INNSBROOK, Mo. — There will be strong waves out west this weekend and with every splash an array of emotions.
Swim Across America is coming to Alpine Lake at Innsbrook Resort for the 6th year benefitting Siteman Cancer Center.
To date, close to $700,000 has been raised.
One of the top fundraisers is a mom, originally from Florissant, who is swimming 14 of these events in honor of her daughter who lost her battle with bone cancer at the age of 14.
"There is kind of a healing component where you are kind of part of the water, so absolutely not only do I think about Grace while I am swimming, but there is always something that happens where we all know Grace's presence is there," said swimmer Vicki Bunke.
Vicki's daughter Grace was an avid runner and soccer player before she was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. In 10 months, she had multiple lung surgeries and lost her leg. She still wanted to stay in shape so she turned to the water for a challenge and solace for all she was experiencing.
Vicki started her journey in May and will do a "double-header" this weekend before her wrap-up in October in Atlanta.
Vicki Bunke Amazing Grace Tour Dates
May 8: Tampa
July 9: Detroit
July 24: Nantucket
July 31: Long Island Sound (Larchmont, NY)
August 7: Long Island, NY
August 8: Fairfield County, CT
August 15: Charleston-Kiawah
August 21: Chicago
August 28: St. Louis
August 29: Denver
Sept 11: Seattle
Sept 19: Baltimore
Sept 25: Dallas
October 2: Atlanta
Vicki and her daughter Grace were also the subjects of the first two episodes of WaveMakers, a docu-series on Swim Across America.
Vicki will be channeling Grace's energy Saturday morning along with hundreds of others as they make waves against cancer. To find out how you can donate or participate virtuall, visit swimacrossamerica.org.
Olympians will also be present. Emily Silver is a 2008 Silver Medalist and will be helping warm up the swimmers with some yoga, as she is also an active instructor.
Eric Wunderlich was part of the 2008 Olympic team and will also join in this year.
And former Olympian Elizabeth Beisel is swimming a 20K in honor of her father who recently passed away from pancreatic cancer. She is not swimming in St. Louis, but has received national attention for her fundraising efforts for her swim that will be Aug. 29.
This year's Swim Across America St. Louis event will support Dr. David DeNardo, whose research focuses on pancreatic cancer.