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.

“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.”

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.

“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.

“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.