MONROE, CT — A big turnout for the Pink Palooza and Cornhole Tournament last Sunday will be followed by a mobile mammography and breast imaging van visiting Monroe Town Hall on Nov. 3.
It’s all part of Think Pink Monroe’s efforts to educate the public about being tested for breast cancer, while raising money for town families grappling with a cancer diagnosis.
“Our thanks go out to everyone in the community who has supported us in so many ways,” said Bonnie Maur, founder and president of the nonprofit.
Maur said Think Pink Monroe tries to offer something new every year. Last year it was the establishment of free support groups, and now it’s the mobile mammography van.
“We got a great reaction to it,” Maur said. “It seemed like people were excited about the idea. It’s meant to help people who don’t have the time to get outside of town to do this or to get a mammogram.”
The Yale New Haven Hospital van will be at Monroe Town Hall, 7 Fan Hill Road, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 3. One does not need to be part of the Yale network to have a screening done.
At its meeting Monday night, Think Pink Monroe’s board voted to pay the co-pays for the mammograms, up to $300, for 14 people, as well as to help those without insurance.
“My hope is to bring it back every year,” Maur said of the van.
To schedule a mammogram Nov. 3, call 833-772-0003. For information on the event, download the flyer.
Other events this month include The Think Pink Monroe Walk at Great Hollow Lake at 11 a.m. on Oct. 18, which is open to supporters, patients or survivors of any type of cancer; and the Pink-Out Party at Monroe Social on Oct. 28.
To learn more about upcoming events, visit Think Pink Monroe’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages.
Think Pink Monroe also has a Facebook page for its breast cancer support group.
“Our support groups are running well and we’re supporting as many people who would like to join us,” Maur said. “We are providing grants for families who need it in terms of financial support and we continue to provide awareness, which is why bringing the mobile mammogram truck to Town Hall is so important.”
Think Pink Palooza
Maur said the annual Think Pink Palooza had a bigger turnout than last year. “It was such a gorgeous day — 85 and sunny,” she said.
Kristy Vitello, a lifelong resident diagnosed with cancer when she was 32-years-old, was the event’s keynote speaker.
Other speakers included First Selectman Terry Rooney, State Sen. Jason Perillo, R-21st, and State Rep. Tony Scott, R-Monroe.
Maur’s son, Jason, who serves on the Monroe Town Council and is on Think Pink Monroe’s board of directors, served as the deejay.
Matt Hirsch, a fellow board member, ran the Cornhole Tournament, which fielded 32 teams vying for prizes.
“We had entertainment by the Masuk High School Band, Masuk Chorus and the Masuk strings quartet,” Bonnie Maur said.
The Masuk girls volleyball team volunteered at the event, along with members of the Masuk Interact Club, led by its two student ambassadors, Julia Jankowski and Ava Cubelli.
Masuk’s culinary students made baked goods for the Palooza, which had kids’ activities and food trucks.
Maur said other volunteers included members of Sacred Heart University’s Noyce Scholars program.
Lisa Martinsky shared photos from the Palooza:
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
