For the seventh consecutive year, Saint Mary’s Hospital has joined forces with the City of Waterbury, local public, private, and parochial schools, the Waterbury Fire and Police Departments, and area businesses to “Pink Out” greater Waterbury in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink Out’s mission is to raise funds, promote breast cancer awareness, and ensure that Saint Mary’s facilities have the resources to provide essential breast health services to women in need. All funds raised directly support local women.
Through the sale of Pink Out shirts and merchandise, sponsorship, charitable donations, and community fundraising efforts, nearly $65,000 was raised—100% of which will support the Saint Mary’s Hospital Foundation’s Breast Patient Fund. This program offers free screenings, diagnostics, and essential breast health services to over 150 local women each year.
The Saint Mary’s Hospital Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to Pink Diamond sponsors Naugatuck Valley Radiology and The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, along with Pink Flamingo sponsor CPE Electric LLC. Waterbury Public Schools raised over $18,000, with the Fire and Police Departments also contributing to the cause. Special thanks go to Jerry Capozio of Pony Express Screenprint Company, who designed and printed this year’s shirts and generously donated all profits to Pink Out and the Breast Screening Fund. Jerry’s support is deeply personal, as he lost his mother to breast cancer and is passionate about helping others in her memory.
On October 30, a press conference was held at Waterbury City Hall, hosted by Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr., to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and recognize the community’s contributions. The event featured Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, Interim Superintendent of Waterbury Public Schools Darren Schwartz, and Saint Mary’s Hospital President, Kim Kalajainen and breast surgeons Dr. Beth Sieling and Dr. Nicole Soohkan. Together, we are helping hundreds of underinsured and uninsured neighbors access essential breast health services.