With Breast Cancer Awareness Month just five days away, the town of Hamden hosts its kickoff event, “Paint Hamden Pink,” at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 27.
Town officials host the annual event in the Garden of Hope and Reflection at the Hamden Town Center Park.
During the month, Hamden police cars, fire trucks, city employees’ uniforms and more will turn pink to remind citizens to get annual checkups and mammograms.
WTNH News 8’s Laura Hutchinson, a Hamden native, will emcee the event, which she also did last year, as well.
“I just see that it impacts so many families and so many of our viewers, that any opportunity to spread the word especially about early detection,” Hutchinson said.
“Women are so busy with their lives that early detection can save lives,” she said.
The Garden of Hope and Reflection in Hamden is a place for those to honor and remember loved ones and friends who have died from breast cancer. It was created to help people find peace in their mourning, and also to celebrate those who have survived it.
In 2022, a bench was gifted to the garden and, this year, signage will be placed in the garden. It will be composed of Stony Creek granite with a bronze plaque.
Numerous organizations and small businesses have supported “Paint Hamden Pink” and have contributed to the garden by donating, planting trees, organizing events and providing funding.
“Paint Hamden Pink” started about six years ago and has raised over $40,000 for breast cancer awareness thus far.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 43,000 women and men die of breast cancer in the United States each year.
Rain will move the event to Thursday, Sept. 28, if necessary.