Paint the Park Pink benefits Providence’s Breast Center

The Medford Rogues traded out their jerseys for pink over the weekend. It was all part of their Paint the Park Pink event to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

This year, two breast cancer survivors shared the pitcher’s mound to start the game.

Friends and former colleagues, Jennifer Hilton and Erin Smith sought treatment at the Leila J. Eisenstein Breast Center at Providence Medford Medical Center when they were diagnosed within seven months of each other.

Jen’s cancer fight began in April 2022 when she was diagnosed with stage I ductal carcinoma in situ. As she was undergoing surgery, radiation and medications, she urged her new co-worker Erin to get a mammogram. 

Erin was reluctant because she had lost her sister to breast cancer four years previously.

With Jen’s extra nudge, Erin got her mammogram at the Breast Center. That mammogram turned out to be lifesaving.

In November 2022, Erin was diagnosed with stage A, grade 1 estrogen dominant invasive ductal Carcinoma.

“I almost didn’t get a mammogram out of my own fear. It saved my life,” Erin said.

Jen added, “I feel grateful our paths crossed at that time.”

Now that Jen and Erin are cancer survivors, they are passionate about urging other women to get their routine mammograms. As they learned, early detection saves lives.

Oncology Nurse Navigator, Kate Newgard, RN, said it has been an honor to be part of their journey.

“It makes me truly happy to see them doing so well and developing such a great perspective post breast cancer and treatment.”

The event raises awareness and funds for the Providence Leila J. Eisenstein Breast Center.