Portland Sea Dogs infielder honors late father by championing head and neck cancer advocacy

BOSTON, MA, Issued July 30, 2025… The volunteer-led advocacy nonprofit Massachusetts Oncology Patients, Survivors, and Supporters, Inc. (MOPSS), has launched a new awareness campaign featuring Boston Red Sox top prospect Mikey Romero, infielder for the Portland Sea Dogs. Romero recorded a heartfelt video message in honor of his late father, who passed away from head and neck cancer.

“Head and neck cancer is something my dad went through, and I want to help make sure others catch it early,” Romero says in the video, soon to be released through digital media channels.

Head and neck cancer—which includes cancers of the oral cavity, throat, and larynx—is often not diagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 68,000 Americans are diagnosed with head and neck cancers each year. While treatment advances have improved outcomes, five-year survival rates for advanced-stage head and neck cancer cases range from 25% to 85%. Survivors often face significant quality-of-life challenges, including difficulty speaking, swallowing, and eating, as well as serious dental complications from radiation and chemotherapy. These complications are frequently not covered by insurance, leaving patients with astronomical out-of-pocket costs for essential medical and dental care.

MOPSS is actively advocating for Massachusetts House Bill H.1258, legislation that would require insurance companies to cover medically necessary dental care for head and neck cancer survivors. The bill addresses a critical gap in survivorship care that currently leaves many individuals unable to maintain basic functions or afford the treatment necessary to restore their health and dignity. Relatedly, Thomas Healy founded MOPSS after being denied insurance coverage for medically necessary dental care following his cancer treatment.

“Head and neck cancer survivors deserve care that allows them to eat, speak, and thrive with optimum quality of life,” shares Cathy Hapenney, a survivor and MOPSS member. “Mikey’s message is a powerful reminder of why early detection and comprehensive survivor support matter.”  Hapenney recently testified among several survivors at the Massachusetts State House in support of House Bill H.1258, serving as an advocate for all survivors suffering from Massachusetts health insurance coverage limitations.

The awareness video, now visible on @MOPSSMA social channels, features Romero as part of a broader campaign to educate the public, engage policymakers, and rally support for improved coverage of survivorship care. MOPSS encourages the community to watch, share, and visit mopss.org to learn more, support the cause and take action.

About Massachusetts Oncology Patients, Survivors and Supporters, Inc.

Massachusetts Oncology Patients, Survivors and Supporters (MOPSS) is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by head and neck cancer. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration with healthcare professionals, MOPSS works to ensure access to comprehensive, medically necessary dental care and survivorship resources. To learn more, support the cause and take action, visit mopss.org, and follow @MOPSSMA on social media.