HUNTINGTON, NY – October 11, 2026
Heckscher Park welcomed the third annual Pink in the Park on October 4, as Councilwoman Theresa Mari brought the community together for a day focused on breast cancer awareness and support. The free event included an opening ceremony, a walk around the pond, entertainment and opportunities to connect with health-related vendors and community organizations.
Visitors could stop at booths, ask questions and learn about available health and wellness resources. The painted rocks returned again this year, adding another personal touch to the day. Sponsors included Renewal by Andersen, NYU Langone Health and St. Joseph’s University, New York.
For Mari, a breast cancer survivor, the reason behind the event is deeply personal. During her remarks, she recalled being diagnosed while preparing to adopt a child, then undergoing a mastectomy and ten months of chemotherapy. She credited her family’s support and testing provided through Zwanger-Pesiri’s Give Back Sundays program with helping her through a frightening time.
That experience inspired her to help others facing a diagnosis find support and direction, rather than wondering where to turn.
“This is about awareness, this is about having resources and having people help you, people you can ask questions,” Mari said.
She thanked the sponsors and vendors, encouraged visitors to meet them, and recognized the survivors in attendance. Above all, she urged those facing cancer to surround themselves with people who love them and can help them through it.
Photography, Videography and Video Editing by Angela Bellucci Remmert – Volunteer Contributor
