Virtual Events to Raise Funds for Cancer Prevention

With the health and well-being of participants, volunteers, and sponsors in mind, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) announces a new virtual event schedule for its annual, statewide Against the Tide athletic fundraising events for 2020. MBCC will be hosting four virtual events on June 20th, August 15th, September 19th, and September 26th. The virtual event components include 1-mile recreational or competitive swims, ½-mile recreational swim, 5K or 10K runs, 3-mile walk, ½-mile stand up paddle board, or 2-mile kayak. For participants who are looking to challenge themselves, there is an Aquathon option, consisting of a competitive 1-mile swim and the choice of 5K or 10K run.

Sudbury resident, Dr. Nicole Randazzo-Ahern, is excited to participate in the virtual Against the Tide events on June 20th and August 15th to raise money for MBCC’s mission of cancer prevention. She will be participating in the virtual 5K run component of the event running her first-ever 5K race.

Dr. Ahern is a pediatrician at Massachusetts General Hospital, a wife, a mother of two boys, and a breast cancer survivor. “My mother was a breast cancer survivor as well, and so I was considered high risk. Luckily, I was diagnosed very early. What helped me through it was the support from my friends and family, but most of all, my colleagues at the hospital. I connected with other survivors who gave me advice and support. Through this I realized was how important prevention truly is to patients and their longevity. My hope is that prevention can be prioritized,” says Dr. Ahern. She would like to encourage others to register for one of the virtual events and show their support for breast cancer prevention too.

“We are very fortunate to have support from Dr. Ahern. We are appreciative for her courage and understanding of the importance of prevention in order to promote a healthier future for our children, grandchildren, and future generations,” says Cheryl Osimo, MBCC’s executive director.

If you would like to support Dr. Ahern with her fundraising efforts for the June 20th Against the Tide event please do so by donating at: https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/nicole-ahern/Against-the-Tide-June-2020-Virtual. If you would like to support Dr. Ahern with her fundraising efforts for the August 15th Against the Tide event please do so by donating at: https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/nicole-ahern/Against-the-Tide-August-2020-Virtual

"We are grateful to the many people who come out to support MBCC every year at Against the Tide events and we hope that providing participants with multiple virtual options will give everyone a chance to be a part of the Against the Tide events to swim, walk, run, paddle, or kayak in support of cancer prevention," explains Osimo. "We've tried hard to balance the health and safety of our supporters, while trying to ensure important funds are raised to support MBCC's programs." Registration fees are $40 for an individual participant, and $100 for a family registration (up to 5 family members).

Virtual Event Highlights:

· Participate on a course or safe body of water of your choosing.

· Participants will have a three-day window leading up to the event day to complete their activity, (for example, June 18 – 20 for the June 20th Virtual Event).

· All virtual participants will receive a Participant Fun Pack, including an event t-shirt, bib or swim cap, participant medal, and sponsor items, along with instructions on how to submit their finish time for those that swim, run, and Aquathon participants who would like to have their finish times included on the event results page.

· Exclusive access to training videos from two certified fitness instructors.

· Opportunity to include a flag in memory/honor of a loved one on the online Mural of Honor.

· Share your “event” photos with us to be included in the Against the Tide photo album on the MBCC website and Facebook page.

· Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers.

To learn more about all of the registration options or to make a pledge, please visit the MBCC website at www.mbcc.org/swim or by calling 1-800-649-MBCC (6222).

About MBCC: Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition is the state's leading breast cancer organization dedicated to preventing the environmental causes of breast cancer through community education, research advocacy, and changes to public policy.