Scarsdale's Team John Returns to Long Island Sound for 21st Year Supporting Cancer Research

The team will swim in memory of John NeedhamOn Saturday, July 25, a team based out of the Scarsdale Town Pool will once again join hundreds of swimmers, volunteers, and supporters for the Swim Across America Long Island Sound Swim, continuing a tradition that has spanned more than two decades.

Team John, named in memory of Scarsdale resident and fellow swimmer John Needham, has participated in the Swim Across America event for more than 20 years, raising money to support innovative cancer research. During that time, the team has collectively raised more than $2 million, helping fund promising research and clinical trials at leading institutions, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University, and other local beneficiaries. To date in 2026, Team John has raised over $130,000, which ranks in the Top 5 team totals nationwide.

While the annual swim is a physical challenge—the 10-kilometer course stretches more than six miles across the Long Island Sound—the mission has always been much bigger than the distance.

Over the years, members of the team have seen firsthand how Swim Across America-funded research has changed lives. One particularly meaningful story involves Adrienne Skinner, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer more than a decade ago. After becoming connected with Swim Across America, she later benefited from a groundbreaking immunotherapy treatment and is now cancer-free. Today, she remains an active supporter of the organization and a powerful reminder of why the event continues to matter.

Each summer, Team John brings together swimmers, kayakers, volunteers, donors, cancer survivors, and families who share a common goal: accelerating the search for better treatments and, ultimately, cures for cancer. Team John members for 2026 include current or former Scarsdale residents Patrick Bates, Eldad Blaustein, Diane Calderon, Jack Callahan, Tim Callahan, Elissa Elkowitz, Josh Glantz, Noah Glantz, Robert Goodman, Razy Hirschberg, Joe Kaufman, Teresa Maldonado, Dan Needham, Jeannine Palermo, Doug Rachlin, Miles Rubin, Justine Smith, Howard Weinberg, Duncan Wilson and Michael Zeller.

As the team prepares for another year in the water, community members are invited to support the effort by making a donation or learning more about the event.

To support Team John, visit here.

Every dollar raised helps advance cancer research and brings hope to patients and families whose lives depend on the next breakthrough.