February 22, 2015

A new five-mile run will highlight this year’s Families Walk & Run for Hope at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital, an annual fundraiser for the Fortunato Breast Health Center. The popular "Pink Your Pooch" dog costume contest, family friendly events and Music by the School of Rock return for the event on Saturday, May 2.

The new run and the walk will follow the same course through Port Jefferson and Belle Terre. The run kicks off at 8 am, followed by the walk at 9 am. On-site registration opens at 7 am. Register in advance at www.matherhospital.org/walk or call 631-476-2723 for more information. Sign up before April 1 and receive a free Families Walk & Run for Hope t-shirt.

Hundreds of breast cancer survivors and their supporters participate in the Walk each year. Sign up as an individual or form a team with family, friends, co-workers or schoolmates. Support a walker or a team or make a general donation at www.matherhospital.com/walk

The "Pink Your Pooch” pet costume contest will award prizes to “Best Dressed Owner & Pet” and “Prettiest in Pink.” Photos will be posted on Mather Hospital’s Facebook page for a community vote. Family fun activities will include face painting, temporary tattoos, giant Operation game and balloon sculpting. All registered walkers the day of the event will receive a Tanger Outlet coupon book.

The Fortunato Breast Health Center provides state-of-the-art breast healthcare in surroundings that offer a sense of comfort, privacy and the assurance that each patient’s individual needs will be met. Trained healthcare professionals offer mammograms and physical examinations, expert follow-up care, education for patients, families and the community, and breast cancer support groups.

The Center has earned three-year, full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), which is given only to centers that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality breast care and undergo a rigorous review of their performance.