Chatham’s Ali Crockett Swims For Breast Cancer Prevention At 27th Annual Against The Tide Event

BREWSTER – For more than two decades, Chatham resident Ali Crockett has returned to the waters of Nickerson State Park each summer with a purpose that extends far beyond the finish line.

This year, Crockett will once again participate in Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition's (MBCC) annual Against the Tide Swim, Run, Walk event, dedicating her one-mile swim to family members affected by cancer and to future generations she hopes will never face the disease.

"I dedicate the swim to my nieces, nephews, and their children," said Crockett. "With every kick around the pond, there is a prayer for all the people in my heart who have been affected by breast cancer and other cancers. I think of family and friends who are living with cancer. I think of the children who depend on them. They need us to act."

Crockett has participated in Against the Tide since 2002, shortly after her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. The experience shaped her commitment to the cause and inspired her continued involvement with MBCC's mission of breast cancer prevention.

"When my sister was diagnosed in 2001, it felt like my heart broke in two" Crockett recalled. “She told me, 'We need to keep going. We can do something.'" Throughout her sister's treatment, the two spent countless hours walking throughout Chatham together.

"We got lost on random streets that took us way off the path," she said. "Some days she felt like stopping and laying in the road, but perseverance and determination won."

That spirit of perseverance continues to inspire Crockett today as she participates with Team "Do It Now," embodying the belief that meaningful action begins with individuals coming together for a common purpose.

"Strength comes from community," Crockett said. "Hope comes from working together and taking action. We can take action in many ways. My way is swimming."

"Ali has been an outstanding event chairwoman and advocate for Against the Tide for many years," said Cheryl Osimo, executive director of Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. "Her passion for breast cancer prevention and her commitment to helping others inspire everyone around her."

Crockett hopes other Cape Cod residents will join her at this year's event, whether by swimming, running, walking, donating, or helping spread awareness.

"We cannot do this important work alone," she said. "Join us any way you can. Register, join a team, donate, volunteer, put up posters, spread the word, or sign up in honor of a friend who cannot participate."

The 27th Annual Cape Cod Against the Tide event takes place at Nickerson State Park (the Cliff Pond/Fisherman’s Landing site) in Brewster on June 27. Against the Tide is a major fundraising event for MBCC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing environmental causes of breast cancer through community education, research advocacy, and changes to public policy since its founding in 1991. Funds raised through events like Against the Tide make it possible for MBCC to provide free online educational materials and webinars to communities across Massachusetts and beyond.

The event offers something for everyone, with activities for participants of all ages and abilities. In-person events include USATF-certified 5K and 10K runs, a USMS-sanctioned one-mile swim, one-mile recreational and competitive swims, a half-mile recreational swim, and a three-mile fitness walk.

"It's a morning event for the whole family," Crockett said. "There's a beautiful pond, a scenic trail, wonderful sponsors, food, music and hope."

To register, create or join a team, or donate, visit mbcc.org/against-the-tide. In-person

registration will also be available on the morning of the event.