Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer Keeps Pace to Bring Hope and Local Support

Bringing more than $17.2 million over 30 years to western Massachusetts 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. 27, beginning at Temple Beth El in Springfield.

We are excited to announce Hyundai Hope of Wheels is the presenting sponsor of the 2024 Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer.

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 Massachusetts, who promote whole body wellness of survivors.

“The energy of Rays of Hope is powerful. When you come together with so many whose lives have been touched by breast cancer and you know you are all moving in the same direction toward a cure, it really is inspiring and healing,” said Sandy Maybury, 2024-25 Co-chair of Rays of Hope.

“Our goal is to encourage more people and businesses to join in, raise money, and support the critical efforts of Rays of Hope,” added John Maybury, 2024-25 Co-chair of Rays of Hope. “Every dollar raised stays in our community to support our families, friends, and loved ones. It’s an amazing way to give back and know that you’re truly making a difference locally.

Schedule

The morning will be filled with celebrations that you will not want to miss!

• 8 am: Runner registration opens (runner parking is located at the Springfield Elks Lodge; buses to Temple Beth El begin operating for runners at 7:30 am)
• 8:30 am: Run Toward the Cure takes off
• 9 am: Walker registration opens (all parking lots will be open; buses to Temple Beth El begin operating for walkers at 8:30 am)
• 9:30 am: On-stage opening remarks
• 9:45 am: Survivors’ photo
• 9:45 am: On-stage community recognition segment
• 9:50 am: The Voice’s Madison Curbelo performs
• 10:20 am: On-stage Walk kickoff
• 10:30 am: Walk Toward the Cure steps off

Parking

• Springfield Elks Lodge (440 Tiffany St Springfield) – This location is for runner’s only and will open at 7:30 am
• Blueberry Hill Elementary School (275 Blueberry Hill Rd., Longmeadow)
• Cartamundi (443 Shaker Rd., East Longmeadow)
• East Longmeadow High School (180 Maple St., East Longmeadow)
• Longmeadow High School (95 Grassy Gutter Rd., Longmeadow)
• Maybury Material Handling (90 Denslow Rd., East Longmeadow)

After checking in, we encourage participants to stop by the Rays of Hope Store to purchase the latest pink swag. Please note that all Baystate Health entities are now cashless, including the Rays of Hope Merchandise Store. We will be accepting credit cards and Venmo transactions at the event. Also, survivors will have access to the Pink Hope Survivors Lounge, as well as a variety of breast health exhibitors. The walk route will be filled with entertainment and cheering stations, supported by our sponsors, to encourage everyone and celebrate their success.

Register

Using the simple and convenient online registration, participants can choose to register as an individual or start a team then create their own personal webpage which will assist them in their fundraising efforts. While there is no minimum donation to participate, we require participants to raise at least $50 to be eligible to receive an exclusive 2024 Rays of Hope Participant T-Shirt. As in the past, the Rays of Hope BIG WIG program offers special “big wig” status to those raising $1,000 or more online only by credit card. Register today.

If you want to support Rays of Hope, but cannot participate on October 27, there is the option online to fundraise and sign up as a “virtual” participant walking or running anywhere on any day.

Thank you to our major sponsors who help to make this event possible, including our presenting sponsor Hyundai Hope on Wheels, Baystate Breast & Wellness Center, Baystate Breast Specialists, Radiology & Imaging, Inc., Gilead Oncology, Golden Years Home Care Services, Kinsley , City Tire, Gary Rome Hyundai, Pfizer, USA Waste & Recycling, and Zasco Productions.

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.