SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield Mayor Sarno and Rays of Hope gathered at City Hall to raise awareness for breast cancer.

The YMCA of Franklin County is hosting a free clothing drive

Some of the places that will be lit pink include Union Station, Tower Square, MGM, the Basketball Hall of Fame, and the MassMutual Center. This is just one of the breast cancer recognition initiatives next month.

Baystate Health hosts its 31st Rays of Hope Walk & Run to cure breast cancer.
This is all part of an effort to raise awareness of the disease by supporting breast cancer research and education.

22News spoke with a breast cancer survivor who explained why the effort means so much to her. “It means a lot because it also means that you are cared for. You know that the community cares about you and that means a hell of a lot, especially to some people who feel like they have to go through this alone,” said Michelle Graci.

Mayor Sarno states, “Since taking office in 2008, my administration has raised tens of thousands of dollars, thanks to the generosity of our staff, to proudly support and stand in solidarity with Rays of Hope and the many individuals and families they support. We all have families, friends and loved ones who have faced this challenge, but thanks to the continued support and dedicated efforts of the Rays of Hope team, they do not have to face this challenge alone. This year marks the 31st anniversary of the Rays of Hope initiative.^st Anniversary for Rays of Hope. To celebrate this joyous occasion, we politely ask all of our local businesses and residents to help us “Light Springfield Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness” this October. Please join us as we continue to help support this great cause and organization.”

The run will take place on Sunday, October 27, weather permitting, and will begin at Temple Beth El on Dickinson Street in Springfield. Rays of Hope has raised more than $17.2 million over the years to fight breast cancer.

To register for the Rays of Hope Walk & Run to Cure Breast Cancer, visit BaystateHealth.org.

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