On Saturday, October 5 Trenton’s Department of Recreation and the Department of Health and Human Services hosted the Second Annual Pink Out Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.
Starting at the New Jersey State House at 125 W. State Street, the parade made its way through the downtown area and concluded at Trenton City Hall, 319 E. State Street. Upon arriving at the front steps of City Hall, attendees were greeted by Mayor W. Reed Gusciora, West Ward Councilwoman Teska Frisby, North Ward Councilwoman Jennifer Williams, Interim Recreation Director Paul Harris, and Interim Health Director Diego Minacapelli.
“Thank you to the Recreation and Health and Human Services Department for organizing this important event. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a crucial opportunity for our community to come together in support of those impacted by this disease. Together, we can raise awareness, promote early detection, and honor the resilience of survivors. Let us commit to fostering hope and compassion as we stand together in this fight.” said Mayor Gusciora.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our Second Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk with all of you. This event is significant, and we need everyone to join us in spreading the word. It’s essential that we all take charge of our health by being aware of our bodies and making testing a priority. While it may be uncomfortable, it is absolutely necessary. A heartfelt thank you to the Mayor, the Recreations Director, and the Health Director for their dedication to raising awareness about this vital issue,” said West Ward Councilwoman Frisby.
“I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who came out and showed their support — it’s truly invaluable. Taking just an hour for a mammogram can save lives, and we must encourage not only women but also men in our lives to be proactive about their health, as breast cancer can affect them too. It’s crucial to have those conversations and check in with our loved ones about their testing. Remember, word is power, power is knowledge, and knowledge is lifesaving,” said North Ward Councilwoman Williams.
“We are incredibly proud to host Trenton’s Second Annual Pink Out. We want to make sure everyone is educated and continue to raise awareness. Thank you to the survivors, fighters, and loved ones lost.” stated Paul Harris, Interim Parks & Recreation Director.
“I want to thank everyone for being here as we come together to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This cause is deeply important to me because of my mother and my sister, both of whom are cancer survivors. Breast cancer affects the lives of so many, but through awareness, early detection, and access to treatments, we can save lives. Routine screenings and mammograms are vital, and self-exams are crucial steps in identifying this disease early. Please take care of yourselves. Let’s continue to spread the message: early detection matters, regular screening matters, and together we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer,” said Interim Health Director Diego Minacapelli.
Resident Breast Cancer survivors and current fighters also spoke, sharing their stories, giving the audience advice, and expressing their gratitude for the event.
“I just want to take the time to thank the City of Trenton for putting this together. I wanted so bad to do a walk this month before I have surgery,” one resident said. ” Thank you to all the other survivors who came out today, I love you all!”
“Ladies we have to take care of ourselves,” another resident said. ” I just want the young ladies, the women, the older women to check yourself. If you feel like something is wrong go to the doctor and let them check.”
After the greetings and speeches, attendees were able to explore multiple health vendor’s tables, get free food or drinks, and enjoy music.