Lighting the Village Pink: Raising Breast Cancer Awareness in the Hudson Valley

The fight against breast cancer is a collective effort, as evidenced by the remarkable work of Northern Dutchess Hospital and the broader community involvement. Women, families, and community members across the Hudson Valley are invited to participate in this year’s “Pink Fest 25,” an event designed to raise both awareness and funds for breast cancer initiatives.

Lighting Up the Community

Dr. Lisa Curcio, a leading breast surgeon at Northern Dutchess Hospital, has been a vital force in transforming the breast health services in the region. “We are curing the vast majority of early-stage breast cancers that we treat and diagnose,” says Dr. Curcio. The introduction of the breast program at the hospital has brought a new standard of care and awareness to the community.

This October, Northern Dutchess Hospital, in collaboration with local businesses and organizations, is hosting an awareness campaign titled “Light the Village Pink.” This month-long initiative encourages individuals and businesses to show their support by illuminating their spaces with pink lights. Ellen Henneberry, who works with the Nuvance Health Foundation, emphasizes the significance of community involvement in these efforts. “By lighting up the village pink and all of our neighborhoods, we’re really making people think about, have I gotten my mammogram this year?”

Pink Fest 25: A Community Celebration

Pink Fest 25 is scheduled to take place on October 8, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. The event is free to the public and promises an evening of fun and education. Attractions include live music by The Tom Prettys and Trebled Souls, food trucks, games for kids, and opportunities to learn about breast health services.

Ellen Henneberry notes, “We are bringing everybody together in the community for an evening of fun, education, entertainment, and really heartfelt support of all the survivors in our community.” The event will also feature the distribution of pink light bulbs to attendees, encouraging them to continue the awareness efforts at home.

The Importance of Early Detection

Regular self-examinations and annual mammograms are critical in the fight against breast cancer. Dr. Curcio advises that self-examinations should begin as early as the teenage years. “We recommend that you start 10 years younger than that earlier patient that was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she advises, reinforcing the importance of early detection.

How to Get Involved

Community support is essential for the success of this campaign. Local businesses are encouraged to join as sponsors or partners, with proceeds going directly to support breast health programs. The initiative includes special fundraising events, such as Dell’s Creamery’s creation of a unique ice cream flavor named “Check Your Cherries,” with proceeds benefiting the breast health program.

For more information about Pink Fest 25 and to find out how you can contribute to the campaign, visit their website at nuvancehealth.org/lightthevillagepink.

By participating in these initiatives, the Hudson Valley community plays a vital role in raising awareness and supporting the ongoing efforts to combat breast cancer.

Listen to the full interview: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1dqsV1qFKmr8SDqtIcdXH1?si=_ZcJ9AYFTUac8gUs_nIoug