ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital got a big donation for cancer research on Saturday.
The nonprofit Swim Across America hosted its charity swim at the St. Pete Pier.
Dozens of people got into the water and raised more than $70,000.
13-year-old Piper Bozeman was back for her sixth swim. Like many participants, she has a close connection to cancer.
“It’s fun because I’m so excited to get back to the finish line and just have all my family members supporting me for the cause,” said Piper. “I have a few family members that have cancer and I actually lost one. So, I just feel really connected and one of my close neighbors, she’s a kid, and she has brain cancer. So I just feel really connected to doing this and just being here to support.”
There was a half mile, mile and a two-mile swim and a kids dolphin dash. Swim Across America’s goal was to raise $100,000.
“Our swim is important because the money we raise here goes to fund pediatric cancer research, which is under-funded typically,” said Julia Lamb, co-director of Tampa Bay Swim Across America.
The funds will go to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. There, Oncologist Dr. Jonathan Metts, in partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center, is working on a clinical trial for immunotherapies for kids with hard to treat cancers.
“This is a phase one study, meaning we’re testing out the safety,” said Metts.
If the study proves to be safe and patients show good responses, then Metts said, they can launch into larger studies.
“It’s really important because then we can find the cure for cancer, which should be really good,” said Piper.
Over the 15 years Swim Across America has been in Tampa Bay, it’s raised more than $2 million for local beneficiaries.