inform better prevention, monitoring, and treatment strategies for high-risk populations.

Thanks to Swim Across America’s continued commitment, these studies are bringing hope to cancer patients and their families.

Left: On Sunday, October 5, 2025, Swim Across America-Charlotte hosted its Ninth Annual Open Water Swim at Camp Thunderbird, bringing together supporters for a day of impact. Right: Atrium Health Foundation hosted Swim Across America for a lab tour in August, where the team announced its largest grant to date — $235,000 to advance leukemia research at Atrium Health Levine Cancer.