The 6th Annual Battle for Brooklyn charity softball game took place on August 6, bringing together celebrities and physicians to raise funds for the Maimonides Breast Center. Dolores Catania, known from “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” and NBC’s “Traitors,” led a team of celebrities against the Maimonides Health physician all-stars. The event generated tens of thousands of dollars to support Brooklyn’s only fully accredited breast cancer center.
Proceeds from the game will help expand access to screening services at the Maimonides Breast Center, which provides about 20,000 mammograms each year. The funds also ensure that patients can receive services regardless of their ability to pay, including those who are uninsured or underinsured. Support includes covering costs for mammograms and providing transportation and other assistance.
“I look forward to this event each and every year. We are thrilled to raise awareness and funds for the critical work Maimonides does through its Breast Center,” said “Real Housewives of New Jersey” cast member Dolores Catania. “I can tell you from firsthand experience: You won’t find a more dedicated group of physicians and staff than at Maimonides and it’s a privilege to support their work.”
“Battle for Brooklyn is such a special event precisely because it unites an extraordinary mix of community champions—doctors, patients, and celebrities,” said Kenneth D. Gibbs, President and CEO, Maimonides Health. “This remarkable partnership celebrates our brave patients, and powers the advanced care and research that define our award-winning Breast Center.”
“Battle for Brooklyn raises awareness and provides crucial funding for the groundbreaking research and exceptional patient care at Maimonides Breast Center,” said Dr. Patrick Borgen, Chair of the Department of Surgery and Head of the Maimonides Breast Center. “Thanks to the dedication of our physicians and staff, we continue to stand by patients and their families at every step of the journey. Events like these also shine a spotlight on the life-saving importance of regular screenings and our preventative measures.”
Dolores Catania has had a longstanding relationship with Maimonides Health as an advocate for women’s health issues. She underwent a mammogram and biopsy at Maimonides on camera during her show to highlight the need for routine screenings among her fans. Fellow cast member Margaret Josephs also received treatment at Maimonides.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among American women; one in eight women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Regular screenings play an important role in early detection; annual screenings have been shown to lower mortality rates by 26% compared with those who do not screen regularly.
Maimonides Breast Center offers customized treatment plans following diagnosis, participates in clinical trials, and provides access to new therapies as part of its comprehensive care approach.
This year’s event also included collaboration with Clear The Shelters, an animal rescue initiative supported by Dolores Catania. Attendees were able to meet adoptable animals before the game began.
“We are grateful for how communities across the nation have embraced Clear The Shelters, which has expanded the campaign’s impact on vulnerable animals and the shelters who care for them year after year,” said Meredith McGinn, NBCUniversal Local’s Executive Vice President of Diginets and Original Production.
