Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Charlotte community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital, at swimacrossamerica.org/charlotte.
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.
Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Charlotte community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital, at swimacrossamerica.org/charlotte.
In August 2024, Charlotte resident, Julia Brookshire, completed the Hellespont-Dardanelles swim through a partnership between Swim Across America and SwimTrek Swimming Holidays. She also celebrated retirement, a serendipitous new career, and being in deep remission from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Find media highlights from Julia’s adventure here.
At 37, Shannon Carney received a diagnosis that would alter the course of her life — a breast cancer diagnosis that has shaped her journey for over two decades.
Shannon Carney, a breast cancer survivor, swam at the 2023 SAA-Charlotte open water swim.
“It changes a person to their core,” Shannon says as she reflects on the battles fought not only by herself but by those she loves. “Cancer has taken a lot from me, including my mother to pancreatic cancer and my father to prostate cancer.”
Now, Shannon is celebrating 21 years of being cancer free and her second year supporting Swim Across America – Charlotte. She joins SAA-Charlotte event director and good friend, Patty Waldron, on team MSA Team Out of My Box.
This year, her participation in SAA-Charlotte carries a deeply personal dedication. She swims in memory of Rob DiFrank, a dear friend who passed away last November.
“Rob’s life was tragically cut short by a rare blood cancer at the age of 40. His loss is felt not only by his friends but also by his surviving wife Lauren, herself a cancer survivor, and their miraculous four-year-old son, James,” shared Shannon.
The pain of losing loved ones to cancer is a familiar one. Over her 18 years of involvement in the cancer support community, she witnessed firsthand the devastation cancer can bring to both young and old.
Shannon and her friend, Rob DiFrank, who lost his battle with a rare blood cancer in November 2023.
“The research support that Swim Across America provides is an important path to reducing the pain and suffering that cancer can bring,” she says, emphasizing the critical role that the organization plays in the fight against cancer.
Shannon smiling through cancer treatments!
Shannon’s commitment to cancer survivors extends beyond swimming with Swim Across America. She and her husband, Dave Pschirer, co-founded Wind River Services, a cancer wellness program that operated for 17 years, offering free support to cancer survivors. Prior to operating Wind River Services, Shannon was a corporate lawyer.
”I’m grateful to the team of dedicated and caring professionals that helped our community during the toughest fight. This program became a lifeline for many, providing hope and healing without any financial burden,” said Shannon.
Shannon retired in January of this year, and she reflects on the impact her team had on the lives it touched.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to join Swim Across America and continue to give back to a community that has given me so much.”
In 2024, Julia Brookshire made the leap from pharmaceutical sales rep to Swim Across America National Safety Director signifying a full circle journey. She also celebrated being in deep remission from chronic lymphocytic leukemia. To ensure she didn’t “waste her cancer,” she set out to raise money for Swim Across America through an SAA My Way challenge and a historic cross-continental swim with SwimTrek. Read Julia’s story here and find media highlights below.
Julia Brookshire’s journey with Swim Across America is full of signs and signals. The events leading up to her newest adventure are like an invisible string that ties her to the Swim Across America mission. It’s an adventure that prompted a career change and a cross-continental swim.
“I first found out about Swim Across America because I saw a backpack with the logo laying on the pool deck. I had just finished a swim, saw the logo, and Googled ‘Swim Across America’ when I got home,” said Julia.
When she realized Swim Across America combined swimming and fighting cancer, she was immediately drawn in. Julia’s father passed away in 2005 from glioblastoma and Julia’s neighbor had recently been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She knew she had to be involved, so she gathered up her neighborhood friends and formed a team for the 2019 Swim Across America – Charlotte community swim in her neighbor’s honor.
Fast forward to 2021 and Julia wanted to swim again. This time, she chose the Swim Across America – Tampa event because she had friends in Florida who would come with her to the event.
Julia Brookshire, center, with teammates at the 2019 Swim Across America – Charlotte open water swim.
“Before the start of the swim, I met Vicki Bunke, whose daughter Grace lost her battle to osteosarcoma. Vicki swam in 14 Swim Across America events to honor Grace. As a mother, I immediately felt a connection,” said Julia.
Julia Brookshire and Rob Butcher, Swim Across Ameria CEO, at the 2021 SAA-Tampa community swim.
When Julia finished the course at SAA-Tampa, she met Rob Butcher, Swim Across America chief executive officer. They shared a quick exchange and realized they both lived in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was a sign.
“When we got back to Charlotte, Rob reached out to me, and we met for breakfast. He asked me, ‘What do you do and what are you passionate about?’” said Julia.
Julia said, “I’m a pharmaceutical sales rep and my passion is water safety.” At the time, Julia was working as a pharmaceutical sales rep in the rare-disease space and certifying lifeguards for Mecklenburg County Aquatics. Julia holds several water safety certifications, including training as a Big Wave Risk Assessment Groups water rescue technician, and as a surf responder for the ocean course. After her discussion with Rob Butcher, Julia knew this was the start of something special.
FAMILIAR FACES IN ALL PLACES
Julia had been swimming since she was two years old. She was taught to swim “the old school way” as she puts it. She swam competitively through high school and continued swimming, though in a less competitive way, in college and still swims to this day.
“My mother was terrified of the water. She vowed to make sure her kids knew how to swim and how to be safe around water. So at two years old, she put my brothers and me into the pool and sort of forced us to learn to swim!” said Julia.
Julia’s involvement with Swim Across America quickly grew and her passion for water safety led her to higher-level volunteer positions with Swim Across America. Some of her roles included supervising some of the community events as a national safety liaison. At her first event where she worked with the safety team, she saw a familiar face.
“I looked over and there was Vicki Bunke! First in Tampa and now at Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah. Another sign.”
Julia continued volunteering as a national safety liaison for the next two years.
SWIMMING WITH MY THOUGHTS
It wasn’t until February 2023 when Julia’s connection with Swim Across America became even more important. Julia was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and began a year-long treatment program that included a combination of chemotherapy antineoplastic agent infusions and oral immunotherapy.
“I didn’t tell people that I had cancer. I didn’t want my sons to be constantly reminded I wasn’t well. I wanted to focus on my remission, not my CLL diagnosis. And I didn’t want people to treat me differently,” shared Julia.
Throughout her treatments, Julia swam daily at her local YMCA. Swimming was a form of therapy and helped her maintain a positive outlook. It was so important to her that she scheduled her treatments in the late mornings so she could swim every day at the YMCA at 6 a.m.
“Swimming was where I could be with my thoughts. I could pray, I could meditate, I didn’t have to think about cancer. It kept me centered and grounded. In fact, I had just gotten out of the pool when I got the ‘you have cancer’ call from my doctor. If I had been anywhere else, I would not have been able to handle that call,” said Julia.
Another sign.
Julia Brookshire excitedly rang “the bell” at Levine Cancer Center in March 2024.
Swimming also kept her focused on remission. Thankfully, Julia was given the news that she was in “deep remission” in February 2024. She anxiously went for her last routine scan and visit with Dr. Ryan Jacobs at Levine Cancer Center.
“On March 7, I rang that bell signifying completion of my treatment and I couldn’t have been happier,” said Julia.
“Then I kept thinking, ‘OK, what’s next, what do I do now?’”
What came next was something bigger than Julia had imagined and surprised those closest to her. Before she could tell people about her next adventure, she needed to tell them she was in remission – from a cancer they didn’t know she had.
MAKING WAVES WITH A CROSS-CONTINENTAL SWIM
Julia’s big plan was realized when Swim Across America announced a new partnership with SwimTrek, the world’s leading provider of open water swimming trips. It was a sign.
“I started by telling people that I was doing something crazy, swimming from one continent to another, and I was raising money for Swim Across America. When they asked why, I told them it was to celebrate my remission of CLL,” said Julia.
“The amount of love, kindness, and support I received was unbelievable. Well, not completely unbelievable, because I know I have an incredible support system. But it was overwhelming and I’m so grateful.”
So what IS next? In February 2024, Julia signed up as a Swim Across America SAA My Way virtual participant. This allows her to design and complete her own challenge and raise funds for Swim Across America.
In July 2024, she made an even bigger move and left her career in pharmaceutical sales to officially join Swim Across America as a full-time national safety director!
Now onto Julia’s next adventure and My Way fundraiser: Thanks to the partnership between Swim Across America and SwimTrek, Julia was awarded an entry into the Hellespont and Dardanelles Swim, known as the world’s oldest swim. In August 2024, Julia will travel to Turkey and swim the Hellespont and Dardanelles swim on August 30.
The course is a cross-continental swim from Europe to Asia in Turkey and is through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The shipping lane is closed during the race, so swimmers must adhere to a strict course time. The course is 4.5 kilometers and must be completed in 90 minutes.
“It’s intimidating and I’m training for it! I am a good swimmer and am building up my stamina. I am thankful that I’m feeling healthy and strong,” shared Julia.
“I think back to that backpack on the pool deck and look to where it’s led me. I am working with an organization that is making an incredible impact in communities across the country. I swam my way through cancer treatment. And now I get to swim one of the oldest swimming courses in the world and raise money for cancer research while I do it. There were signs all over the place.”
Julia will have some company and moral support in the water as she makes her cross-continental trek. Julia will be joined by Janel Jorgensen McArdle, a former Olympic swimmer and Swim Across America chief operating officer.
“Julia and I have been close friends for a while and I’m so happy she has been given this opportunity to celebrate her year-long journey,” Janel shared. “This is so special and I’m happy to swim alongside her. Now I need to start training!” Janel joked.
Julia hopes to make waves to fight cancer by raising $60,000 for Swim Across America – and is so close to meeting her goal! If you are moved to support her swim, visit swimacrossamerica.org/jb.
Find media highlights from Julia’s adventure here.
Charlotte Junior Advisory Board (JAB) Swim Across America – Charlotte Team Unified
When most people hear the word “jab,” they think of a fast punch used to hit a target.
At Swim Across America, JAB is an acronym for Junior Advisory Board, a group of school-aged swimmers and volunteers with a passion for philanthropy, making an impact in their community, and raising funds for cancer research.
Our newest JAB is making waves with Swim Across America – Charlotte and consists of a remarkable group of high school students, each with their own reason for supporting Swim Across America.
“Over the years, I have witnessed the tremendous impact that Swim Across America has had in raising funds for cancer research and supporting those affected by the disease,” said Kaleigh (KK) Hart.
“This personal connection to the organization and its mission has deepened over time, and it has become an integral part of my life,” she continues.
Though this is the SAA-Charlotte JAB’s first year, some members of Team Unified, the team they formed to fundraise for SAA-Charlotte, have participated in other community swims and been involved with Swim Across America since a young age.
“I have been involved with the organization since 2013 through Swim Across America – Atlanta, when I was just seven years old. At the time, Swim Across America was this super fun event I attended and used my sport to help people,” said KK Hart.
Kaleigh (KK) Hart at the 2008 Swim Across America – Atlanta charity swim.
“Through my participation in Swim Across America, I honor and swim for my friend Brooke so we can fight brain cancer, for Grace to find new treatments for osteosarcoma, for Granny and Karen Shultes to fight melanoma, and for my grandma to reduce people diagnosed with breast cancer,” said KK.
“The journeys they have faced have had a profound impact on my life, and by swimming in their honor, I hope to raise awareness about the challenges faced by cancer patients and inspire others to join the cause.”
SAA-Charlotte event director, Patty Waldron, and members of the SAA-Charlotte JAB at the Charlotte Country Club Championship meet this summer. Pictured: Patty Waldron, Kiley Wilhelm, KK Hart, Alden Fletcher, Ryan Mikszan
Like KK, Kiley Wilhelm wanted to join SAA-Charlotte to honor the loved ones she lost to cancer.
“I support Swim Across America and swim for my grandmother, whom I lost to cancer three years ago. She always encouraged my swimming career, and joining SAA is one of the ways I have tried to honor her memory,” said Kiley.
Another SAA-Charlotte JAB member, Zetta Grace Bartee, finds inspiration through a young family member’s cancer fight.
“This year, I am swimming the open water swim in Charlotte for my six-year-old cousin Margaret Anne, who has had kidney cancer two times. Her bravery reminds me why I do what I do as a JAB member,” said Zetta Grace.
SAA-Charlotte JAB member, Zetta Grace Bartee
SAA-Charlotte JAB member, Karlin Smith
SAA-Charlotte JAB member, Karlin Smith, knows firsthand how important early detection and treatment is, having witnessed two family members’ cancer diagnoses.
“I swim for my two grandmothers who both fought breast cancer. Fortunately, neither had to go through chemo treatments. The key was an early diagnosis. Organizations like Swim Across America have raised money to develop advanced technology to catch cancer early on and to protect the people we love the most, like my grandmothers,” said Karlin.
The inaugural group of the SAA-Charlotte JAB has 21 members representing five area high schools and various school-affiliated and swim team clubs. Coaches from high schools and local swim clubs hand-selected and invited their students to apply. Applicants completed an online form asking why students are passionate about Swim Across America, what they hope to gain from the program, and previous leadership experience they pass onto others. The group was established with the help of SAA-Charlotte event director, Patty Waldron, and longtime SAA supporter, Sheri Hart.
Once selection was complete and the 21 members were announced, the group quickly formed a plan to ramp up engagement, fundraising, and awareness among their peers. They broke into smaller sub-teams and tackled projects like establishing an SAA-Charlotte JAB Instagram page with weekly #WhyISwim posts, organizing local give back promotions where a portion of proceeds from sales would benefit SAA-Charlotte, and planning family-friendly fun events for the day of the charity swim.
SAA-Charlotte JAB members at a recent group meeting.
SAA-Charlotte JAB members at a recent group meeting.
The members of SAA-Charlotte JAB are Burcham Barlas, Zetta Grace Bartee, Granger Bartee, Abby Druhan, Davis Dunham, Alden Fletcher, Danny Guenther, Kelsi Hart, Kaleigh (KK) Hart, Aidan Hill, Lanie Holden, Caroline Meehan, Ivy Monk, Sofia Plaza, Karlin Smith, Bryce Spangler, and Kiley Wilhelm.
So far, Team Unified has raised over $23,000 and is one of the top fundraising teams for SAA-Charlotte.
“I am incredibly proud of our JAB and all they have accomplished this year. To see the younger generation carry on this important mission is inspiring for everyone involved in our event,” said Sheri.
If you are moved to support the Charlotte Junior Advisory Board and Team Unified, 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.
Swim Across America 