Special pregame highlights survivors, raises awareness at Polar Park on May 20
McGRATHPR.com – The Worcester Red Sox (WooSox), in partnership with Massachusetts Oncology Patients, Survivors & Supporters (MOPSS), hosts “Strike Out: Head & Neck Cancer Awareness & Survivorship Night” on Wednesday, May 20, at Polar Park, 100 Madison St., Worcester. Tickets are available at gofevo.com/event/HeadAndNeckCancerAwareness.
The evening will feature a special pregame recognition, “Voices at the Ballpark,” honoring survivors and bringing greater visibility to life after treatment. The pregame moment, scheduled for approximately 5:20 pm, highlights both survivors and members of the clinical community, raising awareness of a population whose challenges often continue long after treatment.
More than 1,300 Massachusetts residents are diagnosed each year with oral cavity and throat cancers—many at later stages, which can lead to more complex treatment and long-term effects. This event highlights the realities of survivorship, a stage when these effects can impact speech, nutrition, oral health, and overall quality of life.
“Voices at the Ballpark” comes at a time of growing awareness across Massachusetts, as efforts continue to improve access to medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer patients and survivors. This includes Massachusetts House Bill 4553, which would require such coverage.
“For many survivors, the journey does not end when treatment ends,” said Cathy Hapenney of MOPSS. “This event brings those experiences into the open and helps others better understand what survivorship truly looks like.”
In alignment with the awareness initiative, MOPSS is sharing a personal story connected to the WooSox community. WooSox infielder Mikey Romero, who lost his father to head and neck cancer, has contributed a video message reflecting his experience and the broader impact of the disease on families. The video is viewable at mopss.org.
MOPSS will also be featured as part of the WooSox “Heart of Worcester” program, which recognizes organizations making a meaningful impact in the community.
For more information, visit mopss.org.
Media Opportunities:
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the pregame recognition. Interview opportunities may be available with head and neck cancer survivors, MOPSS representatives, and participating clinicians.
About Massachusetts Oncology Patients, Survivors & Supporters
Massachusetts Oncology Patients, Survivors & Supporters (MOPSS) is a survivor-led nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by head and neck cancer. Through awareness, education, and community engagement, MOPSS works to ensure oral and dental care is recognized as an essential part of whole-body cancer care. For more information, visit mopss.org.
About the Worcester Red Sox
The Worcester Red Sox (WooSox) are the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and play at Polar Park in Worcester, Massachusetts. Since relocating in 2021, the WooSox have become a central part of the region’s community, partnering with local organizations through initiatives such as the “Heart of Worcester” program. For more information, visit mlb.com/milb/worcester.
