Check out the latest fall festivities at masslive.com/entertainment
Better Health S |
NEXT STEPS: After a breast cancer diagnosis, S3 SCREENING: The lastest recommendations, S6 ON THE RISE: Breast cancer rates among younger women, S7
| SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2025
A Sea of Pink and a Surge of Hope:
The Rays of Hope Walk & Run Returns for nd its 32 Year SPONSORED CONTENT BY ADVERTISING
O
n Sunday, October 19, 2025, Springfield’s Forest Park will be transformed into a powerful sea of pink, as Baystate Health Foundation’s annual Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer returns for its 32nd year. The community-driven event is more than just a fundraiser and has become a cherished tradition of healing, remembrance and resilience that many look forward to each October. The morning is filled with joy, tears, laughter, strength, and—most of all—hope. Each year, thousands gather to celebrate breast cancer survivors, honor those we’ve lost, and support the ongoing fight against breast cancer. With every step and every stride, participants unite with a singular mission: to fuel hope and fund local breast cancer
tunity to shop the Rays of Hope Store and visit with a variety of local vendors offering resources for survivors. Whether you’re a first-time participant or a long-time supporter, you’ll quickly realize that the Rays of Hope Walk & Run is not just an athletic event. It’s a full-blown celebration of community, courage, and compassion. And no one embodies that spirit more than Sandy and John Maybury, the 2024 / 2025 Rays of Hope CoChairs, and living testaments to what Rays of Hope represents. For Sandy Maybury, Rays of Hope was close to her heart long before her own breast cancer diagnosis. “I walked for many, many years with a group of my girlfriends to support my best friend who is a survivor,” she recalls. But when Sandy herself was diagnosed
(LARGE PHOTO ABOVE AND TOP PHOTO BELOW COURTESY OF TODD LAJOIE / BAYSTATE HEALTH)
system for survivors. There is always someone there to talk to who understands what you’re going through in a way that goes beyond what you get at the doctor’s office.” While Rays of Hope supports advancing research happening at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research, the program is also focused on improving the breast health of people in Western Massachusetts. It’s about making today a little easier for someone battling breast cancer, standing beside those in treatment and remembering those we’ve lost while lifting up the families still grieving. One of the most emotional and meaningful aspects of the day is the Pink Hope Survivors Lounge, a dedicated space for survivors filled with encouragement, resources, and under-
Whether you’re a first-time participant or a long-time supporter, you’ll quickly realize that the Rays of Hope Walk & Run is not just an athletic event. It’s a full-blown celebration of community, courage, and compassion. research, programs, and survivor support services through Baystate Health’s Rays of Hope initiative. Every dollar raised through the Rays of Hope Walk & Run stays right here in Western Massachusetts, funding vital breast cancer research, education, and direct support services for patients and survivors. The impact is tangible: research grants, wellness programs, support groups, transportation assistance, and more—all funded by the community, for the community. This year’s event kicks off with the 8K Run at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Walk Toward the Cure at 10:30 a.m., both starting from the vibrant grounds of Temple Beth El in Springfield. But the excitement begins long before the walk steps off with opening ceremonies, live entertainment, the oppor-
a few years ago, her connection to the cause deepened in unimaginable ways. Together with her husband, John, the Mayburys have turned their personal journey into a public mission. Through their business, Maybury Material Handling, they’ve rallied friends, employees, and family members to form Team Maybury, a passionate and growing team that proudly walks alongside Sandy and John each year. The team carries the spirit of Rays of Hope all year long by hosting their annual summer car show to benefit Rays of Hope. John shares, “Rays of Hope is a very unique organization that Western Massachusetts is very lucky to have. Not only does it raise money for local research, but it provides a support
standing. Breast cancer survivors are honored with a commemorative survivor t-shirt (available on a first-come, first-served basis) and welcomed with open arms into a community that understands the journey intimately. Inside the tent, Rays of Hope’s Pink Community Partners offer resources and conversations tailored to survivors, no matter where they are in their journey. Featured organizations include the Baystate Breast and Wellness Center, CHD Cancer House of Hope and LIVESTRONG at the Y of Greater Springfield and Greater Westfield. In addition to receiving helpful resources, survivors are also treated to gifts of encouragement from local businesses. Small tokens with big meaning, repre- Above: The 2024 Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast senting the love and solidarity of the Cancer is held at Temple Beth El on Dickinson Street in Springfield. SEE RAYS OF HOPE, PAGE S2
(PHOTO COURTESY OF LEON NGUYEN /THE REPUBLICAN)