Paint the Town and Your House Pink

 

Pinkest House/Yard/Business Decorating Contest

Sharing from Seymour Pink founder Mary Deming:

"We love seeing all of the pink ribbons and encouraging messages and decor along our normal race route. Since we cannot be together, that doesn’t mean we cannot SEE MORE PINK. In fact, we can see even more!  

"We are challenging participants to decorate their house and/or yards pink for race weekend and the kickoff of Breast Cancer Awareness month [in October].  

"Businesses and storefronts can participate too! Since we are virtual, everyone can participate – even if you’re not on our traditional race route and even if you’re not in Connecticut. Help everyone SEE MORE PINK this October.

"Submit photos to us at poundingthepavementforpink@gmail.com with subject line Home Contest.

"All entries must be submitted by 4 p.m on Saturday, Oct. 3. We will be sharing all entries on social media and will compile into a slideshow at the end of the event."

"Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place houses are as follows:

$200 Visa Gift Card for 1st Place
$100 Via Gift Card for 2nd Place
$50 Visa Gift Card for 3rd Place

Time to start brainstorming!"

Valley Woman Wins Big

Vicky O’Connor, center, with Kate Marks
and Griffin Hospital President/CEO Patrick Charmel.

  

SHELTON - Vicky O’Connor, of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, was the big winner at the 2nd Annual Diamond Dig fundraiser at Marks of Design in Shelton.

 

O’Connor picked the lucky bucket that contained a one-carat diamond from Antwerp, Belgium. More than 800 carats of precious gemstones were awarded in the event, which raised more than $11,000 for the Valley Goes Pink Campaign.

 

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.

 

For more information about the Valley Goes Pink, visit griffinhealth.org/pink.

Valley Goes Pink to host Exciting Week of Events

DERBY - The 9th Annual Valley Goes Pink invites the community to another exciting week of events filled with concerts, chili and carats.

 

The Valley Goes Pink will host a Rock the Valley Pink concert on Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St., Shelton, featuring Social Convention. A $20 donation includes admission and a free drink!

 

Bad Sons Beer Company, 251 Roosevelt Dr., Derby, will host a chili contest between first responders from the Valley on Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. A $25 donation includes tasting and a vote. Cash bar for craft beer.

 

On Thurs., Oct. 25 from 3-7 p.m., Marks of Design, 389 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, will host its 2^nd Annual Diamond Dig. Take your chances at winning precious gemstones, including a 1-carat diamond. The cost is a $40 donation for each bucket.

 

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.

 

For more information on how you can go Pink, including a calendar of events, visit griffinhealth.org/pink, like us on Facebook or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at development@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7504.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

Event to Benefit Breast Cancer

Plenty of "Pink" Events on Tap

DERBY - The 8th Annual Valley Goes Pink invites the community to sip or stretch for relaxation and a good cause.

 

LuLu Pazzo, 314 Main St., Ansonia, will host “Wine Pairing for Pink Dinner” on Wed., Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy dinner paired with wines for each course. Call Jodi at 203-521-2233 for more information or to reserve a spot.

Professional Yoga Instructor Kimmarie will lead “Pink Namaste Yoga” on Sun., Nov. 5 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby. Minimum donation of $20. Visit kimmarieyoga.net to register.

 

In addition to these two events, Marks of Design, 389 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, will host “Dig for a Diamond” on Thurs., Oct. 26 from 3-7 p.m. A $40 donation will give an individual a bucket and a chance to win a .90 karat diamond as well as precious and semiprecious faceted stones. The event is limited to 300 participants. Call 203-924-0030 or visit griffinhealth.org/pink to reserve a bucket.

 

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.

 

For more information on how you can go Pink, including a calendar of events, visit griffinhealth.org/pink, like us on Facebook or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at development@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7504.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Haircuts for a Cause

Soccer Game to Benefit Breast Cancer

Hurry Up and Register for Seymour Pink 5K!

Sharing from Seymour Pink founder Mary Deming:

Hello 5K Runners and Walkers!

There is GOOD news and BAD news.

Our 5K registration for this year’s POUNDING the PAVEMENT for PINK has been off the charts!

As you know, we said we would cap the 5K at 2,600 runners/walkers or Sept. 22, whichever came first?

Well there is good news and bad news.

The good news is we are very close to 2,600, the bad news is we will close all registration at 11:59 p.m. this Wednesday, Sept. 13.

IF YOU have NOT registered for this year's 5K and are planning on doing so...time is RUNNING OUT!

 

Awards for “Most Team Members” in Individual/Family and Business/ Organization” categories, will be determined at the end of registration on Sept. 13.

HOWEVER, all donations made until Sept. 22., will continue to count toward “Most Monies Raised” awards for individual and for teams.

 

Also, although donations made after Sept. 22 will not count toward 5K awards, we will gratefully accept all online donations until Oct. 26, 2017.

 

PLEASE share with all who may not have signed up yet for this year’s 5K but are planning to do so; TIME is RUNNING OUT!  

 

THANK YOU for your support in the FIGHT against breast cancer!

'Pounding the Pavement for Pink' 5k in Seymour raises awareness for breast cancer

(Photos submitted by Mary Deming)

SEYMOUR >> More than 1,800 people laced up their running shoes last weekend to partake in Seymour Pink's annual "Pounding the Pavement for Pink" 5K race and walk, which raises awareness, support and money for breast cancer.

The event, which Seymour Pink Founder Mary Deming said drew 76 breast cancer survivors, 72 teams of people formed to honor loved ones fighting the disease and those who lost their battle, 110 volunteers and runners from 12 different states, even some from Australia who told Deming they planned their holiday to America around the 5K.

"The sense of community, the sense of HOPE, the presence of the survivors with us...it is UNBELIEVABLE," Deming said.

Deming said many community organizations and local businesses participated again this year, noting that Hayne Construction had more than 80 people on their team for the 5K, raising more than $11,000 in donations.

Since Deming founded the grassroots initiative in 2009, more than $500,000 has been raised for breast cancer research.  

Deming posted the following message on her Facebook page, after the event:

"Well the 3rd Annual POUNDING the PAVEMENT is over...but is it really? Don't we all leave yesterday's events changed by the experience? Whether you walked, ran, volunteered or cheered your loved ones, aren't you a little different today?
I can't help thinking that as the day ended yesterday and into the next few days we will share with those that couldn't be there, our experiences on Saturday.
For me, the first word that comes to mind is OVERWHELMED....
...
Overwhelmed by the commitment so many businesses, Big and Small make to the 5k by sponsoring the event...your monies allow us to "kick it up a notch", to elevate to a Celebration not just a 3.1 mile run or walk!
Overwhelmed by all of the volunteers, who give so much of their time and energy weeks before the race and all of the days leading up to it! (a race of this magnitude doesn't happen with a handful of people)!
Overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and leadership the team captains gave to motivate and recruit friends and family to join their team!
Overwhelmed by the generosity of all those who help raise or made donations in honor of and in memory of the those victimized by the cancer diagnosis!
Overwhelmed by all of the businesses and individuals who donate all of the food, water, and beautiful gifts and corsages for our survivors!
Overwhelmed by each and everyone of you who register for this event!
Overwhelmed by this community and its desire to UNITE in the FIGHT against breast cancer. What an amazing community!! If you didn't feel THAT yesterday...you miss the HEART of what this COMMUNITY is ALL about.

Lastly OVERWHELMED by the STRENGTH, COURAGE, FAITH, HOPE and LOVE our loved ones, who have heard the breast cancer diagnosis, bring to us every day! THANK YOU for showing us HOW to FIGHT!
and as we looked out from the stage yesterday... Did we not SEE MORE PINK!
......Whenever you try to put into words an event such as yesterday's 5K, you miss thanking someone or some group...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE know I am forever indebted to all of you for what your gave to our 3rd annual 5k ...what you gave to this COMMUNITY!
God bless each and everyone of you....
Thank you from all of us at SEYMOUR PINK and SEYMOUR TRADITION!"

Seymour hosts annual ‘Pink Promenade’ to raise money for breast cancer

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

SEYMOUR >> First Selectman Kurt Miller is no stranger to strapping on a pair of women’s stilettos and a skirt all in the name of a good cause.
And Miller is inviting area men to join him for Seymour Pink's 5th annual "Pink Promenade." Miller and others who sign up will walk a mile in heels throughout town, sporting pink outfits and raising awareness and money for breast cancer.
The event, which Miller and the employees of Town Hall are sponsoring, is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Community Center, 20 Pine St.

Read more here. 

Griffin in Derby receives $64K grant for breast cancer outreach, education

DERBY - Susan G. Komen Connecticut recently awarded Griffin Hospital a grant of more than $64,000 to continue providing breast cancer outreach & education to women in the Naugatuck Valley.

This year, approximately 3,000 Connecticut women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The Komen award will support the Valley Breast Wellness Initiative and the breast health outreach efforts of the Griffin Hospital Valley Parish Nurse Program, which are vital in beating breast cancer locally.

“The mortality rates from breast cancer are high in several of our Naugatuck Valley towns,” said Daun Barrett, RN, director of the Griffin Hospital Community Outreach and Parish Nurse Program. “With the support and financial help from Susan G. Komen Connecticut we are able to reach out into the communities to educate women in breast health needs and to schedule a mammogram, regardless of their ability to pay. 

"Our goal is to reduce the mortality rate of women due to breast cancer and the only way to accomplish this is to educate on the need for regular breast exams and screenings. We want to reduce any barriers that stop women from receiving a regular mammogram, especially by connecting women who cannot afford a mammogram to funding. Early detection does save lives.”

The Valley Breast Wellness Initiative aims to provide screening mammograms to women in the Greater Valley area regardless of their ability to pay. 

The purpose of the Valley Breast Wellness Initiative is to offer outreach and education to all women, especially the uninsured or under-insured, about the importance of breast wellness and early detection.

This grant year, Komen Connecticut has invested more than $700,000 to support local breast health programs across the state. 

They fund innovative and effective community-based breast health programs based on priorities identified by the Community Profile of Breast Health in Connecticut, a comprehensive, local research study that identifies the varied breast health needs in local communities as well as the gaps in breast health services.

“Griffin Hospital will help us in our mission to reach the breast health needs of women in Connecticut,” said Anne Morris, CEO of Komen Connecticut. “Early detection is essential until a cure is discovered. The work of our grantees allows us to make a difference on a local level to help the women in our communities beat breast cancer.”

Connecticut has the highest incidence of breast cancer in the United States. Based on the Community Profile, Komen Connecticut’s priorities include strengthening and building the capacity of existing breast health providers, promoting the importance of screening and early detection and increasing screening resources available to underserved women.

Seventy-five percent of the funds raised remain in Connecticut, and are invested in local breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs across the state. 

The remaining 25 percent is invested in research to find the causes and cures for breast cancer. None of these funds support Komen National operations.

To learn more about Komen Connecticut’s work throughout Connecticut, visit KomenCT.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Breast cancer screening advocate lauds Crisco

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, was lauded by a breast cancer screening advocate Friday at the ceremonial signing of a bill that will limit insurance co-payments for breast ultrasound screenings to $20.

The ceremonial signing included Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and took place at the Hartford Hospital Wellness Center at Blue Back Square in West Hartford.

“We started this effort to provide women with better and more affordable mammogram services nearly 10 years ago, and since then Connecticut has become the leader in the nation in breast health, and thousands of lives have been saved,” said Crisco, who as Senate Chairman of the Insurance Committee has been the point man for changes to insurance coverage of breast mammograms over the past decade in Connecticut.

“We have been on this great odyssey of making lives better for people because that is our mission in the state legislature.” 

Nancy Cappello, the founder and executive director of Are You Dense, is dedicated to informing the public about dense breast tissue and its significance for the early detection of breast cancer. She praised Sen. Crisco today for his ongoing work on behalf of Connecticut women, beginning with her personal story back in 2006.

“Since then Joe has been working with AreYouDense.org to help improve the outcomes for every woman in Connecticut. He is known for this across the country and around the globe,” Cappello said.

Senate Bill 10, “AN ACT CONCERNING COPAYMENTS FOR BREAST ULTRASOUND SCREENINGS AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICES,” was passed on a unanimous and bipartisan vote of the state legislature in early May, then signed into law on June 6 by Governor Dannel P. Malloy as Public Act 14-97.

The new law prohibits certain health insurance policies from imposing a co-payment of more than $20 for a breast ultrasound screening for which the policies are required to provide coverage.

By law, insurance policies in Connecticut must cover a comprehensive breast ultrasound screening if a mammogram shows heterogeneous or ‘dense’ breast tissue, or if a woman is at an increased risk for breast cancer because of family history, her own breast cancer history, positive genetic testing, or other indications as determined by her physician.



This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Relay in Shelton fights cancer, raises spirits

SHELTON - On Saturday my husband Ralph and I enjoyed the camaraderie of the Circle of Friends support group during the survivors' luncheon before the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at the Shelton Riverwalk.

I tried to get a photo when people were chatting - and not chewing.

   And there was cake!

Kudos to members of the committee, emergency personnel, Griffin Hospital Center for Cancer Care staff and all who worked hard to plan the luncheon and opening ceremony, and sponsored events to make the Relay for Life a success.

I'm sure I speak for all survivors when I say thank you for everything. 

Cancer survivors take part in the first lap.

My friend Marilyn brought a lovely parasol to keep the sun off of her while she walked.

Here are two of my favorite people/caregivers participating in the caregivers' lap.

This was just one of the many inspirational signs along the way.

I applaud those hearty souls who stayed there at the field overnight. I'm sure that's a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Friends, supporters to gather at Shelton Riverwalk today

My husband Ralph and I will be heading to the Shelton Riverwalk in a little while to be part of the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life.

Looking forward to seeing the ladies who are part of Griffin Hospital's Circle of Friends breast cancer support group.

I'm all ready to don my official Circle of Friends T-shirt!

Seymour Pink to host golf tourney Saturday

Note: This information was taken from Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller's Facebook page.

Derby GOP to host tasting event, raise money for breast cancer

DERBY - The GOP is hosting a Smoke & Bones tasting event  Saturday in The Edge parking lot (behind Starbucks) on New Haven Avenue (Rte. 34).  

Smoke & Bones is doing the cooking and will have their truck there.

The Republican candidates will be handing out free samples of pulled pork sandwiches from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Donations will all go to breast cancer research at Griffin Hospital.


This is a press release from Judy Szewczyk, Derby GOP campaign manager. 

Breast reconstruction topic of support group meeting in Derby

DERBY - Circle of Friends, a breast cancer support group at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, invites the community to an open house and discussion on innovative breast reconstruction and enhancement techniques at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at The Center for Cancer Care, 350 Seymour Ave.

Griffin Hospital Plastic Surgery Section Chief John F. Reilly and Assistant Plastic Surgery Section Chief Mark M. Melendez, will talk about the advances in breast reconstruction, including the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap surgery, in which excess skin and fat along the lower portion of the abdomen is used to create a new ‘natural’ breast after mastectomy or for breast augmentation.

The open house will also mark the support group’s Fifth Annual Birthday Celebration, in which members celebrate the birthdays of all breast cancer survivors.

Visit griffinhealth.org, or call Donna Hayes, 203-732-1408 or Tori Kochiss, 203-732-1300 to reserve a spot or for more information.

 

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Breast wellness center in Derby offers new risk test

DERBY - The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital has launched a high-risk breast cancer program that includes state-of-the-art screening options including the BREVAGen^™ predictive risk test.

 
BREVAGen is the latest advance in assessing a woman’s unique risk of developing non-familial or sporadic breast cancer.

“The breast cancer screening process can be arduous and confusing for patients because there are so many screening options and test attributes to sort out,” Denise Barajas, MD, medical director at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, said.
“We can simplify the process by administering BREVAGen, which gives patients an accurate five-year and lifetime risk assessment for developing estrogen-positive breast cancer. By knowing each patient’s risk we can then develop personalized breast health and monitoring plans tailored to their specific risk and needs which will help us reduce the incidence of advanced breast cancer cases we see; this should help save lives.”

BREVAGen is a predictive risk test that more accurately identifies a woman’s unique risk of developing sporadic, estrogen-positive breast cancer.
BREVAGen examines a woman’s clinical risk factors, such as their lifetime exposure to estrogen, combined with scientifically validated markers to determine each patient’s personalized five-year and lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

For more information about BREVAGen at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, contact Catherine Krueger, 203-732-7233.

How BREVAGen Works

The BREVAGen predictive risk test is administered in a physician’s office using a simple, non-invasive “oral-swab.”
Physicians receive a comprehensive genetic risk prediction report to review with the patient. The patient’s risk of breast cancer is calculated by combining their relative risk score from seven genetic markers, called single nucleotide polymorphisms, with factors that comprise the patient’s clinical and reproductive history including current age, age at menarche, age at live first birth and race/ethnicity.

The BREVAGen test provides five-year and lifetime predictive risk assessments to more accurately evaluate the patient’s risk for developing sporadic breast cancer, regardless of family history or previous indeterminate test results.

Clinically Validated

BREVAGen was proven superior in determining breast cancer risk. Utilizing data from the U.S. Women’s Health Initiative Clinical Trial, 3,300 women underwent breast cancer assessment utilizing the BREVAGen test. 
Of those 3,300 women, 1,664 were diagnosed with breast cancer and 1,636 were in the breast cancer-free control group. BREVAGen test results support current American Cancer Society, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for prevention and early detection of breast cancer.

About The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital

The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital opened in 2011 and primarily serves the  Valley and surrounding communities. It combines state-of-the-art technology, a team of highly trained physicians and staff, and a Planetree healing environment to offer patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services. 
The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness features two new, state-of-the-art digital mammography suites with 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) capability, a breast ultrasound suite, and the most advanced system available to perform stereotactic biopsy.
The Center also utilizes a rapid diagnostic model where patients are often given test results the same day imaging tests are performed, and if indicated, follow up testing (ultrasound, breast biopsy) and even consultation with a breast surgeon are often available the same day if the patient’s schedule permits.
For information, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.

About Phenogen Sciences

BREVAGen is supplied by Phenogen Sciences, a subsidiary of Genetic Technologies Limited. Phenogen Sciences, the U.S. subsidiary of Australia-based Genetic Technologies Limited, is a pioneer in personalized healthcare. Phenogen offers novel predictive testing and assessment tools that help physicians proactively manage women’s health risks. For more information, visit phenogensciences.com. 

About Genetic Technologies Limited

Genetic Technologies is an established diagnostics company with more than 20 years of experience in commercializing genetic testing, non-coding DNA and product patenting.
 The company has operations in Australia and the U.S. and is dual-listed on the ASX (GTG.AX) and NASDAQ (GENE). Genetic Technologies is focused on the commercialization of its patent portfolio through an active out-licensing program and the global expansion of its oncology and cancer management diagnostics assets.
For information, visit gtglabs.com.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Surgeon to discuss breast cancer at library talk in Newtown

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is helping women understand their breast cancer risk with a free presentation at 6:30 p.m.May 22  at Cyrenius Booth Public Library in Newtown.

Dr. Denise Barajas, MD, FACS, breast surgeon and Medical Director of the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital will present “Breast Cancer: Know Your Risks. Know Your Options,” a discussion on the different risk levels for breast cancer and testing and treatment options.

To register, call 203-732-1511 or visit griffinhealth.org.

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.
For information, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.

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

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.