Tree-lighting Ceremony to Kick Off Annual Gift of Light Campaign

SPRINGFIELD — The annual Gift of Light campaign for the Cancer Support Groups and Patient Services Fund at Mercy Medical Center is set to begin with a special tree-lighting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Mercy Medical Center provides weekly support group meetings for people with cancer and their families throughout the community. The groups also provide educational speakers on various elements of cancer care. Support groups are offered free of charge at the hospital, and the Gift of Light campaign is designed to help offset the cost of these important programs through the sale of lights for the holiday tree at Mercy Medical Center. One light costs $10, four lights cost $35, and six lights cost $50.

Donations to the campaign can also be mailed to Mercy’s Fund Development Department, 271 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. Make checks payable to Mercy Medical Center and designate Cancer Support Groups or the Patient Services Fund. For more information or to donate online, visit www.mercycares.com/gift-of-light.

“The cancer support groups not only provide information and education for people who are living with a cancer diagnosis. We also offer compassion and support during what is often a very difficult time,” said Sr. Madeleine Joy, facilitator of the group. “The tree-lighting ceremony reminds us of the important work we do throughout the year to help people who are living with cancer and their families.”