News Summary
In St. Petersburg, Florida, sisters Frankie and Emmie Grieco-Routh will participate in the Swim Across America event to raise funds for cancer research. Frankie, cancer-free for ten years, will cheer on her sister Emmie, who swims in her honor. The sisters’ story highlights the importance of community support in cancer research and the resilience of families facing health challenges.
St. Petersburg, Florida – The local community will witness a heartwarming display of unity and purpose as sisters Francesca “Frankie” Grieco-Routh and Emmersan “Emmie” Grieco-Routh participate in the Swim Across America event on Saturday. The event will be held at Spa Beach on the St. Pete Pier, commencing at 8 a.m.
Thirteen-year-old Frankie, who has been cancer-free for ten years, will be cheering on her younger sister, 11-year-old Emmie, as she swims in honor of Frankie. Emmie is a member of St. Petersburg Aquatics’ Team BEST, which has successfully raised $15,034 for cancer research to date. The funds generated through this event will support vital initiatives at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, where Frankie continues to receive ongoing medical care.
Frankie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at the tender age of three, facing numerous challenges throughout her treatment. Now, at 13 years old, she celebrates a decade of being cancer-free, showcasing tremendous resilience. Despite her victory over cancer, Frankie continues to battle health issues, specifically a rare form of epilepsy. The family sought specialized medical attention early this year to address the complexities of Frankie’s neurological and oncological history.
Finding timely medical care became a pressing issue for the Grieco-Routh family, as most hospitals had waitlists extending up to ten months. Fortunately, Johns Hopkins was able to commence treatment for Frankie much sooner, prompting the family to relocate in July for better access to care. This move helped Emmie reintegrate into a supportive swimming community, providing her with a sense of normalcy after their transition.
Taking part in the Swim Across America event represents Emmie’s way of giving back to the institution that has been integral in her sister’s health journey. It serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that community-driven events can have on cancer research funding and patient care. Emmie’s involvement with her teammates from Team BEST emphasizes the solidarity and commitment that can be found within sporting events aimed at larger causes.
As the Swim Across America event approaches, excitement and anticipation build within the local community. The Grieco-Routh family’s story exemplifies the strength of family bonds in the face of adversity, highlighting both the struggles they have endured and their unwavering support for one another. Frankie’s journey through childhood cancer and her continued fight against epilepsy serve as an inspiring backdrop for the event, motivating swimmers and supporters alike.
The Swim Across America is not only a chance for Emmie to honor her sister but also an opportunity for the entire community to rally for a cause that affects countless families. The funds raised will contribute significantly to cancer research and treatment options, ensuring that hospitals can continue to provide essential services to patients and their families.
As swimmers take to the water this Saturday, they will be propelled by stories of hope and determination similar to that of the Grieco-Routh family. Events like this strengthen community ties and underline the importance of supporting medical research initiatives aimed at finding more effective therapies and cures.
The Swim Across America event on Saturday promises to be a day filled with inspiration, reflection, and determination as participants come together in support of cancer research, leaving a lasting impact that extends well beyond the swimming pool.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Wikipedia: Cancer Research
- WRIC
- Google Search: Cancer Fundraising
- Greenwich Sentinel
- Google Scholar: Cancer Research Funding
- ABC Action News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer
