Seymour Pink, Seymour Congregational Church to hold candlelight vigil Oct. 1

 Join us for a community candlelight vigil as we gather in support of those affected by breast cancer. 

Together, we will honor loved ones, celebrate survivors, and remember those we have lost.

Seymour Pink banner renewal open to June 30; new sales start July 1

Renewals are $40 each.

Spots are EXTREMELY limited, so please act fast to guarantee your spot!

All renewal requests MUST be postmarked by Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Renewal Forms are located on our website Forms page.

To renew, please mail your completed order form and a check payable to Seymour Pink, Inc. to:

Seymour Pink, Inc.

PO Box 333

Seymour, CT 06483

Have questions? Call or text Mary at 203-668-3170 or email seymourpink09@aol.com

Shared from Seymour Pink's Facebook page.

Seymour Pink announces banner renewals open Sunday through June 30

 

'Circle of Friends' memory: Pounding the Pavement for Pink in 2014

On Saturday I posted a 2019 Seymour Pink 5K memory; today a photo from the 2014 event popped up in my Facebook memories.

American Cancer Society Relay for Life slated Sept. 14 in Shelton

SHELTON - Join us for our annual opening ceremony for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Naugatuck Valley at 10 a.m. Sept. 14 at 100 Canal St.

After the opening ceremony we will be hosting our 29th annual Survivor and Caregiver luncheon sponsored by Chick-fil-A, Caloroso Eatery & Bar, Market 32 of Oxford, and Bagel Bros & Co.

Luncheon will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Brunch will be provided along with several games of Bingo!

FREE to ALL Survivors and Caregivers!

The day will run from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and include:

Vendors / Crafters / Teams (over 60+)
Touch A Truck
Kid's Zone
Dunk Tank
Food Trucks
Moon bounce
Full entertainment schedule

Shared from a Facebook event page.

Child of Holocaust survivors to speak at Ansonia Library

 

Save the date: Vigil in Shelton to remember victims, celebrate survivors

SHELTON - Join The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services and Hope Family Justice Center Candlelight Vigil at 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at Veterans Memorial Park, 38 Canal St. East.

Remembrance, Healing, Hope. 

Please join us to raise awareness, remember victims, and celebrate survivors of domestic violence. 

RSVP here.

Candlelight vigil in Shelton to honor survivors, remember victims of domestic violence

 

SHELTON - Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring light to an issue that affects all of our communities. 

Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services and Hope Family Justice Center of New Haven will hold a vigil to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence. 

Our 15^th Annual Candlelight Vigil will be held at 6 p.m Oct. 11 at Veteran’s Park, 38 Canal St. East.

Rebecca Barry, Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney, will be the keynote speaker. Local police officers will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence. 

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services visit www.BHcare.org. 

If you need immediate assistance, please call our 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 

Each year, nearly 6,000 domestic violence victims, survivors and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help, and hope. 

HFJC, a program of BHcare, is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof providing free wraparound services for domestic violence survivors and their families. 

Victims of domestic violence receive support, healing, and pathways to empowerment. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

Huge thanks goes to Rose's Family Restaurant in Oxford for a beautiful evening

Last Thursday the wonderful folks at Rose's Family Restaurant in Oxford honored breast cancer survivors who had registered for Saturday's Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A friend and I attended the dinner and were overwhelmed by the family's generosity and thoughtfulness.

We enjoyed a delicious buffet and we all took home a pink rose.

I encourage my local friends to support Rose's! The restaurant has been a long-time supporter of Seymour Pink, a community's fight against breast cancer, and it's time to support them.

 

3rd annual event in Bethany to raise awareness of breast cancer, honor survivors

Shine your light with us! We'll be hanging out at Three Saints Park in Bethany all day getting ready to make this the best year ever!

Join us for this third annual event to raise awareness about breast cancer and breast health in general. 

At 3 p.m. we will have the luminaries out, activities, games, food, refreshments, trivia, raffles, live music, local vendors, speakers and inspiration.

If you ride, join Cindy Sevell for the first ever Bikers for Boobies Charity Ride, starting at 12 p.m., pre-registration is a must and then come back and join us at the park!

Vendor and food truck space is available. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities also! Contact us at LightTheValleyCT@gmail.com or Hello@BOSOMii.com for any questions.

Visit https://www.bosomii.com/relationships for applications and additional information.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Wear purple Thursday to honor survivors of domestic violence

ANSONIA - Join us [at My Sister's Place thrift store] Thursday and wear purple. 

Purple Thursday is a national day of action each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

It is an opportunity to raise awareness about domestic violence and an easy way for people to show their commitment to promoting healthy relationships.

On Oct. 21, wear purple, be a voice, and start a conversation about domestic violence!

#ccadv #ucdvs #domesticviolenceawareness

All proceeds from My Sister's Place benefit BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

This is shared from My Sister's Place Facebook page.

My Sister's Place in Ansonia marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Sharing from My Sister's Place Facebook page:

"While October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, everyday we support the programs and services of The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

"All proceeds of our shop go directly back to UCDVS, helping victims and survivors rebuild their lives."

My Sister's Place family thrift shop is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia.

The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services to host virtual vigil

Note: RSVP link doesn't work- contact BHcare at 

(203) 736-9944.

BHcare's Hope Family Justice Center to celebrate survivors at New Haven event

 

NEW HAVEN - Join BHcare’s Hope Family Justice Center staff at 1 p.m. Aug. 9 at Quinnipiac River Park in Fair Haven to honor survivors.

In collaboration with the city of New Haven, Mayor Justin Elicker, and the Yale Community Advisory Board, BHcare will honor the strength and resilience of those whose lives have been touched by community and domestic violence.

Masks and social distancing are required. 

For those who cannot physically attend, Hope Family Justice Center will stream the event on Facebook live at Facebook.com/Hopefjc.

HFJC consists of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who work together under one roof to provide free wraparound services and care to victims, survivors, and thrivers of domestic violence. 

By providing support and healing, access to services and pathways to empowerment, the Hope Center is dedicated to replacing violence with safety, despair with optimism, uncertainty with hope. Se habla Español.

If you need help or services, connect with the Hope Family Justice Center at 203-800-7204. 

If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call our 24-hour hotline numbers at 203-736-9944 or 203-789-8104.

HFJC is a program of BHcare, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. 

The program offers a comprehensive and integrated system of care, with wrap-around services for adults, children and families struggling with mental health, substance use, domestic violence, and other health-risk behaviors. 

Learn more at BHcare.org.

This is from a press release from BHcare.

Light the Valley CT to host drive-through event at Center for Cancer Care in Derby

Shared from Light The Night Facebook page:

"The month is ending, time to bring all that light and healing energy home for our patients.

"We will set up all remaining luminaries at the Cancer Center at Griffin Hospital on 10/30 where they will remain through the night ushering us into October's last day. "No physical interaction guys, just drive through if you're around and marvel at all the sparkle."

This is my luminary for #LighttheValleyCT.

Light the Valley CT to host Shine for Survivors at Quarry Walk in Oxford

From Light the Valley CT Facebook page:

"October is breast cancer awareness month. This group's goal is to promote awareness and honor or memorialize those affected by breast cancer while fundraising to better patient services at our breast center. $5 minimum donation per bag or six for $25.

"In the month of October luminary kits will be sold at retailers throughout the CT Valley region, purchase one to display on your property. If you take a photo of your luminary with #LightTheValleyCT and post it on Facebook or Instagram you will be entered into a weekly raffle for a mystery grab bag filled with goodies from local shops. 

"All proceeds benefit the patients at the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital. Check back for information about breast cancer, early detection, winners of the raffles and more information about our sponsors. 

"We are grateful for the support of our community, we are here to serve you. Be well!

Seymour Pink supporters pound the pavement in virtual 9th annual fundraiser

On Saturday I walked with three friends from Griffin Hospital's Moving On Fitness class for breast cancer survivors to support Seymour Pink. 

Here's a link to today's Valley Voice newsletter about the virtual event: 

https://3d62a228-eb5f-443c-a1ec-b9ff5c58ad34.filesusr.com/ugd/329bf6_62b16d32e0e244fcb87f41d805b6c5d2.pdf

Seymour Pink to host A Pink Day to Remember at restaurant in Oxford

The event will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 1 at Rose's Family Restaurant, 248 Oxford Road, Oxford.

This will be a day to celebrate breast cancer survivors and to support Seymour Pink - in a smaller way than our Pink Night to Remember in March was supposed to do.

Come take a chance on the raffles donated for our Pink Night and honor survivors.
There will be T-shirt sales and more.

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Ansonia couple to speak at Griffin Hospital 5K Walk/Run Sept. 28

Pink tractor owners Lyman and Corrine  Gilbert./ Contributed photo

DERBY - An Ansonia couple will highlight the importance of family support as the featured speakers for this year’s Annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

Married for 52 years, Corrine and Lyman Gilbert have shared a lot as a couple, but their experiences with cancer in the past three years has given them a new perspective on their relationship and their community.

In 2016, Corrine was diagnosed with breast cancer that was discovered through a mammogram at the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital. 

Her treatment included a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, and while the diagnosis was a bit of a surprise, Corrine knew what to expect. 

Her twin sister, Cathy, was a 25-year breast cancer survivor and Corrine helped her through her treatment. During her treatment, Corrine had the support of Lyman, who was a big help simply by being present.

“When I was going through the chemo, I ended up being quite sick and it’s good to have a husband that will sit next to you and rub your back,” Corrine said. 

“He knew he couldn’t relieve what I was going through, but he could just be there for me, which made him a very good support person.”

That same sort of simple compassion came from the physicians, nurses, radiation technicians, and staff at the Center for Cancer Care as well as the building itself.

Caring staff

Corrine said she appreciated the truthful explanations about her diagnosis and treatment by her oncologist Dr. Jeffrey Orell and the wealth of resources provided by Oncology Social Worker Donna Hayes.

“Everybody at the Center was so caring in the way they approach you and talk with you,” she said “They give you information about who you can call, about support groups and free educational talks. One nurse even gave me her phone number and said her mother was a breast cancer survivor and would talk to me if I needed it. They just made you feel comfortable - that’s the simplest way I can put it. No matter what the question was, the answer was ‘no problem we will do everything we can.’”

Additionally, Corrine said the Center’s healing garden and waterfall were a pleasant distraction during chemotherapy and the blue sky and clouds painted on the ceiling of the linear accelerator room where she received radiation treatment helped her take her mind off her treatment as she pondered what shapes the clouds resembled.

Prostate cancer diagnosis

Two years, later, the Gilberts found themselves back at the Center for Cancer Care. 
This time, it was to treat Lyman’s prostate cancer, which was detected at a treatable stage thanks to a PSA blood test by his primary care physician.

Lyman had to undergo radiation treatment, and while he kept most of the effects of his treatment to himself, Corrine said she and their two sons and daughter were able to support him through the journey by asking him how he was doing and encouraging him to rest when he felt tired.

As a long-time volunteer fireman with Ansonia's Hilltop Hose Company and a former Ansonia Fire Chief, Lyman feels best when he is helping others. 

Like Corrine, his experience at the Center was exceptional, but he was most happy to surprise the staff with gifts of jelly beans - a tradition he picked up from his father and shared with his grandkids and his family at the Center.

Raising awareness

Ever since her sister was diagnosed with cancer, raising awareness has been a part of Corrine and Lyman’s lives. In 2014, Lyman painted an old farm tractor pink as a tribute to Cathy and to encourage women to get screened. The couple started taking it to the Seymour Pink 5K and the Griffin 5K for people to take pictures with it. 

Recently, they realized the tractor was built in 1946, the same year Corrine and Cathy were born.

Ever since they helped each other through their cancer treatments, friends have told Corrine that she and Lyman “seem closer.” Corrine believes they haven’t necessarily grown closer, but their care for each other now goes deeper.

“I would say that it gave us a different perspective on life,” she said. “Family always comes first for us all the time, but I think that became even more so in depth with us as we discovered how important it is to have someone just be there for you when you need them.”

Non-competitive event

The Annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave. will celebrate its 11th year on Sept. 28.

This non-competitive, family-friendly event begins with day-of registration at 7:30 a.m., and the Walk/Run kicking off at 9 a.m.

All proceeds are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized cancer care and to help ease the financial burden of Griffin’s cancer patients face as they undergo treatment.

Individuals and teams can register online at griffinhealth.org/5k. 

For more information, contact Laura Murphy at lkmurphy@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.  

Seymour Pink volunteers decorate to mark breast cancer awareness month

Volunteers from Seymour Pink, a community's fight against breast cancer, Tuesday decorated a tree in front of the Seymour Police Department to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month as they have in the past. 

Seymour Pink board member Barbara Hemenway created this scarecrow to promote breast cancer awareness. 

*Photos by Dajana Damjanovich