Physical Therapy Patients Swimming for a Cause

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) will host their annual, statewide Against the Tide athletic fundraising event for the 27th year at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park on June 15th. Proceeds benefit MBCC, which 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.

Laura Diamond, founder of Diamond Physical Therapy Associates, PC of Concord and Sudbury (www.diamondphysicaltherapy.com) is a long-time supporter of Against the Tide. “My two biggest passions are my work and the water,” says Diamond. “I work with people using Aquatic Physical Therapy to improve their strength and overall health. Getting in the water and raising money for MBCC allows me to share my passion with others.” For almost all of the 26 years since this event was founded Laura has participated as a swimmer. “I swim for many of my loved ones and others who are courageous breast cancer survivors,” explains Diamond. Last year Diamond created team Making Waves and invited all her patients, colleagues, family and friends to join her on the beach in Hopkinton.

Zoe Borden is a seventh grader from Lincoln and is thrilled to be part of the Making Waves team for a second year. Zoe has a congenital muscle condition called Nemaline Myopathy and has been doing aquatic therapy with Laura since she was three years old. While Zoe has always loved the water, her passion for swimming really blossomed while training with Diamond for the event. “I've always heard Laura talk about the MBCC swim, but didn't imagine that I would actually participate. Swimming a mile seemed so difficult and out of reach. Now that I am, I’m so happy to know that something I love doing can also help people,” says Borden. This year’s swim is especially meaningful for Zoe as last summer her aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. “Breast cancer causes so much suffering for so many people. I saw how difficult it was for my aunt and her family. If it’s possible to stop breast cancer before it even starts, then no one would have to go through all that pain,” says Borden.

This family-friendly and inspirational event brings people from all demographics together with one goal in mind: breast cancer prevention. The event offers participants of all ages the choice of up to four of the following components: competitive and recreational 1-mile swims, recreational ½-mile swim, 5K and 10K runs, 3-mile walk, 2-mile recreational kayak, and ½-mile paddleboard. The event also offers an Aquathon component, consisting of the competitive 1-mile swim immediately followed by the 5K or 10K run. New to the Hopkinton event this year is a beach kids fun run!

MBCC is inviting people throughout Massachusetts to register at www.mbcc.org/swim. Those who cannot attend are encouraged to make a pledge to a registered participant or team, like team Making Waves www.firstgiving.com/team/386717. Participants may register as an individual or as part of a team. Registration is $40 per adult per event activity ($80 for Aquathon), $25 per student per event activity ($50 for Aquathon), and $10 for the kids fun run in Hopkinton for ages 10 and older. Children under 10 may participate in any event free of charge. Participants may register for a maximum of four 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.