Julia Bacon, Senior Special Events and Outreach Intern for MBCC, shares a story about her mother who is her inspiration for building the Against the Tide events this year. It is women who have battled and are currently battling breast cancer to whom she dedicates her work.
I am positive that most people know or have known someone with breast cancer. For me, breast cancer is a very real and scary disease, which rocked my family’s lives when I was a junior in high school. My mom was diagnosed with severe invasive lobular breast cancer. The doctors had caught it at a serious stage and proceeded with several operations to remove the cancer. That summer, I had to watch my mother go to radiation appointments every morning. She was scared, tired, and sick; characteristics I had rarely seen in such an amazing and strong woman. Four years later, she is still on medication, which makes her fatigued, but cancer-free. However, the lingering concern is always in my mind and the thought of losing my mom and best friend will always be there.
Personally, I can tell you that after having a loved one touched by this disease, I certainly care about doing everything in my power to prevent future diagnoses. I am writing to you to request your support as well as spread the word about the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC). I am currently the Special Events and Outreach Senior Intern for this organization. Being a part of MBCC is truly a privilege especially because of the organization’s mission to prevent breast cancer.
One of my proudest moments was when the Executive Director, Cheryl Osimo, invited me to do a feature story and provided a quote that said, “I knew from the first conversation I had with Julia that her drive and dedication would bring passion and true caring to help us toward our goal of breast cancer prevention. We are honored to be working with this young and brilliant Stonehill College scholar.”
If my mom were the only reason for my passion for breast cancer prevention and MBCC, it would be enough. As a junior Health Care Administration major, Spanish minor at Stonehill College, I know this organization will help better me as a student, person, and daughter. MBCC is the leading statewide organization for breast cancer, which seeks answers to what is causing the disease through environmental research and advocacy. As a Massachusetts resident, it is important to note that the Massachusetts breast cancer incidence rate is over 10% higher than the national average and the Cape Cod incidence rate of breast cancer is approximately 22% above the national average.
I am reaching out to each and every one of you to participate in this statewide Against the Tide event at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park on June 22nd in Hopkinton, MA (20 miles from Worcester, 30 miles from Boston) and/or at DCR’s Nickerson State Park on August 17th in Brewster, MA (Cape Cod). Against the Tide consists of your choice of one or more: competitive or recreational 1-mile swim, 2-mile kayak, 3-mile walk, 5K run or 10K run components. This inspirational statewide event can put an end to the pain of future diagnoses and prevent the tragedy of breast cancer in your family.
Please consider my story and join my Against the Tide team for breast cancer prevention, pledge, or pass along my story and poster! Follow the link below to visit my team page:
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/JuliaBacon/against-the-tide-hopkinton-2013