Mashpee Firefighter Honored at Cancer Prevention Event on 8/17

In 2019 Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) has had the pleasure of forming a relationship with Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic Nicole Stanley. Stanley was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 2018 after serving 28 years with the Mashpee Fire Department. Even after hearing about the number of new cancer diagnosis among fellow firefighters each year, she was surprised by her diagnosis. She had no family history and lives an active and healthy lifestyle. Stanley’s oncologist confirmed that being exposed to years of carcinogens was a definite contributing factor in her diagnosis. One year later, Stanley is still fighting the side effects of the treatment but continues pushing forward to return back to the career that she loves.

Stories like Nicole’s are what MBCC, the state’s leading breast cancer organization focused on prevention, is working towards putting an end to. Firefighters risk their lives every day to keep us all safe, and their health risks are compounded by long-term exposure to carcinogens found in flame retardants and other chemicals used in fire-fighting. MBCC works with community groups, advocacy groups, and scientists towards greater protection from harmful flame retardants for children, families, and firefighters.

Lt. Nicole Stanley has been a walk leader at two of MBCC’s events in 2019 and will be leading the walk at the Brewster Against the Tide event on August 17th. MBCC extends the invitation to all firefighters and their families to join her, free of charge, to show support in helping to protect firefighters’ health.

If you share MBCC’s concern about harmful toxic chemicals in consumer products and want to help be part of the solution we need your support. The 20th annual statewide Against the Tide event is being held on August 17th at DCR’s Nickerson State Park in Brewster. This family-friendly, morning-only event allows participants to choose from multiple competitive or recreational components, including swimming, running, walking, paddle boarding, or kayaking. Proceeds from this event benefit our free community outreach programs.

Today, when a woman’s lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. is approximately 1 in 8, we cannot continue ignoring the fact that a systemic change is needed. The time for that change is now, to protect the next generation from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals in our environment.

For more information about Against the Tide and to register or make a pledge visit www.mbcc.org/swim or call 617-376-6222.

Cheryl Osimo is Executive Director of Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition and co-founder of Silent Spring Institute. She can be reached at cherylosimo@comcast.net.