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. 

“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.