Advocate Christ Medical Center was awash in shades of pink as community members, medical professionals, and survivors came together for the 20th Annual Paint the Town Pink event, celebrating two decades of education, prevention, and hope in the fight against breast cancer.
The free community event, held at the hospital’s Robert Stein Auditorium and Conference Center in Oak Lawn, focused on empowering attendees through information about prevention, screening, treatment, and support.
Organized by Susan Latocha, BSN, RN, CCRN, Community Outreach, the program featured several presentations by Advocate Health Care physicians and specialists who shared the latest insights in breast health.
“This event has been educating people on breast cancer for 20 years,” Latocha said. “Learning about prevention and early detection is the key to longevity. One in eight women will experience breast cancer in their lifetime, and early detection is truly the key.”
Latocha said the goal of the annual gathering has always been to bring awareness and resources to the community while creating an open and welcoming space for education. “We want people to feel informed and supported,” she added. “When women know what to look for and when to start screening, it can save lives.”
Among the featured speakers was Dr. Barbara Krueger, who discussed breast cancer awareness and new advancements in treatment. Dr. Corey Foster spoke on radiation therapy and stressed the importance of proactive health practices.“Breast cancer awareness is important because it is critical for early detection, and early detection gives women the highest likelihood of cure,” Dr. Foster said. “That’s why we are passionate about this event empowering women to prioritize breast health.”
Other presenters included Dr. Archana Chandrashekar, who spoke on community resources in her session Your Village: A Guide to Community Resources; Caroline Pilewicz, FNP-BC, who discussed follow-up care after treatment; and Ashley Hayes, RN, who shared stories of strength in her presentation Empowering the Journey.
Dr. Krueger added that breast cancer education remains as vital as ever. “Even with all of our advances, nothing replaces awareness,” she said. “When people understand their risks and take action early, outcomes improve dramatically.
”The event also highlighted inspiring stories from survivors, including Elena Rice of Oak Forest, who was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in March 2024 and underwent a lumpectomy that October. She is now in remission and credits the hospital staff for their care and compassion.
“The staff at Advocate is so wonderful, so compassionate and so helpful,” Rice said. “I would recommend them to anyone.”
Keith Ammon, Executive Director of the Cancer Institute for South Chicagoland, praised
both the event and the people behind it. “Paint the Town Pink is an awesome event,” he said. “We have a super engaged community and a phenomenal team here at Advocate that works with the patients, survivors and their families.”
The event also reminded attendees of the importance of routine screenings. According to Latocha, yearly mammograms are recommended beginning at age 40, though those with family history or genetic risk should consult their doctor earlier.
Paint the Town Pink continues to serve as a beacon of hope and a source of information for the South Chicagoland community, with Advocate Christ Medical Center and its partners reaffirming their commitment to fighting breast cancer through education and collaboration.
