Hartford HealthCare shows its support for breast cancer awareness in October by participating in events throughout the month.

Tree of Hope

To kick things off on Oct. 1, the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at The Hospital of Central Connecticut will unveil the Tree of Hope, featuring postcards fluttering from the branches with written remembrances to honor a loved one.

Walk to Wellness

On Oct. 2, Hartford HealthCare is hosting Walk to Wellness: Understanding Breast Cancer at the Westfarms mall in West Hartford from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. In this free educational seminar, Dr. Camelia Lawrence, director of breast surgery at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at The Hospital of Central Connecticut and MidState Medical Center, will provide information about breast cancer risk factors, prevention, and early detection. To register, please call 1.855.442.4373 Pink Party

Dr. Camelia Lawrence will speak at the annual Pink Party Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser at Blue Back Square in West Hartford on October 4. Dr. Patricia DeFusco, director of the Hartford HealthCare Breast Program, will also conduct a Facebook Live interview at 3 p.m. at the event to discuss breast cancer surgeries.

This year’s Pink Party, which draws huge crowds every year, will feature a Survivor Fashion Show, live music from Shaded Soul Band, pink carpet photos, face painting, raffles, and a performance from the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory. The HHC mobile mammography van will be parked at Blue Back Square, adjacent to Isham road, offering tours of the bus. Admission is free and the event will start at 5 p.m.

James Massi Lecture

On Oct. 9, The Hospital of Central Connecticut will host the sixth annual James Massi Lecture. This year’s free lecture will focus on new breast-cancer treatments and include information on advancements in breast-cancer imaging, new surgical techniques and updates in the medical and radiation oncology fields.

The event, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute in New Britain, features guest speakers Dr. Camelia Lawrence, breast surgeon; Dr. Holley Dey, radiologist; Dr. Wylie Hosmer, hematologist/oncologist; and Sheida Mani, radiation oncologist. To register, please call 1.855.442.4373. National Mammography Day

The Hospital of Central Connecticut and MidState encourage you to wear pink to celebrate National Mammography Day on Oct. 19. Whether you’re at work, home, or out-and-about, wear pink to raise awareness of mammography screenings. Employees at both hospitals will be wearing pink as well.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, sponsored by Hartford HealthCare, unites communities behind the American Cancer Society’s efforts to fight breast cancer. Come together with survivors, caregivers, men and women from all walks of life that are passionate about saving lives from breast cancer. Everyone walks together and finishes together when the final walker crosses the finish line. The event will take place Oct. 28 at Bushnell Park in Hartford. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. For more information, click here.

Learn more about the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute by clicking here.