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| SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2024
Peace. Love. Cure.
Rays of Hope 2024
Every October, a “sea of pink” leaves Western Massachusetts awash with hope.
morning’s activities at 8:30am; followed by the Walk Towards the Cure at 10:30am. “We are excited to see so many participants gearing up to walk, run, fundraise, and show their support,” said Sandy and John Maybury, 2024-2025 Rays of Hope Co-Chairs, Survivor and Co-Survivor. “The enthusiasm and commitment from our community is truly inspiring. Whether you are a survivor, By Tiera N. Wright a co-survivor, a supporter, Special to the Republican or a corporate sponsor, your “The Rays of Hope Walk & involvement is what makes this Run Toward the Cure of Breast event so powerful.” Cancer is a powerful and inspirThis year’s Walk & Run can ing event that brings together be summed up by three words, over 10,000 participants, all Peace, Love, Cure. united by the cause of raising “We strive to create a peaceawareness and funds for breast ful and loving environment for cancer,” said Michelle Graci, everyone Rays of Hope touches manager of events for the Bay- on our way to a cure,” said Gra-
survivors.” In 2023, Rays of Hope raised over $557,000; and to date, the annual charity event has amassed over $17 million. Since its inception, all the money donated to Rays of Hope has remained local and been utilized for patient care, services and research throughout Western Massachusetts. “Our fundraising goal is to raise more than last year,” said Graci. “With that being said our main focus is to raise awareness for early detection by getting mammograms, supporting survivors through treatment and beyond with special programs and complimentary therapies, and finding a cure through the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research. If we are able to do this, our goal has been
“The enthusiasm and commitment from our community is truly inspiring. Whether you are a survivor, a co-survivor, a supporter, or a corporate sponsor, your involvement is what makes this event so powerful.” - Sandy and John Maybury, 2024-2025 Rays of Hope Co-Chairs, Survivor and Co-Survivor
state Health Foundation. Participants converge at Temple Beth El in Springfield and journey through Forest Park, decked out in their finest shades of pink symbolizing their solidarity and support for those impacted by breast cancer. “It’s truly a moving experience,” said Graci. “As you walk, you’ll see happy smiles mixed with tears of joy and remembrance.” Founded in 1994, the annual Walk & Run will be held Sunday, October 27. The Run Toward a Cure will kick off the
ci. “Our ultimate goal is a world without breast cancer.” Additionally, dragonflies will play a big role at this year’s Walk & Run. “A dragonfly is a symbol of change, transformation and self-realization,” said Graci. “It teaches us to love life, to rejoice and have faith even amidst difficulties. Dragonflies symbolize joy and happiness. They serve as a testament to the importance of living in the moment and enjoying each day as it comes; something that resonates deeply with our
reached!” Participants can choose to register as an individual or a team. “Individual and group fundraising are the cornerstones of Rays of Hope,” said Kate Weir, Rays of Hope event coordinator. “Our fundraisers help to ensure that we can continue funding breast cancer programs, services, and community initiatives that provide essential support for breast cancer patients, survivors, and co-survivors.”
SEE RAYS OF HOPE, PAGE S2
Above: Rays of Hope creator Lucy Giuggio Carvalho holds her grandson as a pyrotechnic display of pink smoke envelops the stage at the 30th Annual Rays of Hope Walk and Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer at Temple Beth El on Dickinson Street. Middle: More than 20,000 walkers and runners took to Dickinson Street to benefit the 30th annual Rays of Hope fight against breast cancer. Bottom: Students at the Holyoke Community Charter School walked in the Rays of Hope in support of thier Principal Dr. Sonia Pope, second from the far right. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVE CANTON / THE REPUBLICAN)