A Visit with the Swain Sprinters: Young Athletes Making a Big Difference
Honoring a Beloved Community Member and Raising Funds for Pancreatic Cancer Research
We had the absolute privilege of visiting the Swain Sprinters this past Thursday during their annual Bake Sale and Dress Down Day—a much-anticipated fundraising event the team hosts each year in support of pancreatic cancer research and patient programs. Though we arrived just as the bake sale was wrapping up, we still managed to snag a few tasty treats (though only about half of them made it all the way home!).
This dedicated group of student-athletes, full of enthusiasm and heart, trains every year for Amy’s Ride/Run/Walk 5K event. Coach Jeff proudly shared that this year’s team is especially motivated. “They actually ask for more running drills,” he told us. “They really want to run!” It’s clear these young runners aren’t just committed to training—they’re deeply connected to the cause behind the race.
And this year, their efforts have grown in incredible ways. The team is bigger than ever with 46 student-athletes! For the first time, the Sprinters secured sponsors for their custom shirts, amplifying both their visibility and their fundraising impact. Their bake sale alone raised over $1,000, and their Amy’s Ride/Run/Walk team currently stands at an impressive 85 registrants!
This cause also feels especially close to home for the Swain community this year. The Sprinters are running in memory of Barbara Fairfield, Swain’s beloved daytime cleaning specialist, who passed away last month after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Barbara had been a cherished part of the school since 1999, and her kindness, presence, and care left a lasting mark on generations of students and staff. In a touching tribute, the team added her name to this year’s shirts.
During our visit, Pancreatic Cancer Cure Foundation (PCCF) President Steve Cygan thanked the students for their dedication and support, and presented the Swain Sprinters with custom co-branded drawstring bags as a token of our appreciation for their efforts—a small gift we hope they’ll use for years to come, and a reminder of their meaningful contribution. He shared the story of his sister Amy, in whose memory the event was created, and spoke about the tremendous strides research has made since the first Amy’s Ride/Run/Walk in 2015. At that time, the 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer was just 6%—a stark number. Today, that figure has more than doubled to 13%, thanks to increased awareness, research funding, and early detection efforts.
Steve also emphasized the importance of living a healthy lifestyle as one way to reduce risk factors for pancreatic cancer. However, he noted that even healthy individuals can be diagnosed—one of the many challenges of this disease. Because of its location in the body and the vague nature of early symptoms, pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to detect and treat in its earlier stages.
We were genuinely impressed by the students’ thoughtful questions and engagement during the discussion. Their curiosity and eagerness to learn stood out. These bright young minds are not only promising leaders of tomorrow—they may very well be the doctors, researchers, and advocates who help drive future breakthroughs in cancer care.
Jessica Stubits, a PCCF representative, shared her heartfelt admiration for the Swain Sprinters: “It’s been really special to watch some of these kids grow through the program and return to the race year after year. It’s also awesome to see former students come back as Ambassadors and step into leadership roles.”
We left Swain School feeling uplifted and full of hope. The Swain Sprinters are a shining example of how young people, united by a common goal, can make a powerful impact. Their hearts, their hustle, and their dedication remind us that every step, every dollar, and every name honored matters deeply in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Currently, the Swain Sprinters team for Amy’s Ride/Run/Walk is at 85 team members and climbing!
Visit their fundraising page and help support the cause: https://runsignup.com/Race/176841/Donate/eCkaoK2RLsLcC3JI
About the Swain Sprinters
Coach Jeff Haviland started the Swain Sprinters when he joined The Swain School in 2017. At the time, they had Girls on the Run but no option for the boys. Since Coach H. worked with a program similar to it at his last school, Swain School asked if he would be interested in starting a program at Swain as well. Jeff Haviland said, “As a lifelong runner, I was happy to do it!” In 2024, the team became co-ed and also added “ambassadors,” which are middle school students who have been on the team in the past, acting as assistant coaches.
The Swain School Campus of Moravian Academy is a private K-8 school in Allentown. Coached by Jeffrey Haviland, Allison Haas, and Heather Manning, these students work hard to build strong characteristics of a leader such as confidence, respect, and being a good teammate.