For Natalie Thompson, swimming has never just been about fitness or the thrill of open water. Each summer, the Nantucket resident dons her Swim Across America swim cap and dives into the Sound for something far more personal—an annual four-mile open-water swim to raise funds for local cancer care.
This year’s event on July 26 marks her most meaningful swim yet. Natalie swims in memory of her father, who passed away from stage 4 renal cancer in June 2024, and in continued gratitude for her wife Cassie’s recovery after a rare cancer diagnosis in 2019. “Four miles in the water is the least I can do to keep the lifeline open for others,” Natalie shares.
From Salt Water to Support System
Natalie’s connection to Swim Across America – Nantucket goes back to its inception in 2013. Over the years, she’s filled every volunteer role imaginable: setup crew, safety kayaker, “angel” swimmer supporting others, and for the last five events, one of the determined few who tackle the full four-mile course.
But it wasn’t until June 2019, when Cassie was diagnosed with ocular melanoma at just 33 years old, that Natalie’s commitment deepened. “We had two little boys and a terrifying diagnosis,” she recalls. “That same week, we attended a Swim Across America event. No one knew yet, but I left with hope.”
That year, Natalie completed her first four-mile swim—with Cassie paddling alongside as her kayaker. It was a moment of strength and solidarity that reshaped what the swim meant for their family.
Why It Matters: Island Access to World-Class Care
The Swim Across America – Nantucket swim funds critical cancer services at Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket (PASCON), helping families stay on-island for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
“Because of this swim, my dad was able to receive his chemo on the island,” Natalie explains. “And Cassie’s follow-up care happened here too. That matters. It changes lives.”
Since launching in 2013, the Nantucket swim has raised over $5.5 million. It’s part of a national movement that has generated more than $100 million for cancer research and helped fund breakthroughs like the FDA-approved immunotherapies Keytruda and Opdivo.
A Community that Swims Together
The July 26 event will host a range of swimmers—from kids splashing in the shallows to elite open-water athletes taking on the full four-mile course. There are half- and one-mile options, a two-by-two relay, and even a virtual swim for those joining from afar.
For Natalie, the finish line is always emotional. Her sons, now 11 and 9, hand out towels to swimmers and cheer as she emerges from the sea. “It’s a special moment every year,” she says. “They know I swim for their grampie and their mom.”
The event’s co-directors, Jill Roethke and Jim Pignato, see that same spirit island-wide. “When someone here is diagnosed with cancer, they know they’re not alone,” Jill says. “Natalie’s story is a reflection of how this community shows up—every time.”
Looking Ahead: Swimming Toward a Cure
Nationally, Swim Across America funds more than 60 research projects annually and supports 10 dedicated Swim Across America Labs at leading institutions. The organization recently launched gene editing innovation grants in partnership with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, accelerating advances in precision oncology.
But for Natalie, it’s the small, local victories that keep her swimming.
“We’re a community on a little island making sure cancer patients spend their precious time with loved ones instead of traveling for care,” she says. “Every stroke on July 26 will move us closer to a day when no family has to make that journey at all.”
Join the Cause
To participate, volunteer, or donate to Swim Across America – Nantucket, visit: swimacrossamerica.org/nantucket.
