Rich DeSelm: Rooted in Philanthropy and Making Waves with Swim Across America – Carolina

Rich DeSelm’s connection to Swim Across America runs deep — rooted not only in his own cancer journey but also in a lifelong commitment to swimming and building community.

Rich was first diagnosed with testicular cancer in January 1982. Since then, he has faced multiple cancer and heart challenges, leaning on the expertise of his medical care team, and his community of supporters who have helped him every step of the way. 

The Swim Across America – Carolina event brings together a community of UNC alumni and students, Olympians, and hundreds of supporters.

“I’ve been fortunate to receive incredible care at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the beneficiary of the Swim Across America – Carolina pool swim,” Rich shares. “That support has motivated me to keep giving back.”

His story with swimming and cancer fundraising began decades ago. In the early 1980s, alongside his friend, Peter McGrain, Rich helped launch a community event in Chapel Hill called Swim For Life. The summer fundraiser brought together families and swimmers from the Chapel Hill Summer Swim League and raised awareness and funds for cancer research. 

Around that same time, after Rich graduated from UNC, he took an assistant coaching position and remained on the coaching staff for nearly 30 years.  

When Rich stepped down as Head Swimming Coach at UNC in 2019, his successor, Olympic gold medalist Mark Gangloff, worked with Swim Across America CEO Rob Butcher to bring a new event to Chapel Hill — continuing the mission that Rich had helped start years earlier. Thus, Swim Across America – Carolina was born!

The community pool swim has grown exponentially since its inception in 2022. Last year, supporters raised more than $170,000 for UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

For Rich, the connection to Swim Across America is personal. “I feel a very close connection to the Swim Across America mission,” he says. “I am swimming for all cancer patients and survivors, especially those in the swimming community, and on behalf of all cancer care providers, including family members, who play such a vital role in care and survivorship.”

This year, as he joins the Swim Across America – Carolina community, Rich carries with him not only his own survivor story but also the stories of countless others who inspire him to Make Waves to Fight Cancer.

If you are inspired to support Rich and Team Tar Heel, give here.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE 2024 SWIM ACROSS AMERICA COLLEGE CUP

Swim Across America (SAA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 SAA College Cup. More than 45 collegiate, club, and alumni teams and over 1,400 participants all united to make waves in the fight against cancer through swimming and friendly competition. 

Swim Across America awarded the top fundraising team, the top collegiate fundraiser, and a bonus team chosen at random. 

Congrats to the top fundraising team, Team Tar Heel! The top team is led by co-captains, Georgia Nel and Sue Walsh, and raised more than $96,000. Funds raised by Team Tar Heel supported the Swim Across America – Carolina community.

Team Tar Heel from the SAA-Carolina community is the winner of the Swim Across America College Cup. Congrats!

For Olympian and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alum, Sue Walsh, Swim Across America’s mission is deeply personal. 

“My involvement became even more personal when I heard the words myself, ‘You have metastatic colon cancer.’ As someone who spent most of her life committed to the sport of swimming, it made perfect sense to partner with SAA in the fight against cancer, including my own.”

Congrats to the top collegiate fundraiser, Alyssa Corb, who raised over $24,000! Alyssa is a student at the University of Tennessee, Swim Across America – Nashville co-event director, and long-time supporter of Swim Across America – Baltimore. Over the years, Alyssa and her family have raised more than $200,000.

Alyssa Corb and her mother, Jennifer, at the 2024 SAA-Nashville community swim.

“My main inspiration for swimming is my brother Michael, who passed away from mixed lineage leukemia when he was nine months old,” shared Alyssa.

“I was 2 when he was born and 3 when he was diagnosed and died. I don’t remember every second but I do remember loving every minute with him, and his face lighting up whenever I walked into his room. To me, Swim Across America is not just about raising money to find a cure, it’s to honor and remember those who fought their battle and prevent other parents, siblings, and families from going through the loss of a loved one.”

SAA also recognized a collegiate team chosen through a random drawing: Providence College Swimming and Diving team from Providence Rhode Island. The team of more than 100 swimmers raised more than $64,000 and were awarded a Vasa Trainer Pro. Funds raised by the team from Providence College Swimming and Diving supported Swim Across America – Rhode Island.

The Swim Across America College Cup was announced in 2023 and invited college teams, athletes, and alumni to join the organization’s mission of funding cancer research, clinical trials, and patient care programs through community charity swims. Teams participated by registering for one of Swim Across America’s open water charity swims, joining or starting a pool swim, or participating virtually through the SAA My Way program. Participants affiliated with a U.S-based college or university were eligible to compete in the College Cup. Teams consisted of current college students, alumni, or a mix of both, and could be small as one person.

The Swim Across America College Cup was supported through partnerships with CSCAA, Vasa, and GoSwim. 

About Swim Across America

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention, and treatment through swimming-related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, Swim Across America is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more visit swimacrossamerica.org or follow on Facebook @SwimAcrossAmerica or on Instagram @SAASwim.

About CSCAA

Founded in 1922, the CSCAA is the nation’s first professional coaching association for intercollegiate athletics. The CSCAA boasts more than 2,000 member coaches and assistant coaches, recognizes All-American swimmers and divers, NCAA record-breakers and Scholar All-America athletes and teams, as well as outstanding coaches and contributors, and helps oversee the welfare of collegiate swimming and diving. Learn more about CSCAA at cscaa.org.

About Vasa

Vasa empowers swimmers, surfers, and triathletes to become stronger, better, faster in sports, fitness, and injury rehab. Vasa offers specific equipment such as swim ergometers, trainers, sport benches and other accessories to provide athletes with safe, effective training methods. Founded by Rob Sleamaker, an acclaimed exercise physiologist and author, who has worked with Olympians, biathletes, and triathletes as well as some of the world’s most respected swim coaches to reinvent their training practices. Learn more about Vasa at vasatrainer.com.

About GoSwim

GoSwim creates content that helps people of all ages and backgrounds to swim better and reach their full potential in the sport. GoSwim’s videos are acclaimed and unsurpassed for clarity of filming and clarity of content and commentary. GoSwim was founded in 2002 by Olympian Glenn Mills and business colleague Barbara Hummel. Learn more at goswim.tv.

FROM A MARATHON TO BEATING BREAST CANCER AND NOW MAKING WAVES WITH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – CAROLINA

Keri Cleary watched family members go through the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. And at 36 years old, it was hard to believe that she would also hear those same words, “you have breast cancer.”

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer one month after running the Boston marathon, to the day. I was in the best shape of my life, and it was absolutely heart wrenching,” shared Keri.

Thankfully, Keri received swift treatment for her cancer and she is now cancer-free. Her connection to the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (UNC) and her gratitude to her doctors and care team, are what inspired her to join the Swim Across America – Carolina community swim.  

“I feel so fortunate that because of the research and science, that I was quickly treated and cared for,” said Keri. 

“I am now cancer free and feel lucky enough that I am on a treatment plan to help reduce recurrence and keep me healthy for years to come.”

Sue Walsh, University of North Carolina Alum, SAA-Carolina committee member and cancer survivor with Keri Cleary

This is Keri’s third year supporting Swim Across America – Carolina and, in addition to swimming at the event, she has taken on a larger role with their local planning committee. Keri has raised over $7,000 to support UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Keri Cleary (center) with, from left to right, Aranza Vázquez Montaño (UNC Diver, Olympian) Rodolfo Vázquez Montaño (UNC Diver), Greer Pattison (UNC Swimmer), Elizabeth Sowards (UNC Swimmer) and Delaney Carlton (UNC Swimmer).

“I am really thankful to participate in Swim Across America for my third year in a row, this year, healthy.”

This year holds another special meaning for Keri, as she recently lost a family member to cancer.

“This year, I will be swimming in honor of my uncle, who passed away in December 2023 from a long battle with cancer.”

Keri has found community and hope with the Swim Across America community. And is thankful to see the impact in a direct way.

“Swim Across America means so much to me. The last two years I have seen how this wonderful event directly impacts those with cancer and those who have loved ones with cancer,” said Keri. 

“I am so thankful that we raise funds for cancer research.To me, it’s about getting a community together to do really great things to help support cancer research.”

The 2024 Swim Across America – Carolina community swim is dedicated in memory of Eric Montross.

Keri Cleary with North Carolina Aquatic Club (NCAC) Swimmers; Audrey Wolk, Connor Peck, Isabel Wolk & Mackenzie Collins
Keri Cleary with NCAC swim coach and friend, Kirsten Siebenga. 

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE INAUGURAL SWIM ACROSS AMERICA COLLEGE CUP

Swim Across America (SAA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 SAA College Cup. Nearly 40 collegiate, club, and alumni teams and over 1,200 participants all united to make waves in the fight against cancer through swimming and friendly competition. 

Swim Across America awarded the top three fundraising teams, top three fundraising individuals, as well as a bonus team chosen at random. 

The top three fundraising teams are:

1st Place: Emory Swim and Dive
Captain: William Kerscher; Susan Mumford
Amount Raised: $70,381
Number of Team Members: 71

2nd Place: Providence College Swimming & Diving
Captain: John O’Neil
Amount Raised: $56,115
Number of Team Members: 101

3rd Place: Team Tar Heel
Captain: Sue Walsh 
Amount Raised: $54,904
Numbers of Team Members: 20

The Emory Swim and Dive team is the winner of the Swim Across America College Cup. Congrats!

The Emory Swim and Dive team had supported Swim Across America in the past, and pointed out that the College Cup made their experience even more exciting. Funds raised by Emory Swim and Dive supported Swim Across America – Atlanta open water swim.

“As a team, we are elated to be the first-ever Swim Across America College Cup champions and to have had the opportunity to make such a tremendous positive impact in our community. Each of us is passionate about the SAA mission and thankful for the good it has done for so many. We look forward to participating in the College Cup for years to come and helping in the fight against cancer!”

Olympian Sue Walsh, captain of Team Tar Heel, is the College Cup’s top individual fundraiser.

The top fundraising individuals are:

1st Place: Sue Walsh 
Amount Raised: $36,485

2nd Place: Chris Weissman 
Amount Raised: $16,679

3rd Place: Bob Hackett 
Amount Raised: $11,887

For Olympian and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alum, Sue Walsh, Swim Across America’s mission is deeply personal. 

“I have witnessed the sadness in friends’ eyes when they’ve been told they have cancer. I want to honor those who have lost their battle and to help provide better treatment options for those still in the fight,” said Sue.

“My involvement became even more personal when I heard the words myself, ‘You have metastatic colon cancer.’ As someone who spent most of her life committed to the sport of swimming, it made perfect sense to partner with SAA in the fight against cancer, including my own.”

Funds raised by Sue and Team Tar Heel supported the Swim Across America – Carolina community.

SAA also recognized a collegiate team chosen through a random drawing: Western New England University (WNEU) Swim Team in Springfield, Massachusetts. The team of eight swimmers raised nearly $3,500 and were awarded a Vasa Trainer Pro. Funds raised by the team from WNEU supported Swim Across America – Rhode Island.

Western New England University Swim Team took home the bonus prize: a Vasa Trainer Pro!

The Swim Across America College Cup was announced in 2023 and invited college teams, athletes, and alumni to join the organization’s mission of funding cancer research, clinical trials, and patient care programs through community charity swims. Teams participated by registering for one of Swim Across America’s open water charity swims, joining or starting a pool swim, or participating virtually through the SAA My Way program. Participants affiliated with a U.S-based college or university were eligible to compete in the College Cup. Teams consisted of current college students, alumni, or a mix of both, and could be small as one person.

The Swim Across America College Cup was supported through partnerships with CSCAA, Vasa, and GoSwim. 

About Swim Across America

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention, and treatment through swimming-related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, Swim Across America is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more visit swimacrossamerica.org or follow on Facebook @SwimAcrossAmerica or on Instagram @SAASwim.

About CSCAA

Founded in 1922, the CSCAA is the nation’s first professional coaching association for intercollegiate athletics. The CSCAA boasts more than 2,000 member coaches and assistant coaches, recognizes All-American swimmers and divers, NCAA record-breakers and Scholar All-America athletes and teams, as well as outstanding coaches and contributors, and helps oversee the welfare of collegiate swimming and diving. Learn more about CSCAA at cscaa.org.

About Vasa

Vasa empowers swimmers, surfers, and triathletes to become stronger, better, faster in sports, fitness, and injury rehab. Vasa offers specific equipment such as swim ergometers, trainers, sport benches and other accessories to provide athletes with safe, effective training methods. Founded by Rob Sleamaker, an acclaimed exercise physiologist and author, who has worked with Olympians, biathletes, and triathletes as well as some of the world’s most respected swim coaches to reinvent their training practices. Learn more about Vasa at vasatrainer.com.

About GoSwim

GoSwim creates content that helps people of all ages and backgrounds to swim better and reach their full potential in the sport. GoSwim’s videos are acclaimed and unsurpassed for clarity of filming and clarity of content and commentary. GoSwim was founded in 2002 by Olympian Glenn Mills and business colleague Barbara Hummel. Learn more at goswim.tv.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – CAROLINA IN THE NEWS

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Carolina community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/carolina.

Swim Across America blog – saaswim.com

FROM A MARATHON TO BEATING BREAST CANCER AND NOW MAKING WAVES WITH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – CAROLINA

Swim Legend Sue Walsh Makes Waves with Swim Across America – Carolina And in Cancer Fight

GoHeels.com (UNC News)

Swim Across America Set For September 28

Tar Heels Ready To Make Waves In The Fight Against Cancer

Carolina Insider Podcast: UNC vs. Duke Preview; Basketball Schedule; Sue Walsh, Zoe Behrendt Join

The Buffalo News

In greatest struggle, friends say legendary WNY swimmer Sue Walsh ‘gives us strength’

SwimSwam

UNC Ready To Make Waves In The Fight Against Cancer

97.9 The Hill WCHL

On Air Today: ‘Swim Across America’ for the Lineberger Cancer Center

Swimming World – 2023

Olympian Sue Walsh Fighting Cancer, Raising Money for Research With Swim Across America

Swim Across America Launches College Cup and College Ambassador Programs

New Programs Offer Fun, Fresh, and Exciting Ways for College Students to Make a Bigger Impact With Swim Across America

College Swimming Coaches Association of America, Inc. and Vasa are proud partners of College Cup Competition

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 26, 2023 – Swim Across America (SAA) is pleased to announce two new programs aimed at college students and college swim teams who want to make a bigger impact in their community through leadership, fundraising, and friendly competition. The Swim Across America College Cup features 30+ collegiate, club and alumni teams and more than 1,000 participants all united to make waves in the fight against cancer through swimming. The second program is the SAA College Ambassador program where 21 college swimmers and ambassadors have been selected to represent Swim Across America throughout the school year to help raise awareness on the importance of making waves to fight cancer. Both programs are supported through partnerships with College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) and Vasa, the fitness training company for swimmers.

Swim Across America College Cup

Through December 1, 2023, college or college-affiliated swim teams will compete in the Swim Across America College Cup, a fundraising competition among collegiate teams in the U.S. Teams can participate by registering for one of Swim Across America’s open water charity swims, joining or starting a pool swim, or participating virtually through the SAA My Way program. Participants must be affiliated with a U.S-based college or university to be eligible to compete in the College Cup. Teams may consist of current college students, alumni or a mix of both, and can be as small as one person.

To date, more than 30 teams consisting of 1,000 participants are currently enrolled in the College Cup’s inaugural year. As the college swim season peaks, Swim Across America expects those numbers to increase and encourages teams, clubs and alumni groups who want to join to do so at swimacrossamerica.org/collegecup

Members of the Emory University Swim and Dive team at the 2023 SAA-Atlanta event.
Members of the Providence College swim and dive teams at the 2023 SAA-Rhode Island event.

“One of the exciting aspects of the Swim Across America College Cup program is that it offers a new way for alumni to stay engaged with their college swim teams,” noted John O’Neill, head coach of the Providence College men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs and a long-time participant in Swim Across America open water swims. “It allows them to lead the next generation of athletes in the swimming world and instill a philanthropic mindset.” 

Fundraising by the College Cup teams will support cancer research and clinical trials in the community in which teams register to swim. If teams are participating in a national pool swim, funds support the Swim Across America pediatric cancer research fund. Swim Across America offers 24 open water swims across the country and hundreds of pool swims each year.

The College Cup brings several exciting partnerships to Swim Across America, including the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) and Vasa, a fitness and rehabilitation company focused on peak performance for swimmers, surfers and triathletes.

As part of their partnership, CSCAA will recognize the top individual College Cup fundraiser at their annual awards ceremony. 

“We are thrilled to rejuvenate the partnership between Swim Across America and the CSCAA,” said Samantha Barany, executive director of CSCAA. “The philanthropic efforts of Swim Across America are impressive and impact nearly everyone in some way with the fight against cancer. The open water events hosted by Swim Across America are an excellent opportunity for our college teams and athletes to engage in charitable endeavors within a familiar and loved environment – the water. We will continue to find more ways to collaborate and I believe this is just the beginning!”

Vasa will award a Vasa Trainer Pro model to two participating teams. One will be awarded to the top College Cup fundraising team and the second will be awarded to a randomly selected team participating in the College Cup. All teams have the opportunity to win through their participation. 

Swim Across America College Ambassadors

Swim Across America is also excited to announce another new college initiative, the Swim Across America College Ambassadors program. College Ambassadors will be the face of Swim Across America at their college or university and lead efforts to raise awareness of Swim Across America’s mission to fund cancer research, clinical trials and patient programs by hosting charity swims. College Ambassadors are passionate about Swim Across America and help engage their peers, promote the Swim Across America mission and brand, and encourage their local communities’ involvement.  

Earlier this year, Swim Across America invited college students to apply for the Swim Across America College Ambassadors program. Applicants were asked to share why they are passionate about Swim Across America, highlight any previous leadership experience, and outline their aspirations for participating in the program. More than 30 applications were reviewed by a Swim Across America selection committee and 21 college students were selected to be College Ambassadors for 2023. Students selected represent colleges across the country, including University of South Florida, Roger Williams University and Northeastern University. 

Beyond their role as ambassadors, these students also serve as team captains for teams participating in the College Cup or any Swim Across America event. To learn about the Swim Across America College Ambassador program, visit swimacrossamerica.org/ambassadors.

Swim Across America was founded in 1987 with its first open water event in Long Island Sound. Since that time, the nonprofit organization has raised more than $100 million to fight cancer. In its 36 years of making waves to fight cancer, more than 100,000 swimmers and 150 Olympians have swum the circumference of the earth three times, uniting a movement to fight cancer that has created a groundswell of support spanning all generations. Today, more than 24 communities hold open water swims and hundreds of charity pool swims each year, from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge, which support innovative cancer research, detection and patient programs. 

Swim Across America’s funding of clinical trials for patients helped contribute to four FDA approved life-saving immunotherapy cancer treatments: Yervoy, Opdivo, Tecentriq and Keytruda. In June of last year, a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering was published in The New England Journal of Medicine that showed a 100 percent success rate in treating patients in a phase 2 clinical trial for advanced rectal cancer with dostarlimab, an immunotherapy treatment produced by GlaxoSmithKline. The clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering was funded by early-stage grant funding from Swim Across America. More than 60 scientific grants are funded each year and there are now ten dedicated Swim Across America Labs at major institutions including: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, John Hopkins Medicine Atlanta, Rush University Medical Center Chicago, Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, Infusion Center at Nantucket Cottage Hospital, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and San Francisco, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, The Swim Across America Pediatric Research Lab at Columbia University Medical Center New York, and The Swim Across America Laboratory at Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine.

About Swim Across America

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, Swim Across America is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more visit swimacrossamerica.org or follow on Facebook @SwimAcrossAmerica or on Instagram or Twitter @SAASwim.

About CSCAA

Founded in 1922, the CSCAA is the nation’s first professional coaching association for intercollegiate athletics. The CSCAA boasts more than 2,000 member coaches and assistant coaches, recognizes All-American swimmers and divers, NCAA record-breakers and Scholar All-America athletes and teams, as well as outstanding coaches and contributors, and helps oversee the welfare of collegiate swimming and diving. Learn more about CSCAA at cscaa.org.

About Vasa

Vasa empowers swimmers, surfers and triathletes to become stronger, better, faster in sports, fitness and injury rehab. Vasa offers specific equipment such as swim ergometers, trainers, sport benches and other accessories to provide athletes with safe, effective training methods. Founded by Rob Sleamaker, an acclaimed exercise physiologist and author, who has worked with Olympians, biathletes and triathletes as well as some of the world’s most respected swim coaches to reinvent their training practices. Learn more about Vasa at vasatrainer.com.

Swim Legend Sue Walsh Makes Waves with Swim Across America – Carolina and in Cancer Fight

Sue Walsh
Swim Across America – Carolina
Age: 61

Swimming and philanthropy go hand-in-hand for Sue Walsh. She was first introduced to Swim Across America through her 1980 U.S. Olympic teammate Craig Beardsley, and she has always felt that the organization’s mission of funding life-saving cancer treatments was a meaningful way to give back.

Sue and her daughter, Sarah, with two of Sue’s grandsons, Jayden and Carter at the 2022 SAA-Carolina pool swim.

“Over the years, swimming has given me so much joy. It made perfect sense to partner with Swim Across America to direct my passion towards finding a cure for cancer – which has affected so many people in my life,” Sue noted.

Sue has had an illustrious swimming career, and many consider her a legend in the swimming world. She was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, won two medals at the 1982 World Aquatic Championships, and while swimming at the University of North Carolina, became a 10-time national champion and three-time Most Outstanding Swimmer at the ACC Championships.

In 2003, she was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Throughout the last 20 years, she still competed in swimming in the master’s category, setting six world records in her age group at the 2007 United States Masters’ Swimming Championships.

In 2010, Sue’s mother Joan, lost her fight to melanoma. Then, in 2019, Sue was diagnosed with colon cancer making her support of Swim Across America that much more personal. Sue shared this news with Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America and Sue’s close friend through their master’s swimming association.

“Rob invited me to speak at the 2021 Swim Across America – Charlotte charity swim. I was incredibly proud to share my story with the crowd of supporters.”

Rob Butcher, Sue Walsh, UNC Head Coach Mark Gangloff, his wife Ashley and their daughter, and Bailey Burt, Sue’s team’s co-captain, pictured at the 2022 SAA-Carolina pool swim.

Of course, Sue did more than speak at the event. She also dove in to help make waves to fight cancer – and at the same time, conquered her fear of swimming in open water!

“Although I had a fear of swimming in anything except a pool, I couldn’t stand on the shore and watch others doing their part to raise money for the incredible researchers at the Levine Cancer Institute,” said Sue.

After Sue’s initial cancer diagnosis, she had surgery and was declared cancer free. In 2022, a scan revealed new lesions had formed.

Now, Sue is receiving treatment for stage IV colon cancer at the Levine Cancer Institute, with which she was diagnosed in 2022.

Sue and Eric Montross, a friend and former UNC men’s basketball player.

“I receive incredible care there. And I have watched some very good friends begin their cancer journey and others succumb to the disease this past year. That made me motivated to invest even more of my time and energy in an amazing organization such as SAA,” noted Sue.

Sue’s cancer fight and connection to swimming and Swim Across America inspired her to propose a pool swim at a familiar place.

“That is when I began discussing with Rob Butcher and Carolina Head Swimming and Diving Coach, Mark Gangloff, the possibility of a pool swim at The University of North Carolina’s Koury Natatorium.”

“In 2022, our first year, we raised more than $90,000 for UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the home of one of my oncologists. This year, we are on target to surpass that level of fundraising,” said Sue.

Sue is determined to raise funds for cancer research through her own cancer battle. Her determination speaks to her selfless nature. Over the years, Sue has raised over $30,000 for Swim Across America.

Sue and Jenny Strickland Mangum, a cancer survivor and Sue’s UNC roommate and teammate

“I don’t know if any of the research being done at Levine Cancer Institute or Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center will directly impact my quality of life or my life span, but I want to do all I can to “Make Waves to Fight Cancer.”

Sue’s accolades continue to pour in. In August 2023, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) dedicated its pool to her – a much deserved honor.

“We are honored that your name, in perpetuity, will be associated with our university and our aquatics center,” UNCP Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings said during the dedication ceremony. “To you, Sue, your family and your friends, please know that UNC Pembroke is excited, we’re honored, and we are inspired to honor such a great legend.”

If you are moved to support Sue, you can donate here.

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.