Helen Barrett Montgomery School No. 50 invites the community to attend its third annual Health and Wellness Fair focused on education and free health services

Rochester, New York – Helen Barrett Montgomery School No. 50 is inviting the community to come together for a day of health, education, and support at its third annual Health and Wellness Fair, taking place on Saturday, July 19, starting at noon. The event was created with a heartfelt purpose — to remember and honor Barbara “Punkin” Love-Garay, the late mother of Principal Lakisha Taylor, while also bringing valuable health resources directly to the people who need them.

Barbara Love-Garay’s story serves as the emotional foundation for this event. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in June 2022, she tragically passed away just six weeks later. According to her family, Love-Garay had long avoided seeking preventative care due to a deep-seated fear of the healthcare system. Her family believes this delay in care played a devastating role in her late diagnosis.

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In response to this heartbreaking loss, Principal Taylor and her family turned their grief into action by launching a health fair designed to help others understand the importance of early detection, regular screenings, and taking a whole-person approach to wellness.

“Our focus is on physical, mental, spiritual, financial health, and resources,” said Taylor. “People can expect tables full of resources, services, free food, and books.”

This year’s event promises a variety of on-site services to make healthcare more accessible and less intimidating. “We also have things happening right on site,” said Jamesha Wilson, Taylor’s sister. “People can get a mammogram inside Rochester Regional Health’s mammogram mobile. We’ll have nurses there doing blood pressure and insulin level checks.”

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The fair is a direct reflection of the community spirit that both Taylor and her mother cherished. Taylor, who was appointed principal of School No. 50 in August 2022, accepted the role while her mother was still fighting cancer. It was a difficult decision, as Taylor had considered stepping back to dedicate more time to caregiving. However, Love-Garay encouraged her to move forward with her career. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Love-Garay passed away just nine days after Taylor’s appointment.

The Health and Wellness Fair continues to grow each year thanks to support from trusted local organizations. This year’s health partners include the University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester Regional Health, Common Ground Health, and Fidelis Care. Together, they are working to provide a wide range of resources aimed at supporting the health and wellness of every person who attends.

Beyond medical services, the fair is about building trust, sharing knowledge, and encouraging people to take control of their health without fear. It’s a day of learning, support, and honoring a woman whose story continues to inspire action.

With free food, free books, and essential health screenings all in one place, Helen Barrett Montgomery School No. 50 hopes this event will once again help break down barriers and make healthcare feel more within reach for everyone.