This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Rays of Hope and their mission to help find a cure for breast cancer and support those fighting against it.
To date, Rays of Hope has raised over $16 million helping individuals in the fight against breast cancer by walking alongside them on their cancer journey. Through the Baystate Health Breast Network, Rays of Hope cares for the whole person from diagnosis and beyond by supporting research at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research, providing funding for state-of-the-art equipment, breast health programs and outreach and education throughout Baystate Health, support to patients and survivors, as well as providing grants for complementary therapies and cancer programs to our community partners throughout western Massachusetts.
To mark this historic significance, Mayor Sarno has put out a call to local businesses and the community asking to help light up the City of Springfield pink during the month of October for breast cancer awareness. The Campanile Clock Tower at City Hall, and Union Station and the parking garage will light up pink during the month of October.
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Monarch Enterprises, the Springfield Thunderbirds, MGM Springfield, the MassMutual Center, Square One, St. John’s Congregational Church, The Colvest Group building on East Columbus Ave, and Springfield College are among those who have committed their support to celebrate the Rays of Hope 30th Anniversary and will light up their respective facilities pink during the month of October.
Mayor Sarno states, “Since taking office in 2008, my administration, through the generosity of our employees have raised tens of thousands of dollars to proudly support and stand in solidarity with the Rays of Hope and the many individuals and families they support. Special thanks to my Communications Director Bill Baker, Constituent Services Director Molly Shea and Assistance HR Director Caitlyn Julius for their efforts in helping to organize this wonderful event. We all have family, friends and loved ones who have battled this challenge, but thanks to the continued support and dedicated efforts from the Rays of Hope team, they do not have to face this challenge alone. This year marks the 30th Anniversary for Rays of Hope. To celebrate this joyous occasion, we are respectfully asking all of our local businesses and residents to help ‘Light Up Springfield Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness during the month of October. Please join with us as we continue to help support this great cause and organization and I look forward to seeing everyone at the Walk for a Cure this weekend.”
“The love and support that residents, businesses and community partners give to Rays of Hope means so much to our organization and we wouldn’t be here without them! Light Up Springfield Pink for Rays of Hope is just another example of how special the Western Mass community is!” said Lindsey Bubar, Rays of Hope Chair.
Of note, Mayor Sarno’s former Chief of Staff Denise Jordan was the past Chairwoman 2018/2019, and City Hall’s own Al Rodriguez and his lovely wife Jackie served as co-Chairs for 2020/2021 too.”
