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Better Health S
MERCY MEDICAL CENTER: Importance of Early Detection, S3 BAYSTATE HEALTH: Diagnosis, Treatment and Care, S5 BREAST CANCER: Potential Warning Signs, S8
| SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2022
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Rays of
Hope 2022 Left: Runners leave the starting line of the 2019 Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer. (PHOTO COURTESY OF FREDERICK GORE PHOTO) Center: Members of Springfield Central High School Air Force Junior ROTC at the 2021 Parade of Hope event. Right: Donna Valletti, left, and Gale Kirkwood, members of the Rays of Hope Steering Committee, show off T-Shirts at the 2021 Parade of Hope event. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)
By CORI URBAN
to ‘Embrace the Power of Pink’ and help raise money As a breast cancer survivor, in support of the women and men faced with breast Lindsey S. Bubar, of East cancer in our communities,” Longmeadow, knows firsthand the impact such a diagsaid Kathy Tobin, director of nosis can have on not only the annual giving and events for Baystate Health Foundation. patient but the family too. That’s why she supports the “The pandemic has halted many things, but our research Rays of Hope Walk & Run has not stopped, nor has the Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer. “It has done so much support we offer survivors and to support the ‘whole’ patient their families throughout their journey. Hundreds of local and the community, providfamilies are affected each year ing opportunities for other with a cancer diagnosis, and nonprofits to support cancer they need our support now survivorship,” she said. more than ever.” Rays of Hope has raised Understanding that these more than $16.1 million; funds raised remain in West- are hard times for many individuals, Tobin reported ern Massachusetts. that despite everyone’s best The in-person walk and efforts, last year’s virtual run will take place Oct. 23, event raised $341,000, which beginning at Temple Beth El in Springfield and continuing is half the fundraising during pre-pandemic years. “The rethrough Forest Park and the sult is less money for research surrounding communities. and services. This year, Rays Expect to see all of the traditional and well-loved features of Hope really needs a powincluding the iconic pink arch, erful pink effort to fulfill our the Survivors’ Photo, the Rays mission and exceed last year.” of Hope store selling new Michelle Graci, manager merchandise, the beautifully of events for Baystate Health Foundation, expressed thanks decorated Pink Hope Survivors Lounge and the wonfor the corporate sponsors, Above: Lindsey Bubar, 2022/2023 Chair of the Rays of Hope derful entertainers along the participants and donors who Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer. support the event every year. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BAYSTATE HEALTH FOUNDATION) 2- and 5-mile routes. “We are asking everyone With their help, funds support Special To The Republican
the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research, programs, services and equipment through the Baystate Regional Cancer Program and Baystate Breast and Wellness Center, and local community programs and services such as Cancer House of Hope and the Livestrong programs at the YMCA of Greater Springfield and the YMCA of Greater Westfield. Breast cancer is a difficult topic to address, “but Rays of Hope helps make breast cancer something we can talk about and help solve together,” Tobin said. “With Rays of Hope, no one has to face this disease alone and the research gives us hope.” Since the walk began in 1993 much progress has been made in breast cancer treatment nationally and in the local community. “The chances of an individual surviving breast cancer have increased significantly since 1993. This is partly due to screening mammography and partly due to better surgery, better radiation and better medications,” explained Dr. Grace Makari-Judson, interim vice president and medical director, Cancer Services, Baystate
Health; and chair of Baystate Health Breast Network, Baystate Health; and co-director of Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research. “In 1993, we had chemotherapy and hormone treatments. Now, our treatment options have expanded to include targeted treatments, for example, for those with HER-positive cancers. Immunotherapy is used in triple negative breast cancer. We also have a new category of drugs called antibody-drug conjugates that treat specific subsets of breast cancer with less toxicity than chemotherapy.” She noted that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime; one in 800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Mammography is recommended for women age 40 and older. Makari-Judson recommends people know their risk and their family history, and pointed out that there are medications that can reduce breast cancer risk for higher risk individuals. Personalized strategies for screening may also be recommended. “For
SEE RAYS OF HOPE, PAGE S2