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Date: 12/15/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – More than 850 luminarias lit the West Springfield Town Common on the evening of Dec. 7, to honor and celebrate the lives of those affected by cancer.
For more than two decades, the Center for Human Development Cancer House of Hope, located in West Springfield, has hosted a candle lighting ceremony. The event welcomes the entire community to bring hope to cancer patients and their families during the holiday season.
This year, Margaret Toomey, program director of the Cancer House of Hope, noticed an exceptional turnout from both the public and volunteers. Lighting candles “signifies the hope that all our cancer survivors have as they go through their journey,” she remarked.
Carly Camossi, chief of operations in the town of West Springfield, said, “I think we all either know someone, have a friend or even in my case, a family member, who has met the battle of cancer and has either lived to tell the tale or haven’t come out on the other side.”
Camossi believes it’s through the efforts of loved ones and all of the generous donors to cancer treatment and research that patients can continue their fight.
From 6 to 8 p.m., the public was called to light candles placed in paper bags throughout the candles.
There were so many volunteers that all the bags were lit within 10 minutes. The luminarias were personalized, with a tribute message on the front, for donations of $10 each. Some sponsors attended in person, while some participated remotely. Toomey said more people showed up in person this year than last year.
The Cancer House of Hope, at 1999 Westfield St., West Springfield, sponsored 150 bags of its own in honor of the people it serves.
Five days a week, the Cancer House of Hope provides services to assist people battling or recovering from cancer. Toomey said some of those services include a wig boutique, oncology massage, relaxation, reiki, two support groups – one for all cancers and one for breast cancer – art therapy and wellness programs, to name a few. She noted that their services are not limited to any demographics, as some of their programs can be accessed virtually. Some of the virtual options include yoga and cooking classes.
Toomey explained that Cancer House of Hope’s budget is entirely funded by charitable donations. All the donations made go directly towards their daily services. Donations are accepted year-round.
In total, the CHD Cancer House of Hope raised $20,000 from the luminaria event. Toomey said this was a couple thousand more than last year.
Sponsors of the luminaria event were recognized on social media and also displayed signs during the event. A few of those sponsors included Baystate Health, Bearingstar Insurance, Westfield Electroplating Co., Paul and Jane Hetzel and the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Toomey expressed her gratitude for the sponsors and their assistance in “helping reach a great number.”
To donate or learn more about the Cancer House of Hope, visit chd.org.