For the second consecutive year, Eagle Ridge raises funds for cancer research through participation in a Swim Across America event
These times are filled with uncertainty, but one thing remains true: groundbreaking cancer research needs funding to save lives.
Despite the enduring Global pandemic, Swim Across America Fairfield County forged ahead to “make waves to fight cancer.” Rather than the traditional large group swim, this year’s participants completed a “Personal Challenge 2020” either individually or as part of a small group.
Eagle Ridge and Team Wave Riders rose to the occasion for the second year in a row to participate and raise funds for cancer research. Team members ranging in age from 8 to 80 gathered on August 30th (well-masked!) in Westport, CT and other spots around the country to walk, run, bike and swim.
Alie Hamilton (Team Wave Riders Leader) with Ben Connard and Mike Oliver, joined family and friends of the firm at Sherwood Island State Park to walk and run 5K. Further up the coast, David Laidlaw and his Mom, Amy, braved the choppy waters of Groton Long Point to swim for the cause.
This year, Eagle Ridge made a corporate gift to Swim Across America Fairfield County, while team members continued to fundraise individually. In the past 13 years, Swim Across America Fairfield County has raised $4.165 million for its local beneficiary Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT), which uses one hundred percent of all donated funds to support breakthrough cancer gene therapy research. This year’s funds will support ACGT grant recipient Stephen Gottschalk, MD, chair of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Gottschalk and his team are focused on an innovative approach to tackling the challenge of pediatric sarcomas. Nationally since 1987, Swim Across America has granted more than $85 million to crucial cancer research and clinical trials at most major universities and cancer institutions.
Next year we hope Swim Across America Fairfield County will be able to resume its traditional open water swim in Greenwich, Connecticut. Eagle Ridge plans to participate next year and if you would like to join us, please let us know. If you don’t want to swim there are lots of fun volunteer activities for this great cause.
Please watch the accompanying video for highlights from this year’s event!