USH X Swim Alcatraz 2026

On October 17th, The Usher Syndrome Society hosted an awareness event and fundraiser featuring 10 swimmers living with Usher syndrome and 12 support swimmers. These 22 individuals made their way across open water in the San Francisco bay from Alcatraz Island to the shore of Aquatic Park, raising awareness and critical research funds for Usher syndrome.

It was an incredible day of community and support, as swimmers, families, friends, and supporters came together to raise awareness and advance research for Usher syndrome.

The swim was held in honor of Rebecca Alexander, an author, disability rights advocate, extreme athlete, and board member of the Usher Syndrome Society who is living with Usher syndrome. Having completed the crossing more than a decade ago, Rebecca returned to Alcatraz with further vision and hearing loss, making this swim especially meaningful.

The event was captured by our documentary film team, who has spent the past six years creating a feature film highlighting Rebecca, the Usher syndrome community, and the Society’s work to advance research.

Usher syndrome causes progressive hearing and vision loss, and the Alcatraz crossing represented some of the challenges of living with this disease. With most hearing devices removed, swimmers navigated dark, unpredictable open water, offering a glimpse into the uncertainty and sensory loss that individuals living with Usher syndrome experience every day.

Beyond raising awareness and critical research funds for Usher syndrome, which currently has no treatments or cure, the event brought the community together in a meaningful way. We are grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported this effort.