Team UConn Health Husky Heroes has been busy this spring sponsoring and fundraising two important local events: Connecticut Breast Health Initiative’s 2017 Race in the Park on May 13 in New Britain and the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Farmington on May 20. Donations for both events totaled $6,447 raised by 54 team members made up of survivors, staff, caregivers, families, and friends.

The Race in the Park raised $3,069 to fund important breast cancer research and education projects in the state. Participants stopping at the UConn Health table were introduced to the Beekley Imaging Center, received information about the patient-centered Breast Program at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, and breast cancer survivors had the opportunity to consider participation in a CT BHI grant funded research project. Team members spent a great deal of time interacting with other participants at the event and one of the highlights was when Julia Tannenbaum, daughter of Dr. Susan Tannenbaum, read her poem “Pink Is More Than A Color” at the Survivor Breakfast.

At Relay for Life, $3,378 was raised which will help the American Cancer Society fund groundbreaking cancer research, crucial patient care services, and prevention and early detection programs. This is the most that the team has ever raised for Relay. The Farmington Valley Relay exceeded their goal in raising almost $480,000. Team members dropped by throughout the day to walk laps, participate in activities, and show their spirit at the UConn tent. Dr. Upendra Hegde gave an inspirational speech at opening ceremonies.

 

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