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Sister Swims Alcatraz for Usher Syndrome Awareness
17 Oct
Summary
- Rebecca Alexander will swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco.
- The swim raises money for the Usher Syndrome Society.
- Usher syndrome causes progressive vision and hearing loss.
Broadcast journalist Peter Alexander shared his pride as his sister, Rebecca Alexander, prepared to swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco on Saturday, October 17, 2026. This 1.25-mile swim is part of the USH X Swim Alcatraz event, dedicated to benefiting the Usher Syndrome Society.
Rebecca, 47, is living with Usher syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive vision and hearing loss. She was diagnosed at 19, though symptoms began in childhood. Her sister Lauren will serve as a support swimmer due to Rebecca's significant vision and hearing impairment.
Rebecca aims to raise awareness and funds to find treatments for Usher syndrome, which has impacted her vision to the point of seeing through a "small straw." She previously discussed her diagnosis on TODAY in May 2024, detailing her struggles with vision loss and hearing loss since her early teens. Despite initial challenges, Rebecca has embraced her condition and seeks to be a role model for others.
This is not Rebecca's first time swimming Alcatraz; she completed the challenging swim a decade ago. Her courageous endeavor highlights her resilience and commitment to supporting research and advocacy for Usher syndrome.
