Kate Weir from Rays of Hope joined an October 2025 episode of “So That Reminds Me” to talk about the walk and run.
Reminder Publishing file photo
SPRINGFIELD — For more than three decades, the Rays of Hope Walk & Run has brought people throughout Western Massachusetts together to support those affected by breast cancer.
The 33rd annual event will take place Sunday, Oct. 18, at Springfield’s Forest Park, offering participants an opportunity to walk, run, remember, celebrate and raise funds for local breast cancer programs and research.
Kate Weir, event coordinator for the Baystate Health Foundation, said Rays of Hope is about much more than fundraising. The event brings together breast cancer survivors, patients, families, friends, caregivers and community members to honor loved ones, remember those who have died from the disease and celebrate the journeys of survivors.
“Rays of Hope is the ‘big pink hug’ embracing survivors, patients and their families who have been affected by breast cancer,” Weir said.
The morning will begin with an 8K run at 8:30 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Temple Beth El parking lot. The 2- or 5-mile walk will then wind through Forest Park and surrounding neighborhoods.
Along the routes, participants will be encouraged by local businesses and musical groups. Survivors will also have a dedicated gathering place at the Pink Hope Survivors Lounge, presented by Gary Rome Hyundai. The lounge provides an opportunity for survivors to connect with one another, access resources and take part in the annual Survivor Photo at 9:45 a.m.
Weir said the event has continued to evolve since its founding in 1994, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, when organizers replaced the traditional gathering with a drive-through parade. The 30th anniversary of the first walk also led founding members to establish the Rays of Hope Endowment, which is designed to provide long-term support for the event’s mission.
This year, organizers are expecting more than 200 teams to participate.
The money raised through Rays of Hope remains in Western Massachusetts. Funds provide community grants to organizations offering services and programs to breast cancer survivors, helping make those resources available at no or reduced cost. The event also supports educational resources provided to patients through the Baystate Health Breast Network and research conducted through the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research.
Among the local programs that have received support are CHD Cancer House of Hope and the LIVESTRONG exercise programs at the Greater Springfield YMCA and Greater Westfield YMCA. Funding helps offset program costs so breast cancer survivors can participate without paying for the services.
There are several ways to participate. Individuals can register for the 8K or either of the two walking distances, while families, friends and organizations can form teams. Participants also receive personal fundraising pages that can be used to collect donations. Those who raise at least $50 will receive a commemorative Rays of Hope participant T-shirt on Walk Day.
“The mission of Rays of Hope is to create a community for breast cancer survivors and provide them with resources to help navigate their cancer journey so they know that they will never walk alone.,” Weir said.
For those unable to walk or run, volunteering, forming a team, making a donation or simply showing support are other ways to participate in the effort.
For registration and additional information, visit BaystateHealth.org/RaysofHope.
