Baystate to Present Community Conversation on Cancer Prevention, Survivorship on April 26

SPRINGFIELD — The public is invited to virtually attend the 2023 “Faces of Faith: A Community Conversation About Cancer Prevention and Survivorship.” The photographic display and storytelling event, featuring local men and women who are cancer survivors, will be held on Wednesday, April 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The event, sponsored by the Baystate Health Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Office of Public Health in partnership with Caring Health Center, the Center for Cancer Equity and Engagement at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, and Focus Springfield Community Television, will be livestreamed. Click here for the Zoom link.

“Faces of Faith” supports Baystate Health’s ongoing efforts to prevent health disparities and reduce the burden of diseases such as cancer, which disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in achieving health equity.

The event recognizes cancer survivors, celebrates the gift of life, and provides a platform for everyone to engage, inform, and learn through community conversation about cancer prevention and survivorship. Breaking the silence promotes awareness that life with and beyond cancer can be glorious, triumphant, and God-filled.

Panelists will include Baystate Health providers Dr. Tashanna Myers, chief of Gynecologic Oncology; Dr. Eduardo Nunez, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; and Dr. Prarthna Bhardwaj, a medical oncologist and breast specialist, as well as storytellers Darlene Francis, breast-cancer survivor, and Archie Emmanuel, prostate-cancer survivor, who will share their cancer-survivorship journey.

Other 2023 Faces of Faith who are living vibrant lives and can offer hope and strength to others include Rev. Willard Cofield, Rev. Dr. Karen Rucks-Walker, Lamont Scott, Sherline Scott, Stephanie Burgess, Paulette Henderson-Small, and John “Skip” Miller.