Swim Across America names Levine Cancer Institute lab in Charlotte

Swim Across America has named its 10th cancer research lab in the U.S. at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, marking a new milestone for the nonprofit’s fundraising tied to cancer research. The dedication comes ahead of the Oct. 4 Charlotte Open Water Swim, which will support Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital.

Why it matters: - The lab naming recognizes years of swimmer, volunteer and donor funding for cancer research at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute. - The designation makes Levine Cancer Institute the 10th Swim Across America-named cancer research laboratory in the United States. - Swim Across America is headquartered in Charlotte, so the naming carries local significance as well as national reach. - The nonprofit says early-stage research funding can help move promising cancer ideas toward clinical trials and patient care.

What happened: - Swim Across America celebrated the official naming of the Swim Across America Hematology and Oncology Translational Research Laboratory at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute on Sept. 1 in Charlotte. - Swim Across America and Atrium Health leaders, physicians and researchers gathered for the dedication. - The event included unveiling and placement of the laboratory plaque, plus a behind-the-scenes tour and discussion of research supported by philanthropic funding. - Attendees included Swim Across America CEO Rob Butcher, Swim Across America - Charlotte event director Patty Waldron, Ruben Mesa, M.D., FACP, and Mark Griffith.

The details: - Swim Across America says it raises funds for cancer research through charity swims across the United States. - Rob Butcher said the lab recognizes past and future commitments to grant funding that drives innovation in how cancer is detected and treated. - Atrium Health leadership said community partners help expand access to cancer programs and cutting-edge research. - Other Swim Across America named labs are at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rush University Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine Meyer Cancer Center, Fred Hutch Cancer Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center and Nantucket Cottage Hospital. - Swim Across America says it has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since 1987. - The nonprofit says its funding has helped support clinical trials tied to FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy drugs including Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. - Swim Across America also says it funded a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. - The organization recently awarded gene-editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Between the lines: - The naming strengthens the link between a Charlotte-based fundraising nonprofit and the city’s cancer research ecosystem. - The lab dedication also serves as a public marker of philanthropy translating into research infrastructure, not just one-time grants. - Swim Across America’s mention of drug approvals and gene-editing grants signals a broader strategy: back early research that can eventually influence treatments used in clinics.

What's next: - Swim Across America’s 10th annual Charlotte Open Water Swim is set for Sunday, Oct. 4, at YMCA Camp Thunderbird on Lake Wylie in South Carolina. - The event begins at 10 a.m. and will offer half-mile, 1-mile and 2-mile swim distances. - Participants can also volunteer, donate or join through SAA My Way, the group’s virtual participation option. - Proceeds from the Charlotte event will support Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital. - More information is available here.