Event to Benefit Breast Cancer

Valley Softball Teams Raise $2,800 for Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness

Pictured in front row from left: Derby High Softball players Lacey DiMartino and Anna Chevarella. Pictured in back from left: Derby High School Athletic Director Rachael Caggiano, Derby High Softball Asst. Coach Jenn Moffat, O’Malley, Derby High Softball Coach Joe DiMartino, Lori DiMartino, and Derby High Principal Marty Pascale.
 

 

DERBY -The Derby and Ansonia High School softball teams recently presented Griffin Hospital Fund Director Tricia O’Malley with a donation of $2,800 to The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital.

The two teams raised the money at the 7^th Annual Derby-Ansonia Pink Softball Game held on April 22. Organized by long-time Griffin Hospital employee and Derby High School Softball Coach Joe DiMartino, the fundraiser was held in honor of his wife, Lori, a breast cancer survivor.

 

The event featured raffles, food and music by DJ Phyllis Kaplan as the two teams competed. Overall, the annual fundraiser has donated more than $20,000 to the Center.

 

Located at 300 Seymour Ave. in Derby, The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital offer patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.

 

For more information about The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Breast wellness center in Derby wins recognition

DERBY - The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital has achieved the highest level of quality breast health care recognition from the American College of Surgeons.

The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, a program administered by the American College of Surgeons, recently granted a Full Three-Year Accreditation designation to the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness. 

Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to those centers that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest standard of breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance.

During the survey process, the center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease.

The standards include proficiency in the areas of center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement.

“We’re extremely proud to earn this comprehensive designation,” said Denise Barajas, MD, medical director of The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness.
“Breast centers that achieve the NAPBC accreditation demonstrate strong dedication to offering patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.”

The American Cancer Society estimated that 232,340 patients will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2013. 

In addition, hundreds of thousands of women who will deal with benign breast disease this year will require medical evaluation for treatment options.

Receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to:

·         Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services;

·         A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options;

·         Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options; and

·         Quality breast care close to home.

About NAPBC

The NAPBC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care and monitoring of outcomes of patients with diseases of the breast.
This mission is pursued through standard-setting, scientific validation, and patient and professional education. Its board membership includes professionals from 20 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of breast care.

About The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital

Located at 300 Seymour Ave. in Derby, The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital combines advanced technology, a team of highly trained physicians, breast and reconstructive surgeons and patient navigators, and a Planetree healing environment to offer our patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.

The Center features state-of-the-art digital mammography suites equipped with 3D mammography, a breast ultrasound suite, and the most advanced system available to perform stereotactic biopsy. With all of these resources under one roof, the Center provides fast and accurate diagnosis, alleviating our patients’ anxiety.
The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness is a designated Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). In awarding the status of a “Breast Imaging Center of Excellence,” the ACR recognizes that The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness demonstrates excellence in breast imaging by successfully earning accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, and breast ultrasound (including ultrasound-guided breast biopsy).

For more information, call 203-732-1300 or visit breast-center.griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

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.

Whiskey tasting to benefit Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host a unique whiskey, scotch, and bourbon tasting fundraiser Oct. 17, giving attendees the opportunity to sample some of the world’s best whiskeys, while also helping breast cancer patients in the Valley.
 

The Valley Goes Pink Whiskeys of the World Tasting will be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at La Sala Banquet Hall, 79 High St. (by the Sons of Italy Club). 

A Diageo’s Master of Whiskey will share the pleasures and complexities of the best scotches (single and blend), Irish whiskeys, and bourbons from around the globe.

Food will be provided by The Original Antonio’s Restaurant in Ansonia.

Tickets are $60 if purchased before Oct. 10 or $70 at the door. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital. Call 203-732-7504 or visit griffinhealth.org/pink to reserve your spot.

The fundraiser is sponsored by Diageo, La Sala and The Original Antonio’s.

Raising breast cancer awareness

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital and showcase partnering organizations.

Throughout October, Valley towns are invited to host a variety of unique fundraising events and marketing programs to raise awareness and support for the cause.

From hosting Pink Parties in homes, to “pinkifying” businesses with ribbons or lights, or hosting dress down days and auctions - the possibilities are endless. 

For information on how to get involved, visit www.griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7504.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Shelton family hosting brunch to benefit Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness

The Durante family, pictured from left: Mario, Anna, Ralph, Luca and Santino. / Contributed photo

DERBY - The Durante family of Shelton is “paying it forward” with a community-wide fundraiser brunch Sept. 8 at the La Sala Banquet Hall, Sons of Italy, 23 High St., to benefit The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

Hosted by Ralph Durante, the brunch is inspired by his wife, Anna, who is a breast cancer survivor. The Durante family organized the event partly in gratitude for the support and services they’ve received, partly in tribute to the many members of their family and community who didn’t make it through their fight with cancer, and mostly in hope of saving someone else’s loved one or family member through awareness and prevention campaigns.

The brunch will be from 11:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 and are available in advance or at the door. Proceeds will benefit The Valley Goes Pink, a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to support The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness. For tickets or more information, contact Ralph or Anna Durante at 203.732.1977 or annadurante1@gmail.com or visit The Valley Goes Pink atgriffinhealth.org/pink

A Commitment to Raising Awareness and Prevention

Anna Durante was diagnosed with breast cancer at her very first baseline mammogram at age 40. She credits that mammogram with allowing her to catch her breast cancer early.
As a result of that finding, it was recommended she have a double mastectomy.

At the time of Anna’s diagnosis, Griffin Hospital didn’t have a Center for Breast Wellness, so Anna drove to New Haven and Stamford to see her doctors.

“It would have been so much easier for me and so much less stress on my family if I could have stayed right here at Griffin,” Anna Durante said.

The Durantes were valuable supporters when The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness was being built and stocked with state-of-the-art equipment.

The Center opened in 2011 and the Durante family continues to fund raise for new equipment, free mammograms to uninsured people, and breast cancer awareness and prevention campaigns.

Anna had a wonderfully supportive, but not very domestic husband in Ralph who had to bear the brunt of caring for their three sons, Santino, Mario, and Luca, as well as Anna while continuing to work. They now joke about the way Ralph did housework or the meals he cooked, but at the time, it wasn’t humorous at all.

“I worked all day. I came home. I cooked and cleaned. And then I had to go back to work at 3 a.m. where I was a supervisor at a waste management company,” Ralph Durante said. “She was in her room. I didn’t know what to say. It was tough. A lot of men don’t know what it’s like because they haven’t had to deal with it. It hasn’t hit their house.”

Shortly after Anna’s diagnosis, other family members were diagnosed with cancer. Ralph is also battling his own health issues.
Rather than spend their time dwelling on why so many cancers have struck their family, the Durantes prefer to put their energy into trying to help other families.

“We went through it as a family. If you stick together, you can get through it. We do this to show support to other families,” Luca Durante said.

The Durantes put their efforts into supporting each other as best they can through each illness and into trying to get the word out about prevention, early diagnosis and finding a cure.
They want people to know about the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness and to encourage people to take advantage of the services available there.
Ralph credits “early detection and Anna’s positive outlook and strength” as the reason she is “alive and well” now.

“We have seen young and old lose their battles with cancer, but will never give up looking for cures and working toward prevention,” he said.

The Durantes are hard-working people. Ralph works for the Shelton Highway Department and Anna owns the Cappelli Salon of Derby.
Their commitment to family and health inspired them to host the brunch and they hope it inspires others to take action.

“If cancer hits your house, like it hit my house, you want to do something,” Ralph said. “You want to reach out and do something…anything. It doesn’t have to be a lot, just something - whatever your pocket can afford.”

For more information, contact Ralph or Anna Durante at 203-732-1977 or annadurante1@gmail.com or visit The Valley Goes Pink at griffinhealth.org/pink.

About The Valley Goes Pink

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to sustain the efforts of The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness to ensure the delivery of state-of-the-art care and create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection for Valley residents.
Monies raised through The Valley Goes Pink are largely through individual gifts under $25 each.

About The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital

The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness was opened in 2011, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Campaign for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.
A grassroots initiative, the Campaign raised $1 million to develop the Center for Breast Wellness, a comprehensive breast wellness and cancer prevention and treatment center for the people of the Valley.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Brunch in Derby to benefit The Valley Goes Pink

Enjoy brunch and support a worthy cause here in the Valley!




This is taken from The Valley Goes Pink Facebook page. 

Griffin in Derby welcomes plastic surgeon

Dr. Mark A. Melendez

DERBY - Griffin Hospital welcomes Dr. Mark M. Melendez, an accomplished and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with extensive experience in advanced breast reconstruction techniques for breast cancer patients.

Melendez comes to Griffin Hospital after completing plastic surgery residency training with the renowned Long Island Plastic Surgical Group and fellowship training in reconstructive micro vascular surgery at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. 

He will also be a member of the practice of Griffin-affiliated plastic surgeon John F. Reilly, MD FACS, in Shelton.

Melendez is dedicated to providing the highest levels of plastic surgical techniques in breast reconstruction and will work closely with The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital and its medical director, Dr. Denise Barajas, a breast surgeon. 

He is trained in perforator flap breast reconstruction which avoids taking any abdominal muscle or connective tissue by using small blood vessels which are reconnected to the blood supply in the chest with a microscope. 

The most common perforator flap procedure Melendez performs is the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap, in which excess skin and fat along the lower portion of the abdomen are used to create a new ‘natural’ breast after a mastectomy. He also offers SIEA (Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery) and TUG (Transverse Upper Gracilis) flaps as well as tissue expanders, implants, and fat grafting for breast reconstruction. 

He will perform the microvascular procedures in tandem with Dr. Reilly at Griffin Hospital.

Melendez is also experienced in micro vascular surgery, reconstructive, cosmetic, and peripheral nerve surgery.

Melendez graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Binghamton University and Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Long Island University. He also received a Masters in Business Administration, graduating as the valedictorian from Harriman School of Business at Stony Brook University.
He received his medical degree with honors from Ross University School of Medicine and completed seven years of general surgery training at Stony Brook University Medical Center, including a two year clinical research fellowship program supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Upon graduation from general surgery residency in 2010, he established an annual research grant award in memory of his grandmother, Esther Rentas, who succumbed with leukemia at 76, to foster residents in pursuing basic and clinical surgical research. 

He has authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals, four book chapters, and presented at numerous national/international plastic surgery conferences. He has also volunteered on international missionary work to Ecuador and Vietnam operating with a team of specialists in reconstruction surgery on adults as well as children.

For more information about Melendez or to make an appointment, call 203-924-2900.

The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., offers patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.

For more information about the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.

 

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby seeks outstanding women nominees

The Valley Women's Health Initiative is seeking nominations for “outstanding women” who have made positive contributions to the community. 
Award winners will be recognized Oct. 3 at the annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Tribute Luncheon and Fundraiser at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby.
 

Over the past 12 years, 84 women from various walks of life who live or work in the Naugatuck Valley have been honored. Individuals, business leaders, and organizations are invited to submit nominations.

Nominees should exemplify the multi-dimensional role women play in today's society as demonstrated by the contributions they have made to positively affect their community. Nominees must live or work in Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, or Shelton.

A nomination may be submitted at griffinhealth.org/patientvisitor/womenshealth or mailed to the Hewitt Breast Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital, c/o M. Vallillo, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby, 06418. To obtain a nomination form, call Marianne, 203-732-1300 or email mvallillo@griffinhealth.org.

Nominations should be submitted by July 30. Selected honorees and their nominator will attend the luncheon as guests of the Valley Women's Health Initiative. Luncheon reservations will go on sale in August.

To learn about the various ways you can help support the Women Making a Difference in the Valley Tribute Luncheon and Fundraiser, call Dorothy, 203-233-7639 or Kate, 203-888-3290.

The Valley Women's Health Initiative is a coalition of health agencies, community leaders, and volunteers, from the Valley community working toward the common goal of improving women’s health and addressing women’s health issues, including breast cancer awareness and heart disease. 

Proceeds from the luncheon will be earmarked for the Griffin Hospital/Valley Breast Care Fund, which was established in 2001 to ensure that no person, regardless of age or socio-economic condition, is denied screening mammograms or diagnostic testing for breast cancer.

Shelton team donates $240 to breast wellness center in Derby

Members of the Shelton High Boys Volleyball team recently presented Griffin Hospital Development Fund Executive Director Cornelia Evans, center, with a $240 donation for the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby. 
Presenting the donation were, from left, John Kocur, Michael Torres, Mac Thompson and Manager Emma Hanrahan. / Contributed photo

DERBY - Members of the Shelton High Boys Volleyball team recently delivered a $240 donation to the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

Captains Michael Torres, Mac Thompson and John Kocur, and Manager Emma Hanrahan presented the donation to Cornelia Evans, executive director of the Griffin Hospital Development Fund. The team raised the money at a special Pink Night game on April 12.


This information is taken from a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Game to benefit Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness in Derby

Mammograms, genetic counseling are topic of talk in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is helping area women learn the basics of mammograms and when they should be screened with a free presentation May 7.

Dr. Denise Barajas, medical director of the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, will present “Do I Need a Mammogram?” - a discussion on breast cancer screening guidelines, risk factors and genetic counseling - at 6:30 p.m. May 7 at Griffin Hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St.

This talk will feature an in-depth discussion of when and how frequently to get a mammogram, the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, testing and treatment options, and the ways a woman’s lifestyle can increase her chances for being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The event is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U “Tuesday Talks,” a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics.

All Tuesday Talks are held in Griffin Hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St.
Light refreshments will be served.

To reserve a spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit griffinhealth.org. To find out about upcoming Tuesday Talks, visit griffinhealth.org/programsevents.

Griffin breast wellness center in Derby receives state grant

Griffin Hospital CEO Patrick Charmel, center, receives a $74,480 grant from Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) Executive Director Jeffrey A. Asher, left, and CHEFA Legislative Liaison/ECE Program Specialist David Wasch. 
Also pictured are Griffin Hospital Breast wellness outreach coordinator Cary Carpino, left, and Griffin Hospital Director of Radiology Christine Cooper, MS, CNMT.

DERBY - The Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority officially awarded a $74,480

grant to Griffin Hospital to help uninsured and underinsured women in the Valley receive breast cancer screenings.

The grant will enable The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital to provide approximately 150 free mammograms to women who have no health insurance or have insurance with a high co-pay or deductible for breast cancer screening services.

The grant will also cover any additional testing if something is found in the mammogram results. In addition, the grant will fund a Nurse Educator for Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurses Program to raise breast cancer awareness and provide breast screening education for women in the Greater Valley community.

“This grant will go a long way in ensuring that women in the Greater Valley community receive vital breast cancer tests regardless of their ability to pay,” said Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel.
“Several towns and cities in the surrounding area have unemployment rates that are higher than the state and national average, forcing many families to choose between health insurance, or basic needs such as food and housing.”

The need for breast cancer screening funding recently became more critical with the possible elimination of the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection (CBCCEDP) program, which covers approximately 100 free mammogram at The Hewitt Center each year.

“We are very proud of our long term relationship with Griffin Hospital. This breast cancer screening program is further evidence of the Hospital’s patient-centered approach to every aspect of the care they provide and their commitment to providing patients with high quality service,” said CHEFA Executive Director Jeffrey A. Asher.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is diagnosed in women more than any other cancer, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Connecticut women.
The relative survival rate is much higher when the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, before the disease has had a chance to progress.

The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness has been very active in seeking grants to provide free breast cancer screening and education. In recent months, the Center secured grants from Susan G. Komen for the Cure in Connecticut, The Hewitt Foundation and CT Community Foundation to provide more than 250 free breast cancer imaging or screening services to women in the Valley.

“We are very thankful to CHEFA for this grant,” Charmel said. “Part of Griffin Hospital’s mission is to empower individuals to be actively involved in decisions affecting their care and well-being through access to information and education; and to provide leadership to improve the health of the community it serves. This grant helps us greatly in achieving that goal and in bringing high-quality and compassionate care to the Greater Valley area.”

Located at 350 Seymour Ave., The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital combines state-of-the-art technology, a team of highly trained physicians and staff and a healing environment to offer patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.
The Center provides state-of-the-art technology, expert breast surgeons, breast health navigators, genetic counseling, and a full continuum of care for patients that can be provided, in many cases, in that same day.
For more information, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.

This information is taken from a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital breast center in Derby welcomes director

Dr. Denise Barajas

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is pleased to welcome the new Director of the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness Denise Barajas, MD, FACS, an experienced breast surgeon and expert on breast cancer screening, early detection, and treatment.

Barajas comes to Griffin from the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven, where she was Director of the Women's Center for Breast Health. She joins Griffin's team of highly skilled, compassionate physicians and staff at the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness.

In just two years, the Center's combination of state-of-the-art technology, personalized breast care, high risk management and wellness services, and Planetree healing environment has helped it become the breast center of choice for tens of thousands of women in our area.

Dr. Barajas has more than 16 years of experience and is board certified in general, bariatric and breast surgery. She holds a degree in biology from Johns Hopkins University and a medical degree from New Jersey Medical School. She completed a surgical residency at the Hospital of Saint Raphael and serve as Chief Resident of that program.

A respected and sought-after speaker, she is the Vice Chair of the Abstract Committee for the National Consortium of Breast Centers.

Located at 300 Seymour Ave., The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital offer patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.

For information about the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.

This information is taken from a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Breast wellness center named Pink Ribbon Facility

DERBY -  The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital was recently named a Pink Ribbon Facility for having the latest screening and diagnostic technology available.

The Pink Ribbon Facility distinction is awarded only to an elite group of healthcare facilities. 

The designation is awarded by Hologic, Inc., a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of premium diagnostic products, medical imaging systems, and surgical products dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of women.

Pink Ribbon facilities are digital imaging centers recognized as providing excellence in breast health paired with their exceptional commitment and support to the women of their community. There are only four hospitals in the state with the distinction.

“This recognition shows that the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness is committed to the fight against breast cancer,” said the Center’s Director Denise Barajas, M.D. 

“By offering the latest technology in mammography, we hope to increase the number of area women who will be routinely screened. The stage at which breast cancer is detected greatly influences a woman’s chance of survival.”

The Hewitt Center features two state-of-the-art digital mammography suites that utilize revolutionary 3D technology (tomosynthesis), a breast ultrasound suite, and the most advanced system available to perform stereotactic biopsy.

The Hewitt Center’s Selenia® Dimensions® breast tomosynthesis system offers exceptionally sharp breast images, an advanced ergonomic design providing more patient comfort, and the ground-breaking tomosynthesis platform designed to deliver superior screening and diagnostic performance.

During a tomosynthesis exam, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are acquired at different angles. These images are then used to produce a series of one-millimeter thick slices that can be viewed as a 3D reconstruction of the breast.

Breast cancer screening with tomosynthesis when combined with a conventional 2D mammography has a higher cancer detection rate than conventional 2D mammography alone. Studies have shown that tomosynthesis technology gives radiologist increased confidence with a significant reduction in recall rates.

Located at 300 Seymour Ave., The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital combines state-of-the-art technology, a team of highly trained physicians and staff, and a Planetree healing environment to offer our patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.

For information about the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, call 203-732-1300 or visit www.griffinhealth.org/cbw.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Walk raises funds for Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness

Naugatuck resident turns her dream into a reality

Jamie DeCicco accomplished her goal, and then some.

The Naugatuck mother of four who organized Saturday's breast-cancer walk at Linden Park in Naugatuck raised almost $2,000.

She told me was thrilled with the turnout, and plans to organize another walk next October to support The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

 

As a breast cancer survivor and patient at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness I'd like to sincerely thank DeCicco for her hard work and dedication, and congratulate her on her successful event.

My daughter Allegra and I walked the track and husband Ralph was there to cheer us on. Even
though the pre-Sandy skies were overcast, the foliage along the Naugatuck River was pretty.

These girls, all dressed in pink, were ready to sell baked goods, pink wristbands, and rings. Pictured from left are DeCicco's daughter, Carmen, 10, her niece, Naomi, 9, and Emily Fanzutti, 16, daughter of Mary Fanzutti, a breast cancer survivor.

Griffin Hospital Community Outreach representative and Valley Parish Nurse Maggie Sessa provided participants with information about breast cancer awareness and prevention, as well as info on other health-related topics.

Participants walk the track along the river amidst the foliage at Linden Park in Naugatuck.

 

 The mighty Naugatuck River.

Kids enjoyed bouncing around, thanks to Bob Allen, owner of B Bounce ‘N, LLC in Naugatuck, who donated use of a bounce house for the event.

 Daughter Allegra strolls along.

 

 Our cheerleader, Ralph.

And of course there were beautiful cupcakes for sale, baked and decorated by one of DeCicco's relatives. I got there too late to take a photo of the full amount. They looked delicious!

Congrats again to DeCicco and her husband, Sebastian, for making this a fun event.

I'm looking forward to next October's walk, when the Valley Goes Pink once again.

School goes pink to raise funds, show support

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Pink balloons grace entrance to school. Photo by Patricia Villers

The students and staff of St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby raised $364.15 for the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby. Students wore pink Oct. 11 to show their support for breast cancer awareness, treatment and research.

'Tis the month to think pink

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

The following is a list of unique Valley Goes Pink fundraising events set for Oct. 18-30.
For information on how you can "go pink," visit www.griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7504 or cevans@griffinhealth.org.

Every Wednesday in October is “Percent for Pink Day” at The Original Antonio's, 314 Main St., Ansonia. Owner Chris Setaro will donate 10 percent of all sales to The Valley Goes Pink.
Through Oct. 31 James Heating Oil, 326 Derby Ave., Derby, will donate $1 for every grill tank refill. Call 203-736-2566 or visit www.jamesheatingoil.com.
Oct. 18 marks the Valley Goes Pink Scotch Tasting from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at LaSala Banquet Hall, 79 High St., Derby (at the Sons of Italy Club).
Diageo's Master of Whiskey L.J. Heffernan, will share the pleasures and complexities of blended scotches and single malts, including Johnnie Walker Blue.
Registration is $60 by today and $70 after or at the door.
Register at www.griffinhealth.org/pink or 203-732-7504.

Oct. 21 marks two cut-a-thons:

• Capelli Salon, 131 Main St., Derby, will host its event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Make an appointment at 203-732-1977.
• Hair After Salon, 522 Huntington St., Shelton will host a cut-a-thon noon–4 p.m. Call 203-929-361 for an appointment; walk-ins are welcome.

Oct. 25 will be the date of two great events:

• Breast Wellness Walk at Linden Park in Naugatuck from 1-4:30 p.m. $20 per registrant.
• Jesse Camille’s Restaurant, 615 North Church St., Naugatuck, will host “Waiters Go Pink” starting at 5 p.m. Naugatuck “luminaries” wait on you, and all tips go to the cause. Reservations required. Call 203-723-2275.

On Oct. 30 Valley Goes Pink will host a “Wrap Up Celebration” at Il Palio Restaurant, 5 Corporate Drive, Shelton to wrap up the month’s festivities and to celebrate our success. Tickets are $15. After the event, participants may take advantage of a special $20.12 menu in the restaurant.

The above information was taken from a release from Griffin Hospital.  

Reminder: Monday is the start of 'Pink' month in the Valley

Time to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As a 19-month breast cancer survivor I must admit October now has a special place in my heart.

I do what I can to help raise awareness, and make sure I wear a little bit of pink every day. 

Starting Monday, there are many activities planned by the grass roots' initiative The Valley Goes Pink.
The initiative benefits the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby.  

In addition, the fourth annual 5K walk/run that benefits the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is Oct. 6. The event raises funds to help those diagnosed with all forms of cancer who are treated at the Center.

I'm kinda-sorta training for the walk. Being as out of shape as I am the thought of walking 3.1 miles with my teammates next Saturday is making me a bit nervous. As team captain does that mean I have to lead the rest of them? Scary thought indeed.

Thankfully the walk is not a competitive one. I finished it last year and imagine I can do that this year as well!

The event starts at 9 a.m. at the Center for Cancer Care, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby.
If you join in you'll find lots of dedicated family and friends eager to participate in honor or in memory of someone or just to show support.

Food, live entertainment, and a health information fair are part of the scene.

It's not too late to join a team or even walk as an individual, as I did last year.

Please think about lacing up your sneakers and taking a trek around Ansonia and Derby neighborhoods with us.

You'll be glad you did!

Help paint the Valley pink this October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities abound
DERBY - The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital and celebrate the charitable spirit of the Valley’s businesses and organizations.

The following is a list of unique Valley Goes Pink fundraising events.
For information on how you can "go pink," visit the Griffin Hospital website at www.griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7504 or cevans@griffinhealth.org.

Every Wednesday in October is “Percent for Pink Day” at The Original Antonio's, 314 Main Street, Ansonia. Owner Chris Setaro will donate 10 percent of all sales to The Valley Goes Pink.
Through Oct. 31 James Heating Oil, at 326 Derby Ave., Derby, will donate $1 for every grill tank refill. Call 203-736-2566 or visit www.jamesheatingoil.com.
On Oct. 1 Wellington’s Restaurant, 51 Huntington Ave., Shelton, will host “Wellington’s Waiters Go Pink” starting at 5 p.m. Valley Goes Pink Committee members will wait on tables and collects tips.
Oct. 4 marks The 12th Annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Luncheon, from noon-2 p.m. at Grassy Hill Lodge, Derby. Hosted by the Valley Women's Health Initiative, proceeds from the luncheon are earmarked for the Griffin Hospital/Valley Breast Care Fund. Tickets are $40 per person. For information, call 203-732-7431.
On Oct. 7 Ari Bella Restaurant, 66 Huntington St., Shelton, will host a “Vineyards of the World Wine Tasting” from 2-5 p.m. For information, call Pat, 203-926-2478 or Sue, 203-926-1122.
Oct. 11 marks the “Young Emerging Professionals' Pinktober Fest” from 5-8 p.m. at Molto Bene at John J. Sullivan's Restaurant, 557 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia. The event will feature a variety of craft brews, wine and scotch tastings, raffles, and more. Tickets are $30 per person.
For information, visit the Young Emerging Professionals at www.facebook.com/CTYEP or contact the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, 203-925-4981 or www.greatervalleychamber.com.
Oct. 18 marks the Valley Goes Pink Scotch Tasting from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at LaSala Banquet Hall, 79 High St., Derby (by the Sons of Italy Club). Diageo's Master of Whiskey L.J. Heffernan, will share the pleasures and complexities of blended scotches and single malts, including Johnnie Walker Blue. Registration is $60 before Oct. 11 and $70 after or at the door. Register at www.griffinhealth.org/pink or 203-732-7504.
On Oct. 25 Jesse Camille’s Restaurant, 615 North Church St., Naugatuck, will host “Waiters Go Pink” starting at 5 p.m. Naugatuck “luminaries” wait on you, and all tips go to the cause.
Oct. 21 marks two cut-a-thons:
• Capelli Salon, 131 Main St., will host its event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Make an appointment at 203-732-1977.
• Hair After Salon, 522 Huntington Ave., Shelton will host its cut-a-thon from 12–4 p.m. Call 203-929-6361 for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.
On Oct. 30 Valley Goes Pink will host a “Wrap Up Celebration” at Il Palio Restaurant, 5 Corporate Drive, Shelton to wrap up the month’s festivities and to celebrate our success. Tickets are $15. Following event, participants can take advantage of a special $20.12 menu in the restaurant.

The above is taken from a press release from Griffin Hospital.