Breast cancer programs and events
Western Connecticut Health Network is promoting breast cancer awareness throughout October, also known as “Pinktober.” According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.
”¢ Oct. 17 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Wilton Riverbrook Regional YMCA, the program “News You Can Use for Breast Health” will be presented by Jeanne Capasse, surgical director of the Smilow Family Breast Health Center, and Mary Heery, a registered nurse and breast health specialist there.
Ӣ Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Norwalk Community Health Center, 120 Connecticut Ave. in Norwalk. WCHN hosts an event on breast health and integrative medicine, including relaxation and breathing techniques, massage and acupuncture.
”¢ Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. a discussion on “Healing Cuisine” will be presented by oncology dietitian Bridge Bennett. She will talk about how nutrition can help prevent cancer and ease side effects during treatment. There will be a food tasting. It”™s in the Perkin Auditorium at Norwalk Hospital. To register, call 203-852-2300 or email zarek.mena@wchn.org.
Ӣ Oct. 20 from 7 to 11 p.m., PinktoberӪs Bosom Ball takes place at The Westport Inn, 1595 Post Road East in Westport. Personalities from radio station Star 99.9 will be on hand for an adults-only party featuring DJ Fade and including food, drinks and dancing. Proceeds go to WCHN Cancer Services.
Ӣ Oct. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m., the eighth annual Drink Pink at BernardӪs, 20 West Lane, Route 35 in Ridgefield will feature speaker Valerie L. Staradub, fellowship training breast surgeon at Danbury Hospital. Tickets are $20 at the door, which gets you a pink ticket for a pink drink (nonalcoholic beverages available). If you stay for dinner, BernardӪs will donate 10 percent to AnnӪs Place, a nonprofit serving cancer patients.
”¢ Oct. 27, Pinktober”™s Wicked Wine Evening will be held at 19 Main St. in New Milford. Star 99.9 and WCHN plan a “spirited” wine tasting to benefit New Milford Hospital”™s Breast Health Program.
Ӣ Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Smilow Family Breast Health Center at Norwalk Hospital stages a training program aimed at African-Americans. It explains how to raise public awareness of breast cancer and provide health empowerment through education. Registration is required; call 203-852-2300.