This year, Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer partnered with Greenfield Savings Bank’s South Deerfield branch to support breast cancer awareness in Franklin County.
This was no ordinary partnership though. It was built on something deeper: family.
When a member of the Rays of Hope team reached out to Alicia Carvalho, assistant office manager at the South Deerfield branch, about working together to support Rays of Hope and raise awareness about the services it offers, she was in. Not only because of the importance of the cause, but because founder of Rays of Hope, Lucy Giuggio Carvalho, is her step-mother.
A family affair
Lucy and Alicia met in 2004 and Alicia has been involved in Rays of Hope ever since. The event, which regularly brings thousands of breast cancer survivors and supporters out for a run and walk in October, has become an important part of their connection.
“I was just blown away that there was this woman I knew that started all of this,” shared Alicia, reminiscing on her first Rays of Hope experience.
This year marked 25 years of awareness and more than $14 million raised, all of which stays local to provide services and support to those who need it.
Even after more than two decades, the fight continues.
“We’re still there. We’re walking and we’re strong and united. We’ve really made a difference for people in western Mass,” says Lucy.
Supporting together
As Lucy puts it, Rays of Hope is like a big hug – a hug of services and support for those who need – that spans throughout western Massachusetts. Alicia’s efforts through her role at Greenfield Savings Bank certainly support that.
"Getting the word out in this community, and Franklin Country in general, that these services are here for them or their loved ones is something important because no one should have to feel alone or that they have to take it all on,” said Alicia.
Rays of Hope will continue its partnership and collaboration with Greenfield Savings Bank as we forge on in the fight against breast cancer.
Though this year's event has passed, there's still time to make a gift to support Rays of Hope.