James Baron Sanders

March 24th, 1956 - February 28th, 2024

Jimmy passed away peacefully at home on February 28th with loved ones by his side.

Thank you for the endless outpouring of love and support for Jimmy and Jimmy Swims these past 4 years and beyond. The swim will continue on every year to honor his legacy.

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Jimmy was diagnosed with Stage 4 Papillary Thyroid Cancer in 2014. His cancer metastasized throughout his lungs, and by 2018 he had undergone three treatments of Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI) to arrest the growth of the tumors. He underwent an unprecedented 4th round of RAI in 2020 and it was that decision where Jimmy decided to focus his energy on gaining strength by swimming. It also prompted his thoughts toward finding a way to fund research to help his team of doctors help others who are battling this rare form of metastasized papillary thyroid cancer. Being a competitive swimmer in his youth and a member of the Lake Arrowhead community for decades, he approached the Arrowhead Lake Association (ALA), which granted his request to swim across the lake in 2020, and JIMMY SWIMS was born.

In November of 2021, Jimmy's lower left lung was removed due to a tumor that had grown to 10cm (approximately 4 inches). The operation also involved part of his diaphragm. Since that time, Jimmy found out that RAI was no longer a treatment option for him, and through genetic testing a specific form of oral chemotherapy was found. Jimmy has been on the oral chemotherapy for more than sixteen months. He initially saw some shrinkage of the tumors, but yet another tumor was found that resisted the chemotherapy and that tumor was treated with targeted radiation. Both these treatments came with some severe and lasting side effects. Through the difficulties that affect his lung function, Jimmy still finds that swimming is an activity that helps his mind deal with the emotional pressures and helps his body strengthen. His cancer is not curable, but our hope is that with research, growth his cancer can continue to be arrested so that Jimmy can continue to help raise funds and awareness and enjoy life at the lake.

Our first swim in 2020 was a solo venture based on Jimmy's desire to push himself physically and accomplish a goal to do some good for others. Our 2021 swim was opened to the Lake Arrowhead Community, where we had a couple dozen people join in. In 2022, more than 80 people participated in the event which included swimmers, paddle boarders, kayakers and other human powered vessels. It is our hope in 2023 to again have our community and friends come together to help us raise money for cancer research and come swim with Jimmy.

The UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation has been an incredible partner in helping us direct the funds raised to help fund research toward new therapies. In conjunction with funds being used directly for cancer research, they also help raise and direct funds to provide seed grants towards the work of promising young cancer researchers. That seed money is crucial in turning discoveries made in the lab into actual treatment. And, as we have found out, the monies needed for the Seed Grant Program can be smaller amounts than what you would typically expect in research and therefore every dollar raised can be of benefit. As many cancer patients know, treatment options require faith in their doctors, faith in the research behind the treatment options presented, and faith in future discoveries. Your tax-deductible gift will be directed through the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation to Dr. Deborah Wong and Dr. Christiaan Schiepers for their cancer research efforts. Your support for this cause is greatly appreciated.

Jimmy is thankful for the support of his family, friends, the community and the care he has received from Drs. Christian Schiepers, Robert Ross, Martin Auerbach, Deborah Wong, Monica Plesa, Ian Yip, Michael Yeh, Marcella Press, James Wilson, David Yao, and Robert McKenna.