Connecticut Breast Health Initiative’s RACE IN THE PARK is May 10

The Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CT BHI) will host the annual RACE IN THE PARK in New Britain’s historic Walnut Hill Park on Saturday, May 10, amidst Mother’s Day Weekend.

It is the largest fundraiser to support leading-edge breast cancer research in Connecticut. The popular – and meaningful - annual event will again bring people together from across Connecticut and beyond, to raise money to advance breast cancer research and education, making a difference locally in the fight against breast cancer.

CT BHI leaders point out that 100% raised in Connecticut, stays in Connecticut - and the research conducted right here in the state is tangible and life-changing. Funds raised are targeted at measurable change and have an impact on individual lives and the life of our families and communities.

The rate of female breast cancer in Connecticut’s population is the second highest in the United States. It is estimated that more than 3,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in Connecticut women this year. A breast cancer diagnosis is second only to lung cancer. Nationally, 30% of female cancers diagnosed are breast cancer, and there were 300,000 new cases among women in 2023; 2,000 cases among men. Approximately 13% of the female population in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Funds raised from the RACE IN THE PARK bring statewide benefits. Grants have been provided to support breast cancer research and education initiatives across the state, including to researchers and healthcare organizations in Bridgeport, Danbury, Farmington, Hartford, Middletown, New Britain, New Haven, Norwalk, and Stamford.

“CT BHI raises much-needed funds because we believe research lS the answer to cancer,” said Joyce Bray, president of the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CT-BHI) Board of Directors. “Every dollar contributed will impact progress in finding answers to breast cancer and supporting survivorship quality of life.” CT BHI, she adds, is “not only to hoping for a world without breast cancer, but dedicated to taking ACTION, to making change, to finding answers by supporting breast cancer research.”

With generous public and corporate support from the annual event for two decades, more than $4.6 million and 113 grants have been provided for research and education initiatives. The RACE IN THE PARK brings people together, affirms community spirit, and reflects a camaraderie of respect and honor, resilience, and remembrance.

The Honorary Chairs for this year’s annual RACE IN THE PARK are Dr. Eric Winer, Director of the Yale Cancer Center, President and Physician-in-Chief, Smilow Cancer Hospital, Deputy Dean for Cancer Research, Yale School of Medicine; Valerie Powell-Stafford MHSA, FACHE, President, Hartford Market, Saint Francis Hospital & Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Trinity Health Of New England; Dr. Pramod Srivastava, Director of the UConn Health Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Gina Calder, MBA, MPH, FACHE, Central Region President of Hartford Healthcare.

The RACE IN THE PARK – always a family-centered day - will again offer options including a 5K run, a 4K/1 mile walk, and two Kids’ Fun Runs (1 mile and ½ mile). Each course includes a loop around Historic Walnut Hill Park, and participants in the 5K also run through the surrounding neighborhood. Racers can expect to see enthusiastic local residents standing on their front lawns, cheering them on.

New this year will be an expanded fundraising auction, with items including an exclusive lunch with actor/producer Austin Miles Stowell, whose youth was in Connecticut. He graduated from Berlin High School in 2003 and the University of Connecticut's Dramatic Arts department in 2007. He is currently starring in the new CBS series NCIS: Origins as a young Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The series premiered in October 2024 and follows his character's early days in the Naval Investigative Service. In addition to "NCIS: Origins," Stowell is also working on the thriller "This Tempting Madness" and the drama "The Long Home.” The auction winner will enjoy lunch with Austin at Treehouse at the Oyster Club in Mystic; date to be determined at mutual convenience.

Local students attending Smalley Elementary School in New Britain will be conducting a beaded bracelet-making workshop in their on-site tent,” BEE CRAFTY for the Cause.” Anyone present on RACE Day can make beaded bracelets to take home. Some may be made with a message such as, BEE KIND or BEE STRONG. The small fee for bracelets made will be donated to CT BHI. (The school has a friendly yellow BEE mascot!) Through the years, the school’s a Breast Cancer Committee has raised over $10,000 for CT BHI with unique fundraising projects.

The RACE IN THE PARK celebrates survivors with a wonderfully upbeat RACE Day Survivor Breakfast at the start of the day alongside the RACE course. The Survivor Breakfast is free for RACE-registered survivors; guests are welcome for a small fee.

“The entire community really comes together to support this wonderful family day,” Bray observes. “We are tremendously grateful for the support of our sponsors, and our dedicated volunteers are the backbone of the event. They ensure that all goes smoothly, which makes it a truly memorable experience for every participant.”

Popular returning attractions throughout the day include a Beer Garden by Hooker Brewing Company, Food Trucks, a Silent Auction/Auction Raffle Tent, Merchandize Tent, Build in the Park, on-site Touch-a-Truck for kids, and live music.

To register or pledge for this event, which includes a 5K Race and 4K/1 Mile Walk, and Kids’ Fun Runs, visit www.ctbhi.org. Individuals and teams are welcome. For more information, or to make a donation or learn about corporate sponsorships – including in-kind sponsorships – visit www.ctbhi.org.