Local Family Supports Breast Cancer Prevention in Statewide Event on June 17th

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) will be holding its annual, statewide Against the Tide Swim, Kayak, Walk, Run and/or Aquathon fundraising events again in 2017. Proceeds benefit MBCC, which is the state’s leading breast cancer organization that seeks to understand the causes of breast cancer to find ways to prevent the disease.

Boxborough resident, Don Oliver and his late wife Betty were married in 1953 in Worcester, MA then moved to Acton to raise their five daughters. In 1988, Betty was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and after close to a two year battle she passed away at the age of 57, while her youngest daughter was still in her freshman year of college. Since that time, Don and Betty’s family has grown to include five son-in-laws and twelve grandchildren. Although Betty is no longer living her memory is alive in the hearts of her family. “My sister’s and I have all been effected by the death of our mom,” says Cindy Geoffrion, one of her daughters. “Most us of now have daughters of our own and hopefully someday granddaughters. We don’t want to see them endure the same loss we experienced. It would be nice if people never had to suffer through treatment or loss but at the very least if we can prevent the number of people effected by breast cancer in the future, that would be a start.” This year Betty’s Brigade will participate the in 25th commemorative statewide Against the Tide at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park in memory of their family’s matriarch. The team is comprised of members from each generation including Don, who will be doing the Kayak component with his daughter, Karen Roop. Dan Roop, Ben Roop, Sarah Roop, Rosalyn Smith and Noah Smith, all grandchildren of Don’s will be running the 5K on June 17th. “I’m participating in Against the Tide not just for my own future health, but the future health of others. If we all do a little it can go a long way towards breast cancer prevention,” says Rosalyn Smith. Don is incredibly proud of the family that continues to grow year after year, but most importantly he cherishes his girls and their daughters. Don comments, “I have 5 daughters, 5 grand-daughters, 1 grand-daughter-in law; those are 11 very important reasons why I favor MBCC’s active approach to fighting breast cancer and why I am supporting them this year.”

“We feel honored that this amazing family has come together to work towards the prevention of breast cancer,” says MBCC's Executive Director Cheryl Osimo. “Betty’s Brigade demonstrates that breast cancer is not just one person’s battle, it effects the entire family. It warms my heart to see this family come together to support MBCC and its goal to stop cancer before it starts.”

If you are interested in supporting Betty’s Brigade in their fundraising efforts this year please visit:

https://www.firstgiving.com/team/353126

The Statewide Metro-Boston Against the Tide will be held for the 25th commemorative year at DCR's Hopkinton State Park (30 miles from Boston, 20 miles from Worcester) on Saturday, June 17, 2017. The statewide Cape Cod Against the Tide will be held for the 18th year at DCR's Nickerson State Park (Brewster, MA) on Saturday, August 19, 2017.

These family-friendly and inspirational events bring people from all demographics together with one goal in mind: breast cancer prevention. Both events consist of several components: competitive and recreational swims, recreational kayak, a fitness walk, and USA Track & Field certified 5K/10K runs. Participants of all ages and abilities can choose 1, 2, or 3 of these exciting activities. The event also offers an Aquathon “Splash and Dash” component, where participants “splash” in the competitive 1-mile swim and immediately “dash” in the 5K or 10K run (chosen by the participant).

MBCC is inviting people throughout Massachusetts to register for one or both of the events at www.mbcc.org/swim or by calling 1-800-649-MBCC (6222). Those who cannot attend are invited to make a pledge to a registered participant or existing team. Participants may register as an individual or as part of a team. Registration is $40 per adult per event activity ($80 for Aquathon) and $25 per student per event activity ($50 for Aquathon) up to a maximum of 3 events. We encourage all participants to fundraise beyond the registration minimum, as all proceeds support Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. Prizes will be awarded to the podium finishers and top fundraisers.

DIRECTIONS: DCR’s HOPKINTON STATE PARK

Park location: 268 Cedar Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748

Rte. I-495 (north or south) to exit 21A, Main Street, Hopkinton. Travel on Main Street until the third traffic light located at the heart of downtown Hopkinton. Turn left, traveling north on Route 85. Proceed approximately 2 miles to the DCR’s Hopkinton State Park entrance on the right (do not enter the Field Office on the left).

Or

Mass Pike to Rte 9E Turnpike Road via Exit 23A toward Framingham. Take the RT-85S ramp toward Hopkinton / Milford. Turn slight right onto Cordaville Road / RT 85. Continue to follow Route 85. DCR Hopkinton State Park entrance is on the left.

DIRECTIONS: DCR's NICKERSON STATE PARK

Park location: 3488 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631

From Boston:

- Take Rte. 3 south to the Sagamore Bridge

- Take Rte. 6 to exit 12 in Orleans

- Turn left off the ramp onto Rte. 6A West towards Brewster.

- Continue for about 2 miles. Park entrance is on left.