Tampa Bay open water swim benefits cancer research

Hundreds of swimmers, volunteers and supporters will come together Saturday, May 4 for the 13th annual Swim Across America – Tampa Bay to benefit cancer research.

At 8:30 a.m., open water swims varying from half of a mile to two miles will commence at North Shore Park in St. Petersburg.

All proceeds from the event go towards cancer research at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, and over $100 million has been raised nationally since Swim Across America was founded in 1987. More than $2 million has been raised for research and clinical trials since the Tampa Bay swim was established in 2021.​​

Sixteen-year-old Kellen Murdock is one of the top Tampa Bay fundraisers.

When high school sophomore Kellen Murdock learned that this swim was for cancer research, it gave him the motivation to participate in support of his dad, Daniel Murdock, who was diagnosed with stage 4 sinus cancer in 2019 and has been in remission since treatment.

Kellen joined the Tampa Junior Board of Swim Across America in order to raise money for cancer research, prevention and treatment. He is listed as one of the top fundraisers with over $5,000 raised.

When Kellen participated in last year’s swim, there was a much larger turnout than he expected, with young children and seniors alike. Some were there to cheer on others or swim themselves and swimmers 8 years old and younger took on the “Watermelon Dash” along the beach.

Kellen Murdock and his father, Daniel.

“It was really, really fun seeing all those different people,” Kellen said, “And you could just talk to someone randomly and everyone had a really nice reason for doing it.”

There was also an undeniable energy and sense of community, because participants were uplifting of one another, as Kellen recalled a specific encounter with a fellow swimmer. This attendee that Kellen spoke to was cheering him on and telling him to not worry, as Kellen mentioned he was nervous for the open water swim.

Kellen, who swims the mile race, had his dad there to cheer him on and support him, just as he supports his dad. After completing last year’s race, Kellen’s dad wrapped him in his arms as he tried to hold back tears.

This event is not only important to those directly impacted by cancer, Kellen pointed out: Even if you do not have a close relationship with someone affected by cancer, you may have a distant connection, such as a relative of a friend.

He is excited to participate in the upcoming swim with friends and in support of his family again.

“It’s worth just even putting 50 dollars to,” he said, “and even if you’re just doing the swim – it’s showing the support you have.”

For more information, go to the Swim Across America – Tampa Bay website.