What Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers and volunteers did at Pryibil Beach in Glen Cove to raise money
Volunteers and researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory took to the waters at Pryibil Beach in Glen Cove on Aug. 3 for the annual Nassau-Suffolk County benefit swim hosted by Swim Across America. The event, which brought together 14 swimmers and five volunteers from the labs, was held in memory of Carolyn Jaenisch, a passionate swimmer and beloved wife and mother, who passed away from non-small cell lung cancer in 2021.
Steve Chestler, an association director at CSHL, led the group as part of “Team Carolyn,” named in honor of his late wife. Chestler described his connection to Swim Across America and cancer research is “deeply personal.” Reflecting on the loss of his wife, he shared how her love for swimming and her battle with cancer inspired him and their children, Gregory and Caitlin, to join the cause.
“Carolyn was an incredible athlete. She swam the English Channel, around Manhattan, and participated in many marathons,” Chestler said. “We’re committed to raising funds to support the groundbreaking cancer research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.”
This year, Team Carolyn raised an impressive $205,737, with a goal of reaching $225,000 by Oct. 31. The funds raised will directly support innovative cancer research projects at the labs.
The event also provided an opportunity for the 2024 SAA funding recipients, Drs. Corina Amor Vegas and Semir Beyaz, to share their research and express their gratitude to the participants. Dr. Beyaz is working on developing a blood test that could detect early-stage cancers during routine physicals, while Dr. Amor Vegas is focusing on immunotherapy research aimed at creating more effective cancer treatments.
Chestler emphasized the importance of SAA’s support for young researchers.
“Swim Across America funds researchers with great ideas that aren’t proven yet, and who may not receive funding from larger organizations,” he explained. “This support is really crucial for studies that could lead to life-saving discoveries.”
The Nassau/Suffolk branch of SAA has been supporting cancer research at the lab since 2008, contributing a total of $1.2 million to date. This year’s event saw the chapter raise $833,030 through local pool swims and the open water swim at Pryibil Beach, furthering the lab’s efforts in pioneering cancer research.
Chestler described the day of the swim as emotional yet uplifting, with participants united in their mission to fight cancer. The atmosphere at Pryibil Beach was filled with a sense of purpose and community.
“The swim was perfect. The water was calm, the sunrise was breathtaking, and the energy from everyone there was incredible,” he said. “It’s a day of hope, and it’s really driven by the passion and dedication of everyone involved.”
