Making Waves for a Cause: Betsy Jiranek’s Passion for Swimming and Community Giving
For Betsy Jiranek, swimming is more than just a way to stay active—it’s a way of life. A lifelong swimmer and proud member of the master swim team at Coppermine Meadowbrook Club for over three decades, Betsy has turned her love of the water into a powerful force for good. As a co-founder of Swim Across America – Baltimore, Betsy has combined her passion for swimming with her deep commitment to giving back to the community she calls home.
Sixteen years ago, after participating in the original Swim Across America event in Long Island Sound, Betsy and her husband, Drew, asked a simple question: Why are we going all the way to New York for this? With the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, the world-renowned Johns Hopkins medical community, and Olympian Michael Phelps calling Baltimore home, the Jiranek’s saw an opportunity to bring the swim—and its mission—closer to home.
From that vision came Swim Across America – Baltimore, a local chapter of the national organization that raises critical funds for cancer research, prevention, and treatment. Since its inception in 2010, the Baltimore swim has raised more than $7.5 million in support of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins.
“We now have open water swims and pool swims,” Betsy says. “You create teams, you raise money for an amazing cause, and all the funds stay local. That’s my way of giving back to the community.”
Each year, the event welcomes more than 400 swimmers, volunteers, Olympians, and supporters who gather at High Tide Farm to “Make Waves to Fight Cancer.” For those who prefer the pool, there are multiple pool swims between June and October throughout the Baltimore-Washington area, making it easy for anyone to get involved.
Betsy brings the same dedication to Swim Across America that she’s brought to every chapter of her life—from her early career in architecture and construction management to co-founding American Land Title with Drew in 1999. A proud resident of the Homeland neighborhood in Baltimore City and a mother of three, Betsy is fueled by a desire to make meaningful contributions in every space she touches.
Her story is a testament to what happens when passion and purpose meet. Whether she’s swimming laps, cheering on fellow swimmers, or leading fundraising efforts, Betsy Jiranek is making waves—in the pool and in her community.
Click here to learn more or get involved in Swim Across America – Baltimore.