Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, joined by daughters Cassie and Chiara, took part once again in the annual Rays of Hope - Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer kicking off from Temple Beth El on Dickinson Street where thousands gathered to walk and run toward the cure of breast cancer.
For the past 32 years, Rays of Hope has been an important resource in the western Massachusetts community, raising funds that stay local to support breast cancer care, research, and education. Our survivors need us more than ever.
To date, Rays of Hope has raised over $17.5 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.
Mayor Sarno and the City of Springfield are honored to recognize and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Rays of Hope organization, founded by Lucy Giuggio Carvalho, each year.
Mayor Sarno states, “It was a beautiful fall morning to come together and walk/run toward a cure for Breast Cancer. My daughters Cassie, Chiara, and I had a wonderful time and it was great to see so many friends too, including former Rays of Hope Co-Chairs Jackie and Al Rodriguez and family! I am always proud to support, attend, and bring greetings at our annual Rays of Hope Walk and Run for a Cure event. Each year we join and remember those we have lost to this challenge, encourage and support those still fighting, and honor the survivors who offer themselves as an incredible resource for those facing this now too. We also thank Rays if Hope founder Lucy Giuggio Carvalho for his tremendous efforts to support people right here in our community facing this, along with all who are working toward a cure, and every single individual, family, and organization who have given their time, financial support, and helped spread awareness on Breast Cancer in our community.”
“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,” continued Mayor Sarno. “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. I commend and thank our city and school employees for their ongoing generosity and support with our Pink & Denim Day every year, we have raised tens of thousands and will continue!”
“I would also like to thank our Springfield Police Department, Springfield Fire and Emergency Services Department, Parks & Recreation, and Department of Public Works staff for their heartfelt efforts to make this walk a success year after year. Good health and God Bless.”
