Under rainy skies, a hearty band of 50 recently turned out at East Haven High School (EHHS) for a 5K Breast Cancer Walk to benefit breast cancer research at Yale New Haven Hospital. With safety at a premium due to the recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases, the event, hosted by EHHS’s chapter of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), saw students donning pink gloves and masks, as well as face shields.

“It was truly a community event,” said senior Gianna Kasynak, who chaired the walk,with support from EHHS teachers, who were among the participants, as well as area businesses like LongHorn Steakhouse, Dunkin’, and Route 80 Café.

Many participants also donated more than the entry fee. Kasynak said she was inspired to chair the event after volunteering at Smilow Cancer Hospital while her mother was being treated there.

“You learn what people truly go through and that some people just have it worse than you,” she said. “I would feel empathy for the women who were struggling to afford their treatments and even those who didn’t feel confident due to their illness.”

Kasynak said the $600 raised by the walk would be donated to Yale’s Breast Cancer Awareness floor to provide funds for research, wigs, and hats.