Reading Resident Swims for Breast Cancer Prevention

The following was submitted by the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition:

Swim and dive team members, including a Reading resident, from St. John’s Preparatory School are starting off their summer by giving back. Members from the team will be participating in the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) Against the Tide swim, walk, run, kayak fundraising event, which 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.

Thomas Willwerth, a Reading resident and rising St. John’s senior on the swim team, heard about the event from his fellow teammates and decided to jump in as well. “I am raising money to help fight the battle against breast cancer,” says Willwerth. “We have close family friends who have battled this disease, so I have seen first-hand how difficult it can be. I am excited to be a part of this event and to support the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition and the work that they do for prevention.”

MBCC is inviting people from throughout Massachusetts to participate in this statewide Against the Tide event at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park on June 23rd in Hopkinton, MA (20 miles from Worcester, 30 miles from Boston) and/or at DCR’s Nickerson State Park on August 18th in Brewster, MA (Cape Cod). 

"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. “I am delighted with the high level of youth participation in this event and am proud of them for their dedication to breast cancer prevention.” 

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.

For more information and to register or make a pledge to Thom’s page, please visit this website.

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.