Millbrook School graduates coordinate 5K for Dyson Breast Center

POUGHKEEPSIE— As part of their senior project, Millbrook School students Zoe Acord, of Sharon, Conn., and Hannah Cavanaugh, of Darien, Conn., who have since graduated, wished to make an impact on the community while connecting to a cause close to their hearts.

“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and Hannah’s mother in 2016, each through early detection screenings,” Acord said.

Coordinated with the help of their school adviser, more than 40 students, faculty and parents attended the school’s inaugural Pink 5K to raise awareness of early detection and to benefit Health Quest’s Dyson Breast Center on the campus of Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie.

The duo’s project raised $1,612.45, all of which will be used to provide transportation to under-served and underprivileged individuals in the community who would otherwise be unable to travel to receive early-detection screenings, mammograms and more.

“The fundraising efforts by Zoe and Hannah provide a great opportunity for our team to help members of our community receive early detection screenings that helped save lives,” said Kimberly Secord, director of clinical operations and quality and outpatient oncology services at Health Quest.

Marina Ballantine is public and community affairs associate for HealthQuest.