Vibram Joins Breast Cancer Prevention Fundraiser

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Cheryl Osimo, Executive Director
508-246-3047
cosimo@mbcc.org
www.mbcc.org/swim

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.

We are happy to announce that Vibram has committed to be one of our sponsors for 2018. Vibram is recognized as the worldwide leader in high performance soles for outdoor, recreational, work and fashion footwear. “Vibram supports athletes and organizations around the globe with the common purpose of inspiring people. We strive to bring awareness and support to causes that impact everyone, whether it’s access to the outdoors for under privileged youth, or cancer research,” states Michael Gionfriddo, CEO of Vibram Corporation. “We’re very excited to not only support our local breast cancer coalition in Massachusetts, but to also participate directly in the event. Vibram associates will be in attendance at the fundraiser offering support and providing demos showcasing our newest FiveFingers® flagship shoe at the scheduled paddle boarding component.” Vibram will be showcasing their new V-Aqua FiveFingers style at our Against the Tide events and will be offering demo shoes for people to wear during the Stand-Up Paddle Board component. For those interested in trying the V-Aqua shoes, please visit the Vibram tent at 6:30AM prior to the 7:30AM event start time. Please note demo shoes are limited, however, Vibram will do their best to service as many participants who are interested in wearing them.

The new paddleboard component of Against the Tide will be led by a Vibram representative and longtime breast cancer advocate and Against the Tide chairwoman Betty Anne Bevis. Bevis was 46 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “The reason I wanted to get involved with MBCC was that I always thought the environment had a lot to do with my breast cancer,” says Bevis. “While many argue that cancer is hereditary, mine is not. They say only 5% of cancers are hereditary. So, what’s the other 95%? So much is about prevention and I think the cure is to look at our environment. Let’s try and prevent it rather than find a cure because obviously that isn't working.”

Vibram representatives will also be leading the way for the 5K/10K runs and the 3-mile fitness walk wearing their specifically designed pavement runner, the V-Run. To learn more about Vibram and their products, visit their tent at the Against the Tide events or check out their website at http://us.vibram.com/.

“We are very fortunate to have such tremendous support from citizens like Betty Anne Bevis and Michael Gionfriddo, CEO of Vibram Corporation and his outstanding team,” says MBCC's Executive Director Cheryl Osimo. “We are all coming together to demand greater protection of our children and grandchildren’s future health in our effort to stop cancer before it starts.”

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 19th 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 Boarding component, in addition to the competitive and recreational swims, recreational kayak, 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.