Not long ago, many of us could have said that neither we, nor any of our loved ones, had been impacted by cancer. Today, unfortunately, there aren’t many of us who have NOT experienced the devastating impact of this terrible disease.  In our lifetime, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer, including me.  I joined the Swim Across America community so that, together, we can change those statistics.  

Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has hosted charity swims with one goal - to raise money for innovative cancer research that would lead to breakthrough treatments and therapies.  Since then, SAA has raised over $100M to fund the next generation of pioneers in oncology and cancer-support care. 

We launched Team Tar Heel in 2021 in conjunction with Swim Across America in support of those Carolina Swimming & Diving alumni who won, are continuing, or have lost their fight against cancer. This year we will be dedicating Team Tar Heel’s September 28, 2024 SAA swim in memory of my good friend and Tar Heel basketball legend, Eric Montross, who lost his cancer battle last year. Being able to honor his life, his friendship and his impact in this way will mean so much to so many of us.  I am also participating because of my own personal battle and in memory of my mom, Joan Walsh, who passed away from this terrible disease in 2010, as well as all my other family members and friends who have been impacted by cancer.  Sadly, there are too many to name.

The September 28, 2024 event will be a "relay format" pool swim at Koury Natatorium in Eric's memory. Funds raised will benefit the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill.  I hope that you will consider joining Team Tar Heel and register for the swim, or if that’s not possible, I encourage you to make a donation to the Team or me personally (proceeds go toward our Team Tar Heel effort).  I am excited about being healthy enough to be able to swim in the event again this year!

I know that Eric, my mom, and all of those impacted by this insidious disease would be be very proud of this effort. Let’s help keep their memories alive by making waves in the fight against cancer. The researchers we are funding are the next generation of cancer pioneers.  Without Swim Across America early stage funding, they are not able to conduct trials that can lead to breakthroughs that can save lives, including mine.  Thank you for helping make an impact on our efforts to find a cure!