Suffolk Reporter

Mather Hospital invites the community to participate in the annual Walk to Raise Health on May 18, 2025, in Port Jefferson, NY. The event aims to support the Fortunato Breast Health Center and promote awareness about the need for regular breast cancer screenings starting at age 40.

Participants will engage in a five-mile walk through Port Jefferson and Belle Terre. The day will include music, raffles, photo opportunities, a walker warm-up session, and the Pink Your Pooch contest, recognizing the best “pinked” pup. Check-in for the event begins at 8:30 am, with the walk starting at 10 am.

According to Mather Hospital, breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the United States, except for skin cancer. It represents about 30% of all new female cancers each year. The average risk for a woman in the U.S. to develop breast cancer in her lifetime is approximately 13%, or 1 in 8 chances.

Participants are encouraged to walk in honor of loved ones affected by breast cancer, either as survivors or in memory of those lost to the disease. Fundraising efforts start with a $100 goal, allowing participants to earn rewards available at the walk.

Individuals can participate by forming or joining a team, walking individually, or sponsoring others.

Mather Hospital is a 248-bed, non-profit hospital offering comprehensive healthcare services to Suffolk County residents. It has received numerous accolades for quality care, including five-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and high-ranking performance in multiple specialties by U.S. News & World Report.

Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider and private employer in New York State, supports the walk. With 21 hospitals and about 900 outpatient facilities, Northwell Health serves over two million people annually.