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Montgomery Police Partner with Hunterdon Health and Evolve Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

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Specially wrapped pink police cruiser returns to local roads for third consecutive year to promote screenings and community resources.


By Barbara A. Preston for The Montgomery News | September 30, 2026


The Montgomery Township Police Department has renewed its partnership with Hunterdon Health and local nonprofit Evolve Pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.


Montgomery Township police officers with Dr. Jennifer Montes, MD, MPH, of the Hunterdon Breast Surgery Center and founder of Evolve Pink. From left: Piper Ford, Vanessa Hunter, Dr. Montes, Carolyn LaRue, and Oksana Kopyto. 
Photo by Barbara A. Preston

For the third straight year, a specially wrapped pink police cruiser will patrol township streets and appear at regional events. The vehicle serves as a mobile education tool to encourage early screening and connect residents with local healthcare resources.


“We are honored to collaborate with Hunterdon Health and Evolve Pink in this meaningful initiative,” said Montgomery Township Police Chief Silvio Bet. “This pink vehicle serves as a visible reminder that breast cancer affects individuals, families, friends, and communities, and that early detection and access to care can save lives.”


Funding for the vehicle wrap was provided by Hunterdon Health. The cruiser features a prominent QR code linking directly to Hunterdon Health’s mammography scheduling and breast health resources, alongside information on Evolve Pink’s support programs for patients and families.


From left: Montgomery Township Chief Silvio Bet, Oksana Kopyto, Vanessa Hunter, Piper Ford, Carolyn LaRue, Dr. Jennifer Montes, MD, MPH, of the Hunterdon Breast Surgery Center and founder of Evolve Pink, Dr. Payal Soni, MD, Radiation Oncology at Hunterdon Health, and Philippe Beekman, senior vice president & COO of The Hunterdon Health Foundation.
Photo by Barbara A. Preston

Community Event Schedule

Area residents can view the vehicle and access health materials at several upcoming community gatherings throughout October and early November:

  • Evolve Pink Strides for Strength 5K Walk: Saturday, Oct. 4, 9 am to 2 pm at the Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville. All proceeds support Evolve Pink’s local support programs.

  • Fall Fest on Main Street: Friday, Oct. 17, 12 pm to 3 pm Featured alongside the Half Marathon benefiting Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center.

  • Free Community Breast Screening: Saturday, Nov. 7, 8 am to 11 am at Hunterdon Health Women’s Imaging Center, 121 Route 31 South, Suite 1100, Flemington. Provided for uninsured women age 40 and older. Advance registration is required by Oct. 16.



Importance of Early Detection

Health officials emphasize that regular mammograms and early detection remain crucial in treating breast cancer effectively. Healthcare providers advise women to discuss their individual risk factors and screening schedules with their physicians.

Key recommendations from medical professionals include:

  • Scheduling routine mammograms based on personal and family risk history.

  • Monitoring for changes in breast texture, size, or appearance and consulting a doctor immediately if changes occur.

  • Discussing family health history, particularly regarding breast or ovarian cancer.


Support Beyond Treatment

In addition to medical screening, the initiative highlights holistic support services provided by Evolve Pink, a non-profit founded by Dr. Jennifer Montes, MD, MPH, of the Hunterdon Breast Surgery Center. The group offers education, emotional support, and community programming for patients navigating recovery.


Township officials expressed appreciation to project leaders, including Philippe Beekman, Senior VP and COO of Hunterdon Health Foundation, Kathleen Seelig, Corporate Director of Public Relations for Hunterdon Health, and Dr. Montes for their ongoing community leadership.

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