Local Swimmer Supporting Cancer Prevention

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC), the state’s leading breast cancer organization dedicated to prevention, will hold its annual, statewide Against the Tide athletic fundraising events in 2019. Proceeds from this event support MBCC’s free community education and outreach programs. Like most fundraising events, Against the Tide continues to succeed due in large part to the volunteers and supporters. Against the Tide started as a swim event 27 years ago. Since that time MBCC has always felt fortunate to receive continued support from the swimming community. Al Prescott, one of MBCC’s supporters, has served the Masters Swimmers of New England by holding positions at both the National and local levels. Al has served on the USMS Open Water Committee, as well as the Chair of the New England Local Masters Committee. Currently he serves as treasurer for New England.

Though Prescott never swam competitively until the age of 32, he has been a dedicated Masters Swimmer for almost 20 years. He joined the Minuteman Masters of Hanscom Air Force Base and has trained with them ever since. “I really like the event venue,” says Prescott. “The lake at Hopkinton State Park is a clean, tame body of water. Additionally, the course is consistent year after year allowing swimmers to compare their performance.” Prescott has managed to swim almost every local open water swim race and venue at one point or another. When he is not swimming, Al works as a biomedical scientist for Crescent Innovations Inc., a local biomedical company, and is an avid outdoors person. Prescott goes on to say, “I continue to support MBCC’s Against the Tide event because I believe in the important work they are doing, focusing on breast cancer prevention.”

“Al is a true humanitarian and a credit to his community for being so generous with his time helping MBCC, the state’s leading breast cancer organization, create the best event possible to support our work towards breast cancer prevention,” said Cheryl Osimo Executive Director for MBCC. “We look forward to welcoming back this outstanding athlete and friend to MBCC to Against the Tide in June.”

The statewide Metro-Boston Against the Tide will be held for the 27th year at DCR's Hopkinton State Park on Saturday, June 15, 2019. The statewide Cape Cod Against the Tide will be held for the 20th year at DCR's Nickerson State Park (Brewster, MA) on Saturday, August 17, 2019.

These family-friendly and inspirational events bring people from all demographics together with one goal in mind: breast cancer prevention. The event offers participants of all ages the choice of up to four of the following components: competitive and recreational swims, recreational kayak, fitness walk, paddleboard and USA Track & Field certified 5K/10K runs. The event also offers an Aquathon “Splash and Dash” component, where participants “splash” in the competitive one-mile swim and immediately “dash” in the 5K or 10K run. New to the Hopkinton event this year is a beach kids fun run!

MBCC is inviting people throughout Massachusetts to register for one or both of the events at www.mbcc.org/swim or by calling 1-800-649-MBCC (6222). Those who cannot attend are encouraged to make a pledge to a registered participant or team. Participants may register as an individual or as part of a team. Registration is $40 per adult per event activity ($80 for Aquathon) and $25 per student per event activity ($50 for Aquathon) up to a maximum of four events. We encourage all participants to fundraise beyond the registration minimum, as all proceeds support Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. Prizes will be awarded to the podium finishers and top fundraisers.