Mass Breast Cancer Coalition Recognizes Carol Mooney

BREWSTER – For many supporters of the Mass Breast Cancer Coalition, the work is important. For Carol Mooney, the work is personal. 

A little over 10 years ago, Mooney suffered an unimaginable loss. Her daughter, Ann, had been battling breast cancer for 16 years when she passed away in 2015. Since then, Mooney has been a dedicated supporter of MBCC, volunteering annually at its Against the Tide event in Nickerson State Park. 

Mooney, along with her late husband Denis, was born and raised in Truro. They had three children — Ann, Karen and Kevin — who went off to college and lived elsewhere but were frequent visitors to their parents house on Cape Cod. When Ann was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999, her trips back to Truro increased until she finally moved back home permanently. 

Ann’s journey was not an easy one, but according to Mooney, that didn’t sway her outlook on life. 

“Ann never let cancer define who she was,” she said. “She tried to live life to the fullest. She wanted her life to have meaning, to make a difference, to help others. It did!”

In memory of Ann, Mooney has been dedicating her time and energy over the last decade to raising money for breast cancer research and prevention through organizations like MBCC. MBCC’s mission is to raise awareness of environmental causes of breast cancer through community education, research advocacy and changes to public policy.

Mooney was first introduced to MBCC through her close friend, Fran Coco. Coco was an avid Against the Tide participant, signing up for the three-mile walk portion year after year. She would include sponsorship opportunities in their church bulletin, and Mooney always donated. 

The August after losing Ann, Mooney asked Coco if she could join her in walking. The following year, Cheryl Osimo, executive director of MBCC, asked Mooney if she would be a walk leader. A year later, Osimo asked if she would staff the mural of honor, a place where attendees can write down the names of people going through the hardships of the disease, a departed loved one or anything that will bring them a sense of solidarity with the movement. The flags are then hung on a wall for all to see. 

Since then, Mooney has been a staple at the event, working the mural of honor and helping attendees pay tribute to their loved ones who have been impacted by cancer in some way. 

“It can be quite emotional,” she said. “Because, having gone through it myself, I understand where they are coming from.” 

Against the Tide is an annual event where participants can sign up to swim, run or walk to support breast cancer prevention. There will be two separate occasions to participate in-person this June: in Hopkinton June 14 and in Brewster June 21. Between those dates, interested parties can also compete virtually. 

In-person events include USATF-course-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. Virtual events mirror the in-person activities but take place on participants’ terms. 

Registration is currently open at mbcc.org/against-the-tide, where participants can create a team, join a team or donate. 

Mooney will be working the mural of honor on June 21. 

“Carol is very humble,” said Osimo. “She talks about how she helps in a small way. Well, there’s nothing small about sharing your heart with those who have gone through or are going through something you've been through because it becomes personal.”

She added, “Carol, [I want you to know] how very grateful I and everyone here at the Mass Breast Cancer Coalition are for your loyalty, your friendship and your ongoing support. Thank you very much.”