When Danielle Dennis was diagnosed with ovarian cancer four years ago, her greatest goal was living long enough to see her youngest daughter graduate in May 2016.
"The ovarian cancer recurrence rate is very high, so I was scared about the future," Dennis said. "It helps to make yourself a goal. You take things one day at a time, and then one week at a time, and before you know it that goal is met."
Dennis underwent surgery and chemotherapy before entering an 18-month clinical trial for a new drug at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. Now that her cancer's in remission and she's months away from attending the graduation, she has her sights set on another achievement: swimming alongside Olympians at the sixth annual Swim Across America – Dallas.
2016 Swim Across America – Dallas
Brought to North Texas in 2011 by Olympian swimmers, Swim Across America – Dallas provides a rare opportunity for cancer survivors, former members of the U.S. Olympic Swim Team and hundreds of swimmers of all skill levels to make an impact on cancer research locally. The swim raises funds for the Swim Across America Innovative Clinical Trials Center on the campus of Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. Swimmers can participate in the open water swim at Lake Ray Hubbard or the pool swim.
- Open Water Swim: Saturday, June 11 at The Harbor at Lake Ray Hubbard, featuring the Iron Distance (2.4 miles), one-mile and half-mile distances
- Pool Swim: Sunday, June 12 at Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center featuring family-friendly pool swim for individuals and relay teams
"We're always thrilled to work with Swim Across America and are so grateful for their commitment to raise funds desperately needed for cancer research," said Dr. Alan Miller, chief of oncology, Baylor Scott & White Health – North Texas Division and medical director, Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas, which is the largest outpatient cancer center in North Texas dedicated to cancer care, research and education. Dr. Miller is also a swimmer in the event. "These event funds go directly to the Swim Across America Innovative Clinical Trials Center, where researchers are working continuously to find a cure for a broad range of cancers." Swim Across America – Dallas has contributed a total of $1.8 million to the Baylor Health Care System Foundation for the clinical trials center.
"Part of the healing process is knowing you have a chance, that your survival rate is not zero," Dennis said. "Research is critical for giving cancer patients that chance."
To participate in the open water event, swimmers are encouraged to raise a minimum of $500, and $200 if they are under 18 years old. Pool Swim participants raise a minimum of $100 to participate. Participants may swim individually or as part of a team to honor friends and family that have been affected by cancer. Swimmers who pledge to raise a minimum of $1,000 for Swim Across America are designated "Wavemakers" and receive additional prizes and recognition at the event.
To sign up, visit www.swimacrossamerica.org/dallas.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT:
Craig Civale
Craig.Civale@BSWHealth.org
214-820-6251
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com