Event to Benefit Breast Cancer

Celebrate Seymour Pink

Valley Goes Pink Raises Thousands for Cancer

Valley Goes Pink Co-chair Sue Petrizzo, third from left, and Jodi Dawley, second from right, celebrate the success of The 7th Annual Valley Goes Pink Campaign with, from left, past Co-chair Sue Coyle, Denise Barajas, MD, FACS, Medical Director of The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel, and Devika Jajoo, MD, Griffin Hospital Department of Radiology chair.

  

DERBY - Thanks to the overwhelming support of Valley schools, businesses groups and individuals, The 7th Annual Valley Goes Pink Campaign raised more than $85,000 for The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

 

The funds will be used to help enhance patient care at the Hewitt Center, including purchasing new technology for breast cancer treatment.

 

“We are incredibly thankful to everyone in the Valley and the surrounding communities who volunteered their time and talents to make the campaign so successful,” said Valley Goes Pink Co-chair Jodi Dawley. “This is truly a grassroots effort that is making a real difference in the battle against breast cancer.”

 

This year’s campaign featured a variety of events including a mystery-themed event at Spector Furniture in Ansonia, bingo, an “art bra” fashion show and auction, dining, and rallies at schools throughout the Valley.

 

“Fighting breast cancer is a cause that is very near and dear to our hearts,” said Valley Goes Pink Co-chair Sue Petrizzo. “What makes Valley Goes Pink so great is that it brings the community together for a common cause, helping spread awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.”

 

The Valley Goes Pink is sponsored by 99.1 FM WPLR and Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

To learn more about The Valley Goes Pink, visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Seymour Paints the Town Pink

SEYMOUR - "Seymour Pink Day" was celebrated in town Wednesday, Oct. 12.

Town businesses and residents decked out their storefronts and homes in shades of pink to show support and raise awareness about breast cancer.

Seymour Pink was founded in 2009 by Mary Deming, and to date has raised more than
$1 million for breast cancer research and to help individuals and families battling the disease. More information can be found online at: http://www.seymourpink.com/

(Photos courtesy of my friend and former New Haven Register colleague Patti Villers)

Seymour's Going Pink Oct. 12

SEYMOUR - The town will host its annual Seymour Pink Day Wednesday, Oct. 12. Town businesses and residents are encouraged to deck out their storefronts and homes, respectively, in shades of pink to raise awareness about breast cancer. More information can be found online at www.seymourpink.com. Here are some photos from past Seymour Pink Days.

Valley "Going Pink" for Breast Cancer Awareness

 

DERBY - The 7th Annual Valley Goes Pink Campaign invites the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities to enjoy a variety of events featuring good food, drink and fun for a good cause throughout September and October.

 

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community wide effort to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

 

The following is a list of unique Valley Goes Pink fundraising events. For more information about “going pink” and joining the campaign visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504, Jodi Dawley at 203-521-2233 or dawleypink@yahoo.com, or Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 or petrizzopink@yahoo.com.

 

For more information about Valley Goes Pink and additional events, visit the Valley Goes Pink on Facebook or griffinhealth.org/pink.

 

*Waiters Go Pink, Sept. 26 from 5:30-9 p.m. – Volunteers waiters will serve guests at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St., Shelton, and tips will go to the cause. Reservations required at 203-929-0336.

 

*Trivia Night, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. – Come for a fun night filled with trivia and fun prizes at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St., Shelton. Call Karyn for reservations 203-445-3091.

 

*Wine Pairing for Pink Dinner, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. – Enjoy dinner paired with wines for each course at Ari Bella Restaurant, 66 Huntington St., Shelton. Call Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 to reserve your spot.

 

*Paint for Pink, Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. – Come to the ever-popular Paint & Sip event which features great raffle prizes at Vazzy’s Cucina, 706 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. Call Ann at 203-305-0817 for reservations.

 

*Mystery on Main, Oct. 7 from 6-9 p.m. – A Clue inspired evening of mystery, intrigue, music and more at Spector Furniture, 385 Main St., Ansonia. $40 per person.

 

*Pinktoberfest by Yuengling Night, Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m. – Come enjoy Yuengling beer specials, a special “Germanfest” tasting menu and great giveaways at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St., Shelton.

 

*Bingo for Boobies Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. – Enjoy a fun-filled night of bingo and great prizes, including a flat screen TV, at The Hops Company (THC), 77 Sodom Lane, Derby. Call Sue for reservations at 203-400-1068.

 

*Rock Out Your Pink, Oct. 12 6:30 p.m. – Enjoy wine and cheese while viewing the dazzling works of Marks of Design, 500 Howe Ave., Shelton. 10% of all sales will be donated.

 

*Bras for the Valley, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. – Design a bra and have it modeled in our fashion show with local “celebrity” models for a live auction, or just come for the fun at Il Palio, 5 Corporate Dr., Shelton. Call Ann at 203-305-0817 for more information.

 

*Durante Family Brunch for Pink, Oct. 16 at noon – Come have an extravagant brunch at Maria V’s Restaurant, 220 Leavenworth Rd., Shelton. Tickets are $50. Contact Anna Durante at 203-732-1977 or annadurante1@gmail.com for reservations.

 

*Tacos for Tatas, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. – Enjoy delicious tacos for a good cause at River Rock Tavern, 5 Main St., Derby.

 

*Shoot for a Cure Basketball Clinics, Oct. 22 – Girls and boys ages 8-13 learn valuable pointers from the best! UCONN stars Maria Conlon Rinaldi and Ashley Battle will host a girls’ clinic from noon-3 p.m. at Shelton High School, 120 Meadow St., Shelton, and Dennis Kelly and Dribble Drive Basketball will host the boys’ clinic from 1-4 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Family Center, 220 Shelton Rd, Trumbull. Admission is $40. Call Jodi at 203-521-2233 to reverse a spot.

 

*Pink Ribbon Yoga, Oct. 23 from 10 -11:15 a.m. – Join Kimmarie for a yoga session at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby. Minimum donation of $20. Visit kimmarieyoga.net to register.

 

*Vineyards of the World Wine Tasting, Oct. 24 from 6-9 p.m. – Several distributors will be highlighting their wines at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St, Shelton, and the restaurant will offer great food to pair. Tickets are $50 per person. Call Linda for tickets at 203-414-8851.

 

The Valley Goes Pink is sponsored by 99.1 FM WPLR and Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

The Valley Goes Pink! Lists Events

The Valley Goes Pink! is celebrating its sixth annual campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer with a variety of fundraising events throughout the month of October.

The grassroots, community-wide effort is geared to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

For more information about “going pink” and joining the campaign visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203.732.7504, Jodi Dawley at 203-521-2233 or dawleypink@yahoo.com, or Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 or petrizzopink@yahoo.com.

The following 'pink' events have been scheduled:

Thursday, Oct. 8 marks the Young Emerging Professionals’ “Pinktober Fest” from 6-8 p.m. at Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen, 557 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia. The event will feature a variety of craft brews, specialty pink drinks, games and prize drawings, and more. For more information, visit the Young Emerging Professionals on Facebook www.facebook.com/CTYEP or contact the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce at 203.925.4981 or www.greatervalleychamber.com.

Monday, Oct. 12 is the Yuengling Pinkling Beerfest from 5 to 9 p.m. at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington Plaza, Shelton. Presented by Star Distributors, this event offers a tasting of Yuengling beers and a Pinkling menu featuring German specialties. Proceeds from the beer sales will support the campaign.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 is Pink Trivia Night at 7 p.m. at Caloroso Eatery & Bar, 100 Center St., Shelton. A $20 donation includes an evening of trivia, prizes, pizza and soft drinks. For reservations, call Jodi Dawley at 203-521-2233.

Saturday, Oct. 24 is The Social Convention Goes Pink event from 6-11 p.m. at River Rock Tavern, 5 Main St, Derby. The band Social Convention hits the stage at 8 p.m. at this event featuring food and prizes. Cover charge is $10.

Monday, Oct. 26 marks The Valley Goes Pink Wrap-up Celebration Wine Tasting at 6 p.m. at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington Plaza, Shelton, to close out the month’s festivities and to celebrate its success. For more information and to make your reservation, call 203-414-8851.

The Valley Goes Pink is sponsored by WPLR, Hearst Media, Spector Furniture and Real Estate Two.

Ansonia's Emmett O'Brien School goes pink to raise money for breast cancer awareness month

ANSONIA >> Students and staff at Emmett O'Brien School recently marked Breast Cancer Awareness month by hosting a Pink Volleyball Tournament on Oct. 31 during an "Emmett O'Brien Goes Pink" celebration.

Thanks to team registrations, sales of pink t-shirts, EOB goes pink bottoms, pink carnations and face painting, the Emmett O’Brien School community raised $1,825 for the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital. Nearly 100 percent of the students participated in this most worthwhile event, according to Principal Laurie LeBouthillier. 

"Special thanks to all the students and staff for their involvement and helping to Make a Difference in the life of others," LeBouthillier said.

Allison Apicerno, Coordinator of The Valley Goes Pink initiative, visited the school to receive the contribution.

(PHOTO SUBMITTED BY PRINCIPAL LAURIE BOUTHILLIER) 

PHOTOS: Assumption School students go pink for breast cancer awareness in Ansonia

ANSONIA >> Students at Assumption School went pink Friday, Oct. 24, in support of national Breast Cancer Month, and also raised funds for the cause.

Students Brooke Armistead, a 7th grader, and Alexa Benfanti, an 8th grader, designed a T-shirt, raising awareness for the cause. The girls raised $625 from T-shirt sales, and presented a check to Griffin Hospital's Hewitt Center for Breast Health. The two girls presented Janet Hall from Griffin's development office with the check during a brief ceremony at the school Friday.

During the school's morning prayer service, students and staff formed a huge, human pink cross.


(Photos submitted by Lucia Hanock)

Left to right: 
Brooke Armistead, Alexa Benfanti and Janet Hall

PHOTOS: 5th annual Seymour Pink Day

SEYMOUR >> The 5th annual Seymour Pink Day was staged throughout town Wednesday, where dozens of businesses and residents painted the town pink. Bunches of pink balloons danced in front of storefronts, across the Bank Street Bridge and at every cash register at Super Stop & Shop on Franklin Street. Pink pumpkins, emblazoned with the word "survivor" were spotted, as was First Selectman Kurt Miller sporting a pink tie for the occasion. The tie Miller purchased supports the Susan Komen Foundation.

VIEW PHOTO GALLERY

The Teddy Bear Tree House daycare center on South Main Street was wrapped up in a giant pink bow, and pink banners remembering the names of breast cancer survivors, along with those who lost their battle to the disease, flew high atop poles along Derby Avenue, Main Street and others areas of town. A floral shop downtown, Dragonflies, had its front window decked out with a small pink Christmas tree, while inside the quaint shop, dozens of pink ribbons decorated the walls. Haynes Construction Co. marked the day by placing a giant pink banner on a massive cement wall at the entrance of its facility on Cedar Street, for all commuters on nearby Route 8 to see.

The day's events culminated with a celebration at Hot Tamale's Mexican Bar & Grill, where giveaways, raffles and other fun activities took place. Seymour Pink Founder Mary Deming, who began the grassroots organization in 2009 after losing her own mother to breast cancer, was thrilled with another successful event. Deming, however, one day hopes that breast cancer is only something that lives in the history books. To date, Seymour Pink has raised more than $500,000 for breast cancer research. Money is used to help victims and their families.

"Seymour Pink is a statement to those who are fighting and we are fighting with them," Deming said.

(Photos and text by New Haven Register Correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich)

PHOTOS: Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller participates in Pink Promenade

SEYMOUR >> The 5th annual Pink Promenade was held Oct. 12 to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. Dozens of men, including First Selectman Kurt Miller, sported high heels, feather boas and pretty pink outfits, as they completed the mile-long walk through town. Miller, who wore a hot pink cowboy hat, floral frock and striped tights, said the event raised more than $7,200 for breast cancer research.

(Photos submitted by
First Selectman Kurt Miller's office)

Seymour Pink to open shop in September

Congratulations and best of luck to Seymour resident Mary Deming, founder of Seymour Pink, and her board of directors on their new venture!

Crisco co-hosts Are You Dense Day to raise awareness

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, co-chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, was joined today by a bipartisan group of other legislators to co-host Are You Dense Day in the Legislative Office Building.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy delivered welcoming remarks to start the program; Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman also spoke at the event.

According to organizers, Are You Dense Day was planned to, ‘honor Connecticut’s global leadership in breast density legislation’ and raise awareness about how dense breast tissue can mask developing breast cancer from routine mammograms.
Connecticut has enacted a series of laws – beginning in 2005 – requiring notification of women who have dense breast tissue and insurance coverage for additional breast cancer screenings.

“Breast density is a well-established predictor of breast cancer risk, but dense breast tissue masks tumors because they look alike on a routine mammogram,” Crisco said.
“Forty percent of all women are said to have dense breast tissue and yet doctors speak to less than 10 percent of their women patients about it – we have so much more work to do to raise awareness of this critical component of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.”

Are You Dense Day featured presentations from two radiologists who described the enhanced value of additional screenings for women with dense breast tissue.
“We’re finding small, mammographically occult cancers at a significant rate and we’re able to do that and still be efficient,” said Regina Hooley, M.D., Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Radiology at the Yale School of Medicine, one of the presenters.

“There are too many women who are unaware of their breast density, believe their ‘happy gram’ when it reports ‘normal,’ and are at risk of receiving a late-stage cancer diagnosis,” according to Nancy M. Cappello, Ph.D., founder and Executive Director of Are You Dense, Inc., and one of the organizers of Are You Dense Day.
“Cancers detected early have better treatment and survival outcomes.”

Are You Dense Day underscored Connecticut’s leadership on this issue – there are new laws in 12 other states comparable to those in Connecticut, pending legislation in nearly a dozen other states, and interest from the United States and other national governments.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Shelton program highlights cancer surgery options

Shelton Police Officer Mary Beth White

SHELTON - I attended a talk Monday night at the R.D. Scinto Auditorium about reconstructive surgery techniques for breast cancer survivors.

It was presented by Dr. Andrew S. Kenler and Dr. Shareef Jandali. They are members of the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center at Bridgeport Hospital, part of the Yale-New Haven Health System.

The event was organized by Shelton Police Officer Mary Beth White, pictured above, who was diagnosed last year with Stage 1 breast cancer.

As a breast cancer survivor myself I commend White for bringing such an educational presentation to the community during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

School in Ansonia gets into the pink

Emmett O'Brien Tech marks breast cancer awareness month

Students and staff wearing EOB Goes Pink Day T-shirts pose in front of the school Friday.
Principal Laurie LeBouthillier went on the roof to take a photo of them standing in the shape of a breast cancer awareness ribbon.
I stayed on the ground to capture this "sea of pink."

The school collected $1,450 for The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby. 

The gym was alive with spirit during Friday's volleyball tournament.

The cheerleaders created a special 'fight breast cancer' cheer.

O'Brien students and staff deserve plaudits for their efforts to support Griffin's breast wellness center and for raising awareness of the disease.

Fundraiser Saturday to benefit Seymour Pink

I just realized I hadn't posted this information. My mistake!

It's another great event planned in the Valley during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to support Seymour Pink, Inc.

Breast surgeons to host talk in Shelton

New techniques will be discussed
SHELTON - Two breast surgeons will host "New techniques in breast conservation and treatment of breast cancer" at 6 p.m. Monday in the R.D. Scinto auditorium, 3 Corporate Drive.


The presenters are Dr. Andrew S. Kenler and Dr. Shareef Jandali, both members of the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Cancer Center at Bridgeport Hospital, part of the Yale-New Haven Health System.

A question and answer segment will follow the talk. Light refreshments will be served.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Kenler is a board certified general surgeon specializing in diseases of the breast.
Jandali is a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in the newest breast reconstruction techniques including oncoplastic surgery, one-stage breast reconstruction with implants, and nipple-sparing mastectomy reconstruction.


In the United States, 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer during her lifetime.
Men are also at risk and account for about 1 percent of all breast cancer cases.
Even though breast cancer awareness is high, all too often people don’t take the steps to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and it is important to be educated on the treatment options that are available.
Novel treatment and reconstructive options exist. The marriage of oncologic issues and cosmetic issues has come to the forefront in the treatment of breast cancer.
This allows women to not only be cured of their illness, but to be left "whole" after surgery. 

For more information contact Shelton Police Officer Mary Beth White, 203-924-1544 ext. 416.

This post is taken from a press release.

Luminaries light the night in Derby

Luminaries displayed in front of the gazebo on the Derby Green.

DERBY - My daughter Allegra and I attended the city's luminary lighting ceremony Tuesday night on the Green.
As a breast cancer survivor the solemn event meant a lot to me, and I thank those who organized it.

The luminaries cost $3 each and all the money raised from the sales will benefit The Campaign for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

We're looking forward to next year's ceremony.

Derby to go pink Tuesday to support breast center

DERBY - The city is going pink on Tuesday in support of The Valley Goes Pink! campaign to benefit The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Mayor Anthony Staffieri urged schools, city departments, businesses and citizens "to help support this worthy cause and show your support and wear pink and spread the awareness of the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer.

"Further, the city of Derby supports those who are courageously fighting breast cancer and honors the lives of those lost to this devastating disease."


This post is taken from a press release from the city of Derby.
                          

Salon in Seymour raises funds for Seymour Pink

Donna Alberti of Oxford volunteers at the snack station Saturday outside of EnV Hair Lounge in the Oxmour Plaza in Seymour.

SEYMOUR - On Saturday daughter Allegra and I went to EnV Hair Lounge &Wig Center to get haircuts.
The business was holding its second annual Cut-A-Thon and all proceeds benefited Seymour Pink, Inc.
The grassroots initiative - a community's fight against breast cancer - raises funds as well as awareness for the disease.

According to Seymour Pink's Facebook page the event raised more than $4,100.

Kudos to all the friendly employees and volunteers on a successful day.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

As a breast cancer survivor it was a special occasion for me, because I hadn't wanted to get my tresses trimmed since my hair grew back last year.
I was so happy to have my hair back! Chemotherapy treatments took it away, but it returned with a vengeance.

I was happy to bump into Donna Alberti (pictured above). She is fellow member of Circle of Friends, Griffin Hospital's breast cancer support group. Donna was busy serving popcorn, baked goods, cider, and coffee to all who attended.

The event in Oxmour Plaza also included several vendors, a dunk tank, health information booths and a mammogram screening bus. Allegra and I were on a tight schedule and didn't have time to stroll around.

We already plan to return next year.