Breast Cancer Survivors’ Day Celebrates Life

SPRINGFIELD — Breast-cancer survivors, their families, and friends are invited to celebrate life together at the 17th annual Rays of Hope Breast Cancer Survivors’ Day on Saturday, April 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MassMutual Center.

Former WNBA player and breast-cancer survivor Edna Campbell will deliver the keynote address, titled “Bouncing Back,” at the popular event sponsored by Rays of Hope.

The WNBA veteran — best-known for her time as a point guard with the Sacramento Monarchs — was diagnosed with breast cancer during her second season, but returned to the court soon after receiving treatment in 2002, just in time for the season’s final game. Campbell continued to play despite her illness and has become a symbol of recovery for many survivors of the disease. Her return from breast cancer was nominated by fans as the most inspirational moment of 2006, and one of the top four WNBA anniversary-decade moments.

After retiring from the WNBA in 2006, Campbell became a nurse and now travels across the country sharing her story of survival while encouraging women to have regular breast exams and inspiring those who’ve been diagnosed.

In addition to the keynote address, participants will be able to select two workshops from a number of topics, including “Breast Reconstruction,” “Coping Strategies for Caregivers,” “Personal Safety Tips,” “Let Your Yoga Dance,” “Advances in the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer,” “Mindful Eating,” “Unclutter Your Life and Start Living,” and “The Joy of Card Making.” Two sessions will be offered in Spanish only: “Recomendaciones Sobre Seguridad Personal” and “Promoviendo la Caminata de Rays of Hope.”

As part of this year’s Survivors’ Day, there will be a special art exhibit made up of artwork completed by participants in the Rays of Hope-sponsored “Art from the Heart” program facilitated by art therapist and silk artist Pat Hayes. The program — a series of art-therapy workshops offered twice a year — provides a creative outlet for women to work in watercolor, precious metal, clay, and other media.

The day will also offer networking opportunities and the chance to visit with several exhibitors selling a variety of breast-related products. A continental breakfast and buffet luncheon will be served.

Registration is required by Thursday, April 3. The cost is $35 per person, with the remaining cost underwritten by Rays of Hope. Parking will be validated for the Civic Center Parking Garage only. For those unable to afford the event fee, a limited number of scholarships are available by calling Sandra Hubbard at the Rays of Hope Outreach Office at (413) 794-9556.