Women share breast cancer experiences at Thunderbirds ‘Pink in the Rink' event
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – On International Women's Day on Saturday, the Springfield Thunderbirds dedicated their game to breast cancer awareness.
Many women in attendance said they are proudly in their 'Survivor Era,' a nod to Taylor Swift and her acclaimed Eras Tour, which was a recurring theme at the Thunderbirds' Pink in the Rink event.
Thunderbirds to host 'Pink in the Rink' for breast cancer awareness
In honor of those who have fought or are currently fighting breast cancer, fans were decked out in pink from head to toe. T-Birds players wore specialty pink jerseys, and even the ice was sprayed pink ahead of the event.
Brave women wore matching shirts that read their mantra, 'In My Survivor Era', turning the fight into an era of hope for survivors and those in the community currently battling.
Survivors and loved ones of survivors shared their message for those who wished to support.
'My mom is a survivor of like 20 years now of two types of cancer, so it's like a lot to like have my mom here with us tonight,' said Janiel Thies of Springfield. 'And then my aunt is also a survivor of breast cancer, so it really means a lot.'
Jen Serricchil of Springfield discovered a lump in July 2023.
'Just start with examining yourself, that's the easiest thing to do,' Serricchil said. 'If something feels off, go ask the question, go see your doctor.'
She went through 60 rounds of chemo, a lumpectomy and 30 rounds of radiation. Now, she is cancer-free. Jen's message to others is to find your support system and never give up.
'Just take it day at a time, that's all i can say,' Serricchil said. 'That was my mantra from day one.'
The sold-out game against the Providence Bruins filled the arena with pink hope. For more information on breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support services, resources are available such as:
The American Cancer Society
CancerCare
National Cancer Institute
Mayo Clinic
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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