LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Swim Across America hosted its inaugural swim in Louisville Saturday, Sept. 14. The organization hosts swimming-related events across the country to raise money for cancer research, prevention and treatment.

“I’m ready to go,” said Vicki Lurie, swimmer.

Around 85 people swam at the Genesis Blairwood and Louisville Tennis Club to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

“I just, coincidentally, had two friends who lost a brother and a father to (glioblastoma), so I'm swimming for actually my two friends here,” Lurie said.

The event raised $75,000 for UofL Health's Brown Cancer Center.

“This money goes to research that wouldn't otherwise be funded by any other grants," said Curt Dame, Louisville chair of Swim Across America. "All of the money that's raised in the community stays in the community." 

The money will fund at least one clinical research nurse, which UofL said will help get more patients treated and cured. 

“We have had a dramatic increase in the number of new patient visits to the UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, going up more than 64%," said Jason Chesney, director of the UofL Health Brown Cancer Center. "Last year, we saw 5,500 new patients, and this is just going to continue. We've got to get in front of this battle and take care of these patients." 

The swim drew Olympians, former MLB star Bucky Dent and others who have connections to cancer, like Lurie.

“The more studies and trials that are out there, the easier it's going to be to fight cancer," Lurie said. "And if we live long enough, maybe there'll be a cure. Who knows?" 

Swim Across America said it’s planning to make this an annual event in Louisville. The organization added it has raised more than $100 million across the country since 1987.