When Mackenzie Haney first joined Tufts Medicine as a PA student rotating at MelroseWakefield Hospital, she knew she'd found the right community for her. Nearly a year later, she's not only caring for patients as a full-time PA supporting Tufts Medical Center's Breast Health program—she's also lacing up her running shoes to support them in a whole new way.
Haney is organizing the Breast Cancer Awareness 5K, a fundraising event designed to help patients access critical care that insurance often won't cover. It's a project born from her daily experiences working alongside both patients and the medical team she deeply admires.
Finding her community
"I was drawn to Tufts Medicine because of the people," Haney explains. "Seeing how the physicians interacted with patients and families was truly impressive. They took the time to listen, explain and make sure everyone felt safe and understood. It was clear that they were passionate about what they did, and that passion extended to their patients. I knew right then that this was a community I wanted to be part of."
Haney appreciated the Medical Center’s oncoplastic surgery program, which combines cancer removal and reconstruction in a single procedure. The surgeons are trained in both oncology and plastic surgery techniques, allowing patients to avoid multiple surgeries while addressing both treatment and cosmetic outcomes. She values how the doctors understand patients have whole lives to live after treatment and want them to feel confident about how they look.
Bridging passion + purpose
As a former Division I college athlete, Haney saw an opportunity to combine her love of physical activity with her commitment to patient care and women's health advocacy. The inspiration for community fundraising runs in her family—her mother has organized numerous charity events in their hometown, showing Haney firsthand how powerful community-driven initiatives can be.
"This is just something that gives me joy," she says. "I hope everyone has as much fun as I'm having organizing this event."
Building community together
From the beginning, creating an event that everyone could participate in was key—she chose a location convenient for both Tufts Medical Center and MelroseWakefield staff and patients, since many clinicians work at both locations. Recognizing that not everyone can participate in person, she also created a virtual option for family members who aren't local or anyone who prefers to self-pace their activity.
"I wanted to ensure that everyone could participate and show their support, regardless of their location or ability," Haney notes. "This way, family, friends and colleagues who can't be with us in person can still walk with us in spirit and feel connected to our cause."
Haney has been spreading the word through her Tufts Medicine network of patients and staff, her former classmates from PA school and within local running communities, building bridges between different groups who share a common cause.
Filling critical gaps
The funds raised will help patients pay for treatment-related services that insurance often doesn't cover—everything from acupuncture to scar cream and other therapies that can make a meaningful difference in recovery.
"The funds raised from this event will be used to provide financial support to patients who are facing out-of-pocket expenses related to their breast cancer treatment that aren't covered by insurance," Haney explains. "Our goal is to create a safety net for these patients, so they can focus on their health and well-being, not on how they'll afford the care they need."
More than just a race
Beyond the run itself, the event will feature a health education component, with organizations that work with breast cancer patients—including genetic testing companies and medical device manufacturers—available to answer participants' questions. Healthcare clinicians will also be there to engage with the community.
Through this event, Haney provides an amazing example of what it means to extend patient care beyond the clinic walls, creating connections that strengthen both individual healing and community wellness.
Register for the Breast Cancer Awareness 5K, benefiting Tufts Medical Center Breast Health. The event is Saturday, October 4, at Pine Banks Park in Malden, MA—or participate virtually from anywhere.
