A community health advocate for Upstate’s She Matter’s program is being hailed for her advocacy work about the importance of mammograms.

Monica Ruiz will be recognized as an Amazon Community Hero at the Syracuse Crunch Pink in the Rink hockey game Oct. 25 at Upstate Medical University Arena in Syracuse.

The Pink in the Rink game, presented annually by the Upstate Cancer Center, aims to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.

Ruiz joined She Matters in 2017 and as a community health advocate has educated hundreds of women on the importance of mammograms and provided one on one support through the screening, diagnosis, and treatment process.

“Monica always goes above and beyond for all She Matters participants and community members,” said Rachel Osiecki, with She Matters.

"We are surrounded by so many incredible neighbors and community members throughout Central New York, and we think it's important to shine a light on people who are truly going above and beyond," said Adi Shankar, director of operations at Amazon's fulfillment center in Liverpool. "Amazon is proud to be part of this community, and we are excited to be partnering again with the Crunch to recognize the many heroes that make Syracuse and Central New York a truly special place to live and work.

Ruiz is the second She Matter’s community health advocate to be honored in as many weeks.  Janet Bacon was honored last Sunday at the Buffalo Bills game during the team’s Crucial Catch celebration for breast cancer survivors.

As part of Pink in the Rink, Upstate will offer breast cancer screenings in its mobile mammography van during the day. The van will be located on Harrison St. between the Upstate Medical University Arena and The Oncenter from 12 to 5 p.m, Friday, Oct. 25.  Appointments are required and can be requested online at www.upstate.edu/noexcuses or by calling 315-464-2588. Mammograms will be available to women 40 and older.

During the game, the Crunch will help raise funds for She Matters, an initiative of the Upstate Cancer Center that aims to increase mammography screening among underserved women.