Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer Steps Off on Oct. 19

SPRINGFIELD — Bringing more than $17.7 million over 30 years to Western Mass. in support of breast cancer care, research, and education, the Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer will once again welcome supporters to hit the pavement on Sunday, Oct. 19, beginning at Temple Beth El in Springfield and contunuing along a scenic walk route through Springfield’s Forest Park.

Over the years, all money raised remains local to assist individuals and their families affected by breast cancer. Baystate Health Foundation administers the funds, which support treatment, breast health programs, outreach and education, the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment through the Baystate Health Breast Network, as well as support for the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research. Rays of Hope also provides grants to various community programs throughout Western Mass. that promote whole body wellness of survivors.

“Rays of Hope is a very unique organization that Western Massachusetts is very lucky to have,” said John Maybury, the 2024-25 Rays of Hope co-chair. “Not only does it raise money for local research, but it provides a support 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.”

Added Sandy Maybury, 2024-25 co-chair, “to be there, it’s truly beautiful. There is just a sea of pink at the walk where people are showing their support for their community.”

There is still time to register to walk or run at baystatehealth.org/raysofhope. Participants can choose to register as an individual or start a team, then create their own personal webpage to assist them in their fundraising efforts. While there is no minimum donation to participate, participants are required to raise at least $50 to be eligible to receive a 2025 Rays of Hope participant T-shirt.

Once they arrive at the starting lot, participants are asked to visit the registration tent, in its new location at the back of the lot, to check in and pick up their participant T-shirt. Check-in for the Run Toward the Cure will begin at 7:30 a.m., and the race will take off at 8:30 a.m. Walker registration will open at 9 a.m., and the Walk Toward the Cure steps off at 10:30 a.m.

Buses begin operating at 7:30 a.m. for runners and at 8:30 a.m. for walkers to shuttle them to Temple Beth El. Parking for runners is only at Springfield Elks Lodge at 440 Tiffany St. in Springfield. Parking for walkers is at Blueberry Hill Elementary School, Cartamundi, East Longmeadow High School, and Longmeadow High School. More details on parking can be found at baystatehealth.org/raysofhope.

For more information about this year’s Rays of Hope Walk and Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer, held rain or shine, call (413) 794-8001 or visit baystatehealth.org/raysofhope.