Welcome to Swim Across America’s Team Tar Heel Fundraising Page!

Swim Across America (SAA) was established as a 501(c)3 public charity in 1992.  It funds cancer research, clinical trials, and patient programs by hosting open water and pool swims. The events are paired with local cancer research facilities, and here in Chapel Hill, SAA is paired with the well-known Lineberger Cancer Center.

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, SAA will host a FUN relay-format event at Koury Natatorium in Chapel Hill, NC. Team Tar Heel is excited to be a part of the Swim Across America Family/Carolina Community Swim for the second consecutive year!

Unfortunately, an estimated 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. Much progress has been made in cancer treatment in the last 5 years, but National Cancer Institute funding for investigative research and clinical trials has decreased 25% over the past 10 years. This benefit swim is so important because it raises dollars that are invested into early-stage cancer research and clinical trials.

We want all of our supporters to know that this year, and every year, Team Tar Heel will remain, “Committed to the Mission."  The 2024 Carolina swim is in memory of our good friend and Carolina Basketball legend, Eric Montross, who lost his battle with cancer last year, as well the Carolina Swimming and Diving family members who have beaten, are battling, or have recently succumbed to the disease, such as Heather Cleevely.

We all have been affected by cancer and here is our chance to unite and join the efforts to find a cure. The doctors and researchers at Lineberger Cancer Center are at the forefront of breakthrough research, giving people hope and a better quality of life throughout their cancer journey.  They need our help in “making waves in the fight against cancer.”

Please join our team in this very important fight by swimming in the event on September 28th.  If you can’t participate in the swim, we hope you will support us by making a gift to Team Tar Heel. Anything you can do will help in the search for better treatment options and perhaps one day, drown this terrible disease. 

Team Tar Heel Co-Captains - Sue Walsh UNC ’84 and Bailey Burt UNC '18