The Columbia Breast Cancer Team Stands Out as Top Fundraiser for Velocity
Every fall, members of the Columbia community come together for Velocity: Columbia’s Ride to End Cancer, raising funds to support lifesaving cancer research at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC). This year’s new format, YourVelocity, gives participants the freedom to choose how they participate; they can complete any activity of their choice before December 31 or dedicate their efforts entirely to fundraising.
The Columbia Breast Cancer Team was started by Dr. Dawn Hershman in 2017, the year of Velocity’s inaugural ride, and has been a proud supporter ever since. This year, the team includes five Columbia breast oncologists and stands out as a top fundraiser, surpassing its original $2,000 goal with more than $7,500 raised so far. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Velocity Day (October 5), we asked the members of the 2025 Columbia Breast Cancer Team what inspired them to take part in Velocity.
Dawn Hershman, MD, MS, FASCO
To Dr. Hershman, Velocity is more than a fundraiser – it is a celebration of the patients, colleagues, and discoveries that drive her work every day. As the leader of the HICCC breast cancer program and chief of the division of hematology/oncology, Dr. Hershman has dedicated her career to improving how patients experience cancer care.
She first joined Velocity when it launched in 2017. Since then, she has looked forward to being a part of the event every year, surrounded by a community of her colleagues and patient warriors.
"I joined Velocity to support the incredible research and care teams who make a real difference in patients’ lives at Columbia,” Dr. Hershman says. “Every mile, every donation helps us get closer to ensuring that every person with cancer can receive the care they need and deserve."
Melissa Accordino, MD
Velocity has made Dr. Accordino feel more connected to her patients, colleagues, and the larger Columbia community that rallies around this cause. She has also been involved in research studies that have been directly funded by Velocity, witnessing firsthand how the funds raised from Velocity help move the needle for cancer research.
With that connection in mind, joining the Columbia Breast Cancer Team this year was a no-brainer for Dr. Accordino. She tries to participate every year and this time, her activity of choice is boxing.
"I joined Velocity because it’s the best mix of what I love—supporting my patients, teaming up with amazing colleagues, and moving my body for a good cause," says Dr. Accordino.
Katherine Crew, MD
While Dr. Crew has joined outdoor bike rides for her past Velocity rides, this year she plans to complete her miles on her stationary bike. Her commitment to Velocity comes from her many personal and professional connections with patients and family members with breast cancer. Her research, which looks at the use of AI for breast cancer risk assessment, was funded by Velocity when she served as one of six inaugural Velocity fellows.
Dr. Crew believes that it takes a team to advance cancer care. Just like she collaborates in the clinic with radiologists and surgeons to bring the best possible care to her patients, this year Velocity gave her the opportunity to collaborate with her colleagues as part of the Columbia Breast Cancer Team to raise funds and awareness for a cause close to her heart.
Meghna Trivedi, MD
In the clinic, Dr. Trivedi has seen firsthand how the discovery and approval of new therapies can provide hope for patients with breast cancer who previously had limited possibilities. Her patients are her inspiration for participating in Velocity, and she hopes that the funds raised will continue to fuel the development of new treatments that offer even more options for those facing breast cancer. Her activity for this year is running and walking with her family; she has already completed a 5K in September with her children.
"Velocity is an opportunity to connect our patients and community to the innovative cancer research taking place at Columbia, raising awareness of the progress being made and the hope it brings for the future," says Dr. Trivedi.
Julia McGuinness, MD
Dr. McGuinness is no stranger to being a part of fundraising teams in support of cancer research. Her activity for Velocity this year is a 19-mile training run to prepare for the New York City Marathon, which she is running as a part of Team Komen in support of the Susan G. Komen foundation’s mission to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Dr. McGuinness’s dedication to improving the lives of women with breast cancer is a mission she shares with both Komen and Velocity, using these events to advocate for the patients and families who inspire her every day.
"I joined the Columbia Breast Cancer Team because now, more than ever, we need to support innovative breast cancer research to improve the lives of all patients with breast cancer," says Dr. McGuinness.
