Walk and Think Pink!

By Office of the President | Oct 21, 2025

University Hospital became the launch pad for a wave of pink on October 4 when hundreds gathered for the second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. Partnering with The GodSquad and the 67th Precinct Clergy Council, and supported by Project ECHO (Empowering Communities through Healing Opportunities), our community stepped off from 445 Lenox Road and finished at 887 Utica Avenue to promote early detection and expand access to care.

Elected officials, including Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman and Council Member Rita Joseph, joined survivors, families, clinicians, students, and neighbors in a clear call to action. Downstate’s team helped lead the effort on the ground: Madeline Breda, M.D. (OBGYN resident) shared evidence-based screening guidance and referral pathways; Alishia Goodridge, MBA, (Assistant Vice President for Government and Community Relations) coordinated campus-community partners; Pastor Louis Starker, Jr. (The GodSquad Board Chair) and Cheikh Gueye (Project ECHO Director of Operations) mobilized faith and neighborhood networks.

This year’s gathering reaffirmed that Brooklyn already knows awareness saves lives, and action begins close to home.

Downstate provides screening and referrals, with earlier evaluation for individuals at higher risk of developing the condition.

Your health matters to this community. We #KeepCareClose, and we are here to help.