Swimming for Breast Cancer Prevention

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) will be holding its annual, statewide Against the Tide athletic fundraising events again in 2018. Proceeds benefit MBCC, which is the state’s leading breast cancer organization that seeks to understand the causes of breast cancer in order to find ways to prevent the disease.

Laura Diamond, founder of Diamond Physical Therapy Associates, PC (www.diamondphysicaltherapy.com) of Concord and Sudbury 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. For the first time, this year, Diamond has created team Making Waves and invited all her patients, colleagues, family and friends to join her on the beach in Hopkinton. Acton resident, Marsha Wilcox is a member of the Making Waves team. “I have worked with Laura for nearly 2 years now in an effort to regain my ability to walk and strengthen my core after major back surgery,” shares Wilcox. “Last year Laura told me about the MBCC event, I sponsored her and made it a personal goal to swim the event this year. I’ve been swimming all year with this event in mind and am glad to be participating with Laura and her team.”

Individuals interested in joining Laura’s team or donating to her team fundraising goal can visit: https://www.firstgiving.com/team/371836.

“We are very fortunate to have such tremendous support from Laura Diamond and the Making Waves team, demanding greater protection for future generations health in our effort to stop breast cancer before it starts,” says Cheryl Osimo, MBCC’s Executive Director. “Laura is truly a hardworking humanitarian and a credit to her community for being so generous in helping the state’s leading breast cancer organization work towards our goal of breast cancer prevention.”

The Statewide Metro-Boston Against the Tide will be held for the 26th year at DCR's Hopkinton State Park on Saturday, June 16, 2018. The statewide Cape Cod Against the Tide will be held for the 198th year at DCR's Nickerson State Park (Brewster, MA) on Saturday, August 18, 2018.

These family-friendly and inspirational events bring people from all demographics together with one goal in mind: breast cancer prevention. New for 2018, both Against the Tide events will offer a half mile Paddle Board component and chip timing for the swim, run and Aquathon components. In addition to Paddle Board, the event offers participants of all ages the choice of 1, 2, or 3 of the following components: competitive and recreational swims, recreational kayak, fitness walk, and USA Track & Field certified 5K/10K runs. 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.