Sudbury Native Aims to Support Breast Cancer Prevention

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following was submitted by Melissa White.)

Mary Dockray-Miller began participating in Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition’s Against the Tide fundraiser event 15 years ago at Walden Pond. After losing her mom to cancer this past fall, Against the Tide is especially close to her heart as she completes the mile-long swim for the eighth time.

“I support MBCC and its mission to prevent breast cancer whole-heartedly,” says Dockray-Miller. “I am ready to do the swim, walk, and kayak recreational triathlon in Mom’s honor.”

The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) annual Against the Tide swim, walk, run, kayak fundraising event is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year. Proceeds benefit MBCC, which is a grassroots advocacy organization that supports research to find links between breast cancer and the environment in order to work toward preventing the disease in the first place.

Cheryl Osimo, MBCC's Director of Events & Communication, boasts of Mary’s dedication. “Mary is an inspiration not only to me, but to everyone around her in her dedication to MBCC and breast cancer prevention.”

“I have involved my daughters, friends, and colleagues in the Against the Tide event. I love that Against the Tide is local and so community-orientated,” says Dockray-Miller. “I know that when I donate to MBCC, my contribution will matter.”

The morning event consists of your choice of one or more: competitive or recreational swim, kayak, walk, or run components. New in 2012 is an Aquathlon consisting of a competitive 1-mile swim and your choice of a competitive 5K or 10K run. This family-friendly and inspirational statewide event brings people from all demographics and of all abilities together with one goal in mind: breast cancer prevention.

"We are very fortunate to have such tremendous support from citizens of Massachusetts demanding greater protection of their children's future health in our effort to stop breast cancer before it starts," says MBCC's Director of Events & Communication Cheryl Osimo. “MBCC often is overshadowed by the larger national breast cancer organizations, and we depend on our generous supporters like Mary to continue our work.”

MBCC is inviting people from throughout Massachusetts to participate in this statewide Against the Tide event at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park on June 23 in Hopkinton and/or at DCR’s Nickerson State Park on August 18 in Brewster on Cape Cod. 

For more information and to register or make a pledge to Mary’s page, please visit http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/marydockray-miller/against-the-tide.

Donations may be sent to:

Against the Tide c/o MBCC

1419 Hancock Street, Suite 202

Quincy, MA 02169

DIRECTIONS: DCR's HOPKINTON STATE PARK

Route I-495:

- Take I-495 to (North or South) exit 21A.

- Route 135 East to Hopkinton Center.

- Turn left, traveling North on Route 85 (Cedar Street).

- Entrance 2 miles on right (do not enter the Field Office on the left).

- Swim will be held at Upper Beach, Hopkinton Reservoir in the park.

DIRECTIONS: DCR's NICKERSON STATE PARK

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.