Event raises record-breaking $700,000 for new diagnostic software

Brooklyn, NY, Oct. 23, 2025 — Maimonides Health hosted its annual Pink Runway fashion show at The Weylin in Williamsburg, celebrating the strength, resilience, and determination of breast cancer survivors who receive services at Maimonides Breast Center.

Now in its 14th year, the health system’s flagship event drew hundreds of supporters, patients, and healthcare professionals, shining a spotlight on survivorship while raising awareness about the importance of early detection and access to quality cancer care. This year’s runway was graced by 12 survivors who modeled custom looks styled by Saks Fifth Avenue and stylist James Palazza. Each walk down the runway represented a personal story of triumph, reminding attendees that breast cancer is treatable and survivable when detected early. The evening’s entertainment was provided by the Mazel Tov Cocktail Band–a musical group composed entirely of Maimonides physicians.

“At Maimonides, everything we do begins and ends with our patients. We’re proud to serve Brooklyn, one of the most diverse and vibrant communities in the world, and to deliver care grounded in excellence, compassion, and access for all,” said Ken Gibbs, President and CEO, Maimonides Health. “The Maimonides Breast Cancer Center is Brooklyn’s first fully accredited breast center and one of the top 5% of programs nationwide. Nearly half of our patients are underinsured or uninsured, yet each one receives world-class care close to home.”

“In November, we will treat patient number 8,000. That’s an enormous number and I don’t know where these patients were going before we opened. If Brooklyn were its own state, we would have more breast cancer than 16 U.S. states,” said Dr. Patrick Borgen, Chair, Surgery and Director of Maimonides Breast Center. “‘With you every step’ is not a theme or a gimmick. It’s how we come to work. It’s how we practice and it’s how we cherish each life that we touch.”

The evening honored Jodi Pollack, Sotheby’s Chairman and Co-Worldwide Head of 20th Century Design as well as Chairman of Major Collections, with the prestigious Wings of Healing Award for her leadership, dedication, and advocacy on behalf of breast cancer patients. Marina Lisker, Director of Operations at Maimonides Cancer Center, was also honored with the Maimonides Breast Cancer Champion Award.

“I may be the one receiving this award tonight, but in my heart, this award belongs to every survivor and every caretaker that’s in this room. And this belongs to all of us who have faced the fear, the uncertainty, and the fight and who have come through all of this much stronger on the other side,” said Wings of Healing honoree Jody Pollack.

“I want to take a moment to celebrate the true heroes, our breast cancer survivors. You are the reason we do what we do. Your strength and courage inspire us every single day,” said Maimonides Breast Cancer Champion awardee Marina Lisker. “You remind us why this work matters. This award is not just a recognition of my work. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of every single member of my team. To my work family, thank you.”

“I am very honored and happy to be here. I have Maimonides very deep in my heart. My mother was a patient there for many years as I was growing up and that is why I am here tonight,” said actor Steve Schirripa, co-host of Pink Runway 2025. “Real strength isn’t loud, it’s loyal. It’s showing up. Tonight isn’t just about a runway. It’s about every hallway, every waiting room, every kitchen table where families make very tough decisions together. It’s about the people who walk beside you–partners, friends and an incredible care team that never lets you take a step alone.”

Video: Watch Steve Schirripa, along with fellow actor Michael Imperioli, Pink Runway model Karen Jones, and Maimonides breast surgeon Dr. Joshua Feinberg, tease the event on Good Day New York with Rosanna Scotto.

Maimonides Breast Center is the first fully accredited, free-standing, comprehensive breast cancer center in Brooklyn and among the few in New York City recognized by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. It provides a full continuum of services—from screening and diagnostics to surgery, medical oncology, radiation therapy, and survivorship programs—all under one roof.

Throughout the evening, guests heard powerful survivor stories and were encouraged to share the message of early detection and routine screenings with loved ones. Proceeds from the evening’s event will fund AI diagnostic software, which will expedite results, support radiologists, and most importantly, reduce wait times for the nearly 400 patients who come to the Breast Cancer Center each month for screenings. The event reflects Maimonides’ continued commitment to advancing women’s health and improving access to care for all Brooklynites—regardless of background or insurance status.

View photos of the event here. To download photos, use PIN 5974. Photo Credit: Anna Just.

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About Maimonides Breast Cancer Center

The Maimonides Breast Cancer Center was the first to open in Brooklyn, remains the largest cancer center in the borough, and is ranked among the top 5% nationally. Top-ranked Maimonides’ breast cancer surgeons, oncologists, psychiatrists and psychologists, radiologists and more within the field, work collaboratively to combat these statistics and to develop advanced therapies and technologies that make breast cancer more treatable than ever. In the United States, about 1 in 8 women, or 13% of the female population, will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. In New York State, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Learn more about the nationally recognized clinical services at Maimonides Breast Cancer Center.