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Chicopee resident to speak at Pink Mass on Sept. 12

Date: 9/10/2015

SPRINGFIELD – Dyani Gonzalez of Chicopee has set her sights high.

As a pre-med student now entering her second year at Springfield Technical Community College, this 19-year-old cancer survivor is on a path to wellness – for herself and for others who she will one day help as a pediatric oncologist.

“I want to help children and I will be able to share the steps that I will have once walked,” she said.

Gonzalez will share her story at the Celebration of Hope Gala on Sept. 12, which will be conducted in conjunction with the fifth annual Pink Mass, a special Catholic Mass, at St. Michael’s Cathedral on State Street. Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski will be the celebrant for the 4 p.m. Mass. which is sponsored in part by the Diocese of Springfield. The gala dinner will follow the Mass at 6 p.m. at the Springfield Lodge of Elks No. 61 on Tiffany Street.

The Mass and fundraising dinner, each designed to help people dealing with all types of cancer, is expected to draw several hundred people together for prayer and fundraising, according to Terence Hegarty, president, Celebration of Hope Committee of Western Mass., a local nonprofit agency.

“The Mass will be offered for those who have been affected by cancer in any way, including those battling the disease, their loved ones and those who have passed away from the disease,” said Hegarty, adding that many who will be taking part in the Mass and the dinner are currently battling cancer.

The Mass will be taped and then broadcast the following morning at 10 a.m. on WWLP-22NEWS as part of the weekly diocesan program, “Chalice of Salvation.” People of all faiths are encouraged to attend.

Members from a variety of cancer support agencies, medical professionals and caregivers are also expected to attend the Mass and dinner, according to Hegarty.

Funds raised through the dinner are distributed to five local charities – the Cancer House of Hope, Mercy Medical Center’s Caritas Cancer Center, the Rays of Hope and the Prostate Cancer Program through the Baystate Health Foundation, and the LiveStrong program through the YMCA.

Dinner tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. To purchase tickets or to donate to the program, contact Joyce Stavros at (413) 783-9810 or visit www.celebrationofhope.org.

Each year, the committee selects a local resident to share their story to be an inspiration for others. Gonzalez feels “honored” to be chosen this year to share her message of hope.

“This will be an honor and privilege to spread the word about leukemia and that you can make it,” said Gonzalez, adding she has been in remission for more than a year.

Her mother, Saroeun Soeng, shared her sentiments.

“When you look at someone you don’t know the struggles they have endured,” said Soeng. “There is a story behind every face you see.”

Gonzalez lit up when she noted that despite all of the obstacles she has faced since she was diagnosed in 2011, she has always had a smile and an upbeat personality.

“I had no idea my life would be turned upside down at 15,” she said. “Now, life is pretty good and college is my motivation.”

Gonzalez added she is a “boring” teen who enjoys a good read rather than going out.

“I’m a book worm,” she said.

During her remarks at the gala, she will touch on the warmth and encouragement she received from her team of pediatric physicians at Baystate Medical Center, as well as all of the residents and nurses who were at her side every step of the way.

“Dyani became very close with everyone,” said Soeng.

Gonzalez also credits her best friend, Nyasia Arroyo, for being by her side during her years of treatments and hospital stays.

“She was literally there for me every day since we were 15,” said Gonzalez.

For Gonzalez, her infectious smile and drive to succeed will propel her as she perseveres on her journey.

“She’s always smiling,” said Soeng. “She has an amazing spirit and will be an amazing doctor.”