Hope Lives raises $6K for The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital

Maria Ammar, center, presents a $6,000 donation from the Hope Lives fundraiser to Kristi Popescu, Director of Griffin Health Radiology, Cardiology and Neurology, left, and Hope Award Winner Tori Kochiss./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The 19^th Hope Lives event raised $6,000 for breast cancer screening services at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby, and recognized a Griffin caregiver for her efforts in breast cancer treatment.

Hope Lives is a non-profit organization associated with Horizon of Hope, a national campaign by Longaberger Baskets to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer research and local breast cancer services. 

Longaberger Independent Consultant Maria Ammar of Massachusetts has organized the luncheon fundraiser as part of the campaign, raising over $100,000 for the Center. 

The donation will be used to help local women pay for breast cancer screening services.

The fundraiser also recognized Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness Manager Tori Kochiss with the Hope Award. The award is given to an individual who embodies Hope Lives' mission to support individuals and families by promoting breast cancer awareness and raising funds to support facilities that focus on breast health, education, prevention, and treatment. 

Kochiss is regarded as an ambitious, well-rounded leader by her fellow Griffin Health caregivers. While a new manager at the Center, she became credentialed in Breast Navigation and earned her MBA in Health Care Management. She introduced Bella Blankets, a comforting cover for mammography units, helped improve access to genetic testing and has overseen the implementation of new advanced technology at the Center.

“Tori is an incredible asset to The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness,” the nomination for Kochiss stated. “The most impressive qualities about Tori are her passion and commitment to women’s imaging. Her tireless dedication to her patients and her team is extraordinary.”

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 Lower Naugatuck 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 more information, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.