Rays of Hope

The numbers alone are mighty impressive: over 17 years, the Rays of Hope Walk has raised $9.25 million for Baystate Medical Center's breast health and breast cancer care programs as well as community programs like the Cancer Connection and the Cancer House of Hope (all the money raised stays in Western Mass.). More than 19,000 people take part in the walk each year, with 400 volunteers making it all work. But numbers alone can't capture the feeling of coming together with thousands of other walkers—including many cancer survivors—says Carol Baribeau, director of annual funds and events for Baystate Health Foundation. The Rays of Hope walk happens every fall in two locations: Springfield's Forest Park and Greenfield's Energy Park. This year's walk is Oct. 23.