June Message from Executive Director – Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition

Dear Friends in Prevention,

I had the honor and pleasure of being a moderator on a Health Impacts and Air Quality panel at the Greater Boston Women of Color Environmental Health Conference on April 16 in Cambridge, MA. We must continue to be more adamant in taking charge of our health and raising our voices to help ensure a healthier environment for all.

With every person who supports our efforts for a healthier future, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) moves one step closer towards prevention. People such as Diane Sokal, one of our longtime and ongoing supporters, are dedicated to making a difference for future generations, and for that we are grateful. We are indebted to Diane for her continued support. Included in this newsletter, Diane shares her belief in our mission.

MBCC is very proud to announce that Board Treasurer, Gerry Swift, has been selected as a 2016 honoree of Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center’s the one hundred award for his dedication and advocacy work towards breast cancer prevention. Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center’s the one hundred recognizes and celebrates those individuals and organizations leading the fight against cancer. Gerry supports MBCC in honor of his late wife, Nancy, a tireless and effective activist who volunteered for Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition until she succumbed to breast cancer in 1998.

We are proud that the Let’s Talk Prevention: Reducing Toxic Exposures tour is reaching even more medical professionals, patients, and families throughout the state. Upcoming tour dates and locations are included in this newsletter.

MBCC hosted a webinar on May 17, with renowned Dr. Richard Clapp, Professor Emeritus of Environmental Health at Boston University School of Public Health and Adjunct Professor at University of Massachusetts-Lowell. The health impacts of environmental exposure to perchloroethylene were discussed. We are grateful to Dr. Clapp for his generosity of time in educating us about this important topic.

As advocates for prevention, we are pleased to see the progress made by the Massachusetts State Senate on the Act to protect children and families from harmful flame retardants. We are also encouraged by the update from Representative Paul K. Frost on the funding for critical water quality research we are advocating for in Massachusetts. Continue reading this newsletter for updates on both important issues.

There is still time to register for our 24th annual Against the Tide Swim, Walk, Run, Kayak and/or Aquathon event in Hopkinton on June 18 or the 17th annual event on Cape Cod on August 20. And, for the second year in a row, we are excited that MBCC will have a team for the New Balance Falmouth Road Race. MBCC is proud to have Codcomm celebrity, Sarah Colvin, as the team leader. This is yet another wonderful opportunity to support MBCC’s efforts of prevention. Read on to learn how to join MBCC’s Team in Falmouth on August 21.

Thank you for continuing to support the work of MBCC. We look forward to working with you toward our goal of breast cancer prevention.

With deep appreciation and gratitude,

Cheryl signature