Griffin Hospital in Derby names new co-chairs for Valley Goes Pink

Jodi Dawley, left, and Sue Petrizzo, both of Shelton, will co-chair the 6th annual Valley Goes Pink campaign to benefit the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby./ Contributed photo
DERBY - Two women from Shelton will lead the Lower Naugatuck Valley’s signature breast cancer campaign this October.

Jodi Dawley, of Real Estate Two, and Sue Petrizzo, community advocate and former Executive of Mott’s North America, are the co-chairs for the Griffin Hospital’s 6th Annual Valley Goes Pink campaign.

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and showcase all partnering organizations.

Breast cancer detection is near and dear to Petrizzo and Dawley, a breast cancer survivor.

“Early detection is key,” Dawley said. “It saved my life and it can save your life too.”

“Breast cancer awareness is at the heart of The Valley Goes Pink,” Petrizzo said. “I get screened every year so that any incidence of breast cancer can be found and treated effectively. If it’s time for you to have regular mammograms, then schedule yours today!”

Dawley and Petrizzo replace former co-chairs, Susan Coyle, of Real Estate Two, and Patricia Tarasovic, of the Valley United Way, who remain active members of the Valley Goes Pink committee.

Coyle and Tarasovic began the Valley Goes Pink initiative six years ago while raising funds to build the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

The Valley Goes Pink has raised more than $260,000.

Throughout October, Valley residents, business and community groups are invited to join the campaign and “Go Pink” by hosting a variety of unique fundraising events and marketing programs. Local businesses can “Pinkify” their office with ribbons and lights, host dress down days, sell pink bracelets and other pink merchandise, host Pink Parties with friends, or organize a bake sale or auction.

For information on how you can “Go Pink,” including a calendar of events, visit griffinhealth.org/thevalleygoespink or contact Petrizzo, 203-400-1068 or petrizzopink@yahoo.com, or Dawley, 203-521-2233 or dawleypink@yahoo.com. You can also follow Valley Goes Pink events on Facebook at facebook.com/thevalleygoespink.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.