USH X Swim Alcatraz 2026

On October 17, 2026, the Usher Syndrome Society will host a swim from Alcatraz to shore with 20 swimmers in total: 10 individuals living with Usher syndrome and 10 support swimmers.

This swim is in honor of Rebecca Alexander, an award-winning author, psychotherapist, disability rights advocate, extreme athlete, and board member of the Usher Syndrome Society, who is living with Usher syndrome. Rebecca first completed this crossing over a decade ago and now, as she faces further vision loss and no functional hearing without the use of implants, she will return to the water for this monumental event.

This moment will be captured by our documentary film team, who has been working with the Usher Syndrome Society for the last 6 years to create a powerful feature film spotlighting Rebecca Alexander and the work of the Usher Syndrome Society.

Usher syndrome causes progressive hearing and vision loss, and the Alcatraz crossing is symbolic of the challenges of living with this disease. During the swim, most hearing devices must be removed while swimmers navigate dark, unpredictable open water. This experience offers a rare glimpse into the uncertainty and progressive sensory loss individuals with Usher syndrome face every day.

This event aims to bring awareness and raise critical research funds for Usher syndrome, which currently has no treatments or cure.