As moms, it’s easy to forget to stop and take care of ourselves, especially when caring for everyone else. But self-care is essential, and since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good excuse to put your health first. This month, RWJBarnabas Health and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, will host several special events and breast cancer screening and education programs across the state, including Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, with its annual installation promoting early detection at The Mall at Short Hills. Scroll down for information on free health screenings, educational events, and fundraising activities this month—and don’t forget to schedule your mammogram as well. (featured photo credit: istock/Vasyl Dolmatov)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Breast Cancer Screenings at Jersey City Medical Center
October 4 from 9 AM-1 PM
Free screening mammograms (free for those who are uninsured). Space is limited and registration is required. For an appointment, contact Maria Linda Saguil, MPA, RN, RT(M)(MR) at (201) 716-5873 or Maria.Saguil@rwjbh.org.
Cost: Free
Women’s Health at Grove Street, 116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
NJ CEED Mammogram Screenings
October 4 from 9 AM-1 PM
Free screening mammograms (free for those who are uninsured), contact Maria Linda Saguil, MPA, RN, RT(M)(MR) at (201) 716-5873 or Maria.Saguil@rwjbh.org (Space is limited and registration is required). Women without insurance will have their screening funded through a partnership with Jersey City Medical Center and the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) program. This program is presented in partnership with NJCEED.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, Women’s Health at Grove Street, 116 Newark Avenue, 3rd Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Paint the Town Pink For Breast Cancer Awareness
October 6-12
Join us Monday, October 6 – Sunday, October 12, for a week filled with special classes and events, all in support of Breast Cancer awareness, care, and survivorship. Members and guests are welcome, and non-members can join with a $15 donation, with all proceeds benefiting the Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton. Everything leads up to the BIG Saturday event you won’t want to miss. Dance For a Cause: Dance Party in Pink on Saturday, October 11, from 12 PM–2 PM in studios 1 and 3 with your favorite instructors. Pre-registration is required for all classes and events. Spots are limited — sign up
today.
Cost: $15 donation for non-members
RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, Hamilton, NJ 08619
It’s a Pink Party! Make Time for Your Mammogram – RWJUH Somerset
October 8 from 11:30 AM-1 PM
Wearing your favorite pink attire, join us for a special pink-themed luncheon to promote breast health and the importance of getting an annual mammogram. Learn strategies to reduce the risks for breast cancer, signs and symptoms, causes, diagnostic tools, and treatment options. Participants will receive a light lunch, a bag of goodies, and can schedule a mammogram if needed.
Cost: Free
RWJ University Hospital Somerset, 30 Rehill Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
2nd Annual In Your Breast Interest: Your Breast Care Questions Answered LIVE – RWJUH Hamilton
October 8 from 6 PM-8 PM
Join our panel of breast specialists, from the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, Firas G. Eladoumikdachi, MD, FACS, Breast Program Director, Surgical Oncology; Meera Yogarajah, MD, Medical Oncology; and Rachana Singh, MD, Clinical Director of Radiation Oncology, for an informative Q&A session. Learn the facts about breast health, myths about breast cancer, the latest treatments, and the importance of early detection, screening, and prevention. Bring your questions and leave empowered. Registered attendees will be offered a well-balanced and healthy dinner. For more information, please call (609) 584-5900 or email CommunityEdHAM@rwjbh.org.
Cost: Free
RWJ Fitness & Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Mercerville, NJ 08619
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
Paint Rahway Pink Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
October 11 from 10 AM-1 PM
Take a walk from the Rahway Train Station to help raise Breast Cancer Awareness. There will also be a resource fair. No registration is required for this event.
Cost: Free
Rahway Train Station, West Milton Avenue and Broad Street, Rahway, NJ 07065
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Rahway
American Cancer Society Making Strides Walk (Jersey City)
October 12 at 8 AM
Register to Walk on the JCMC Team: Making Strides registration page. Learn more about the event: American Cancer Society website.
Cost: Donation based
Newport Riverwalk, 2 6th Street, Jersey City, NJ (Thomas Gangemi Drive), Jersey City, NJ 07310
Go Pink Day with Pink Flag Raising
October 17 at 9 AM
Join JCMC in wearing pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (All day). Go Pink Day group photo – 9 AM in the JCMC main lobby. A special pink flag-raising ceremony immediately follows the 9 AM group photo.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Live Your Best Life…Embracing Joy, Purpose, and Possibility with Elissa Kalver: Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium – RWJUH Somerset
October 28 from 5 PM-8 PM
Join in a special evening featuring Elissa Kalver: Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer thriver, author, and founder of WeGotThis.org, the world’s first nonprofit cancer gift registry, who will share her inspirational story of thriving beyond a diagnosis with an attitude that refines success and celebrates the wins, big or small. Understand the psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis, coping strategies, types of breast cancer, risk factors, signs, causes, diagnosis, the importance of getting an annual mammogram, treatments, and prevention strategies. Includes a dinner and a copy of Elissa’s book. A book signing will follow, including Elissa Kalver, author, thriver, and founder of WeGotThis.org, and Deborah Lue, MD, breast surgeon and director of the Breast Program.
Cost: $25
Bridgewater Manor, 1251 Route 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
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