Rays of Hope Breast-cancer Survivors’ Day, ‘Celebrating Life,’ Slated for May 15

SPRINGFIELD — Breast-cancer survivors and their friends are invited to attend the 13th annual Rays of Hope Breast Cancer Survivors’ Day on May 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sheraton Monarch Place Hotel, One Monarch Place, Springfield.

Breast cancer activist Geralyn Lucas, author of Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy, will serve as keynote speaker at the annual event, sponsored by the Comprehensive Breast Center at Baystate Medical Center and Rays of Hope.

Lucas will discuss what it was like being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 27 just after landing her dream job as an editorial producer with ABC television’s 20/20 news program. A graduate of Columbia University School of Journalism, she later became director of public affairs at Lifetime Television and left the network in 2008 to work on the screenplay for Why I Wore Lipstick. The television movie premiered on Lifetime in October starring Sarah Chalke of the hit television show Scrubs.

In addition to the keynote address, participants will be able to select from two workshops on a number of topics, including ‘The Fat Factor,’ ‘Yoga and Healing,’ ‘Breast Cancer Therapy and the Heart,’ ‘Oncoplastic Surgery,’ ‘Fashion Do’s and Don’ts,’ ‘A Good Night’s Sleep,’ ‘Hooping Harmony,’ and ‘Acupuncture and Oncology.’ There will also be a special ‘Creative Coping Art Workshop’ offered only in Spanish.

Rays of Hope founder Lucy Giuggio-Carvalho and Dr. James Stewart, chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Baystate Medical Center, who co-authored the recently published The Everything Guide to Living with Breast Cancer, will be on hand to sign their book, which will also be available for purchase at the event.

Throughout the day, participants can visit with several exhibitors who will sell a variety of breast-related products, as well as vendors who will sell arts and crafts.

A continental breakfast and buffet luncheon will be served.

Registration is required. The cost is $25 per person, with the remaining cost underwritten by Rays of Hope. For those unable to afford the fee, scholarships are available through Sandy Hubbard at the Rays of Hope Community Outreach Office at (413) 794-2828. Parking will be validated.

For more information, or to request a registration form, call (413) 794-9556.

For information on the Comprehensive Breast Center and Rays of Hope, visitwww.baystatehealth.org/raysofhope.