Catholic Health Mercy Hospital celebrates PINKtember 12th

Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month a few weeks early, with its sixth annual Pinktember 12th event.

Hundreds of people from the hospital community and surrounding area gathered on the lawn on Thursday afternoon for this fun and informative event on breast cancer awareness.

Pinktember 12th is a celebration that was created by Mercy Hospital more than five years ago as an informative lunch and learn, with the goal of spreading the importance of early detection while reinforcing the support programs available to the entire community.

Since then, it has continued to grow bigger each year as a precursor to gear everyone up for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

“While Breast Cancer Awareness should be all year round, our annual Pinktember event puts a spotlight on the disease that affects so many women and men in our community,” Joseph Manopella, president of Mercy Hospital, said in a statement. “I’m proud to support this yearly event that not only offers a space for survivors, those in treatment, our doctors, nurses, and staff, but also for community members to come together for a cause. We also hosted many partners in our community who joined us to help spread education, resources, and overall support.”

Breast cancer mortality in the United States has dropped about 44 percent since 1989, saving more than 490,000 lives thanks to advancements in early detection and treatment, according to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 

During the event, attendees were provided the opportunity to meet-and-greet with physicians and learn more about screening options, resources on breast health, and remembrance and survivor activities provided by the hospital and surrounding community.

Among the activities this year was an obstacle course, a two-person race challenging hospital employees to put their endurance and dexterity to the test. The dunk tank, a fan-favorite among hospital staff, also returned this year. Once again, members of the hospital’s executive team volunteered to take a dip to help raise money for the radiology and imaging departments.

The event also included giveaways, entertainment, games, and refreshments including healthy smoothies, cotton candy, and ice cream.

Vendors at this year’s event also included Mercy’s Radiology and Imaging departments, hospital physicians, genetic counselors, dietitians, the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition, the American Cancer Society, Adelphi Breast Health Center, and more.