Swim Across America: Swimmers fight cancer with Lake Michigan open swim

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Nearly 300 peopled jumped into Lake Michigan Saturday morning for Swim Across a America.

The event helps raise money for cancer research.

"Everybody on this beach is touched by cancer in some way, either personally or with a family member or friend," said Alyse Mauro Mason, Volunteer Event Director. "And every single person truly believes in the mission to end the fight against cancer."

The two-mile open water swim started at Ohio Street Beach. It's followed by a one-mile and half-mile swim.

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In its 30 years of making waves to fight cancer, Swim Across America Chicago has been instrumental in raising more than $5 million for cancer research.

"We've had swimmers that have been participating for every year since we started in 1994," said Mauro Mason. "So this is a true event of family and community, and there's nothing more special than a swimming community and a cancer community."

One of those swimmers is David Kennedy.

"We are team Kennedy and several of our cousins and extended family and friends come out every year," said Kennedy.

Kennedy said he has a personal connection to the cause.

"Some members of our family have cancer and thankfully have gotten through it and are still with us and going strong. But everybody is affected," said Kennedy.

"I swim in memory of my uncle Russ, who used to do the swim every year and he died of cancer a few years ago," said swimmer Claire Haffner. "So my aunt, cousins, and I have been doing it the past few years in memory of him."

Since 2012, the swim has also partnered with Rush University, donating $2 million to their Cancer Center to support early-stage cancer research and clinical trials for a variety of cancers.

The funds providing more families with hope.

"It's nice to feel close to him in that way," said Haffner.