Two members of the Central High School Swim Team went the extra mile during a recent Swim Across America event. Max Kubik and Caleb Richter swam to show support and raise funds which will be donated to Emory and Children’s Hospital of Atlanta (CHOA) to fund important cancer research.
Swim Across America (SAA), an organization that started as a grassroots effort, was founded 12 years ago with a small group of swimmers who wanted to make an impact for all those who have had or will have experienced a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
SAA partners with CHOA and Emory doctors to help fund clinical research along with drug trials for potential lifesaving therapies targeted at treating many types of cancers. Major life saving treatments and research have been developed and approved by the FDA, thanks to the help this funding has provided.
Max Kubik and Caleb Richter are members of Swim Atlanta, a group of hard-working high school students that like swimming for a cause. Each year swimmers like Max and Caleb, choose someone they know who has been affected by this horrible disease to raise money in their honor. This year the boys swam for Ms. Tricia Rountree, their math teacher, who is battling cancer. Recognizing the importance of solidarity during challenging times, these young athletes initiated a heartwarming effort to make donations to support cancer research. Together, with the help of teammates with Swim Atlanta raise over $64,000 to donate to SAA. The culminating event and celebration took place when the boys swam a 5K at the Lake Lanier Olympic Rowing Park to honor those still fighting and those who have lost their lives to cancer.
“Both Max and Caleb are perfect examples of what we want to see in people. Max and Caleb made us all proud to be part of the Lion family and we support their kind hearts and personal initiative to help fight this terrible disease,” said Principal Mr. Kelly Edwards. He continued, “I’m proud of our students and the accomplishments I see each day. Today, I’m especially proud of Max and Caleb for showing us all how to be better people and support each other.”
