Story HAISTEN WILLIS/Photos by JASON GETZ
An inner calling emerged for Sydney Weissman in 2016 when her close friend Camille experienced a loss.
Only weeks after the girls graduated from the Wesleyn School in Peachtree Corners, Camille’s mother, Karen High, passed away from colon cancer. Karen had survived the illness for five years.
Months later, Weissman, wanting to do anything she could to honor Karen and her journey, participated in Swim Across America’s event at Lake Lanier.
Swim Across America hosts open-water swims across the country that benefit cancer research. The Atlanta swim is a fundraiser for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
“Like Mrs. High, I am a fighter,” Weissman often says. “My battle is to find a cure for cancer, and I won’t stop.”
For her first Swim Across America event, Weissman, now a junior at Georgia College & State University, set a goal of raising $1,000, but was surprised to bring in $10,000 instead.
In 2017, Weissman planned to swim for $10,000 and raised over $15,000. This year, she has set an even more ambitious goal: $30,000.
“We’re shooting for the stars,” Weissman says.
Swim Across America was started in 1987 by Jeff Keith and Matt Vossler. The childhood friends first created a Run Across America fundraiser in 1985, in which they ran from Boston to Los Angeles during an eight-month period. They raised more than $1 million for cancer research. Keith lost part of his right leg due to cancer when he was 12 years old.
Swim Across America events have raised over $75 million.
For the Lake Lanier swim, adult participants are asked to raise at least $400 before race day; swimmers age 17 and younger, $200.
Swimmers of all ages and skill levels raise money by competing in one-mile swims and two-mile relays likened to fun runs, in addition to a 5K for more experienced athletes.
At least 15 former Olympians have signed up to swim or volunteer at Lake Lanier. Some are referred to as “angel swimmers,” who monitor activity, looking out for those who might need assistance or encouragement. Missy Franklin, Amanda Weir, Heather Petri and Nei-Kuan Chia are among the former Olympians participating in the overall event.
Lifeguards will also be on the water in kayaks, reminding swimmers that they can take a break at anytime.
“The best aspect of being involved with Swim Across America is going to the event and seeing all of the people fighting for friends and family members,” Weissman says. “I’m such a big advocate for people doing things they’re passionate about.”
Enthusiasm for the Atlanta swim has resulted in Weissman’s college major, mass communications. Her career goal, she says, is to become a fundraiser and event planner for a nonprofit.
But Sydney isn’t the only Weissman involved in Swim Across America. Her father, former collegiate swimmer Chris Weissman, serves as emcee of the event.
Chris Weissman got involved through Swim Across America president and former Olympic swimmer Janel Jorgensen, with whom he swam growing up in Connecticut.
“When I first got involved, Swim Across America consisted mostly of open water swims held at the coast,” Chris says. “If you weren’t near a beach you were sort of limited, so Janel and I talked about expanding it to include lake swims.”
The first Swim Across America Atlanta event was held at Lake Spivey in 2013 and later moved to its current home at Lake Lanier.
“My attitude is and has always been that I’ll do whatever needs to be done,” Chris says. “It’s a lot of fun. You get to see so much of the event as the emcee because you’re standing on a stage. You’ll see someone swimming in memory of someone who was living the year before. It makes it more and more real. It really captures your heart seeing kids with names of people written on their arms, or people carrying pictures.”
The Johns Creek resident says he’s also struck by the profound impact cancer has had on his daughter as she watched her friend’s mother battle and finally succumb to the disease in the midst of despair and helplessness.
Chris says he’s also struck by the profound impact cancer has had on his daughter as she watched her friend’s mother battle and finally succumb to the disease in the midst of despair and helplessness.
“It inspired Sydney to want to do something and to honor her friend,” Chris says. “And of course to honor the memory of Karen High. Sydney really jumped in with both feet and was very aggressive, very committed, and she had a powerful story to tell.”
Swim Across America Atlanta. Sept. 22. Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford. 980-265-1276. swimacrossamerica.org
INSIDER TIPS
With funds raised by Swim Across America for cancer research, SAA’s advisory committee provides seed grants to research projects that are making major advances in finding a cure for the disease. The grants help the beneficiaries with new funding from other big donors.
Two open-water clinics to prepare for the Swim Across America Atlanta event will be held at Lake Lanier Islands before event day: Aug. 26 and Sept. 9 from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Clinic fees are $50.
