Connecticut Breast Health Initiative’s Race in the Park names honorary chairs

Connecticut’s largest fundraiser to support leading-edge breast cancer research has announced the faces that will represent its 2023 event.

The Connecticut Breast Health Initiative’s (CTBHI) 20th Annual Race in the Park is set for Saturday, May 13 in New Britain’s Walnut Hill Park.

“We’ve traditionally had three honorary chairs, but this year we wanted to include a few others who are strong women in their fields and have broken through to make change,” CTBHI President Joyce Bray said. “They’re all just trying to move us forward in a positive way.”

The 2023 honorary co-chairs are: Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart, Dr. Kristen Zarfos, medical director of the Karl J. Krapek, Sr. Comprehensive Women’s Health Center at St. Francis Hospital, Dr. Camelia Lawrence, director of breast surgery at the Hospital of Central Connecticut and MidState Medical Center and Anne D’Alleva, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of Connecticut.

Since the CTBHI’s inception in 2003, the Race in the Park has helped raise more than $4.3 million for breast cancer research and initiatives in Connecticut.

Special for this year’s 20th anniversary, past honorary chairs will be recognized for their support over the years. These include Gov. Jodi Rell, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, Congresswoman Nancy Johnson, First Lady Patty Rowland, Ruth Ann Lobo and Rebecca Lobo.

Another new addition will be a Pink Ribbon Mayoral Host Delegation, featuring the New Britain mayors who have been involved in the Race in the

Park since it began. They are Donald DeFronzo, Linda Blogoslawski, William McNamara, Timothy O’Brien, Timothy Stewart, Lucian Pawlak and Erin Stewart.

The race features a full day of activities in the park, beginning with the beloved Survivors Breakfast that morning. The day will continue with two kids’ fun runs, a one-mile walk, a 4K walk and the big 5K run.

Local group “Girls with Voices” will be decorating the park with pink bows from Scott’s Flowers of New Britain and residents of surrounding neighborhoods will be out on their front lawns cheering on runners.

There will also be food

trucks, a beer garden by Five Churches, a silent auction and raffles, live music by In the Groove and a touch-a-truck event for kids.

“Race day is not only about raising money for breast cancer research, it also supports the community of survivors and honors loved ones,” Bray said. “With generous support this year, our twentieth anniversary, Connecticut can lead the way in breast cancer research, advancing the work of dedicated researchers across our state.”

Corporate sponsors and volunteers are still needed for this year’s race.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the event,” Bray said. “They ensure that all goes smoothly, which makes it a truly memorable experience for every participant. Because of everyone’s extraordinary efforts, we’re able to fund forward-thinking programs that have yet to qualify for federal grants. And we’re doing it where it matters most – right here at home. Our vision is a world without breast cancer, and we know that research is the answer to cancer.”

Visit ctbhi.org to learn more or register individuals and teams.