Latest news with #RaysofHope
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thunderbirds raise nearly $40K for Rays of Hope Foundation
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Thunderbirds announced a donation of $38,300 to the Rays of Hope thanks to proceeds from the live jersey auction and accompanying fundraising elements during the T-Birds' 8th Annual Pink in the Rink game on March 8. Thunderbirds President NathanCosta, Vice President of Sales & Strategy Todd McDonald, and Managing Partner Paul Picknelly presented a check to the Rays of Hope earlier this month inside the MassMutual Center. This year's Pink in the Rink game, the eighth annual centerpiece of the T-Birds' community calendar, raised another tremendous total through auction sales of the T-Birds' pink-themed, game-worn jerseys. The MassMutual Center also continued its 'Pink' sellout streak, as the crowd reached its maximum capacity of 6,793 fans for an eighth straight Pink in the Rink. 'Pink in the Rink has truly grown into one of Springfield's most powerful and uplifting traditions,' Costa said. 'Thanks to our incredible partnership with Baystate Health and the Rays of Hope Foundation, this night continues to unite our community in hope, strength, and support. To see our eighth consecutive sellout is a testament to the heart of our fans and the importance of this cause. 'The energy in the Thunderdome is always palpable, the stories are deeply moving, and the courage of the survivors continues to inspire us all. We can't wait to build on this momentum next season — and we hold onto hope for the day a cure is finally found.' Established in T-Birds' inaugural season in 2016-17, 'Pink in the Rink' celebrates the commencement of the Rays of Hope fundraising efforts each March to shine a light on breast cancer awareness outside of the traditional October awareness month. Every year, the fundraising efforts culminate in the annual Rays of Hope Walk & Run in October in downtown Springfield. Since the establishment of this staple night, the Thunderbirds have generated more than $175,000 for the Rays of Hope Foundation, all of which stays local in Western Massachusetts in pursuit of a cure. 'Rays of Hope is very fortunate to have the support of the Springfield Thunderbirds and their fans,' said Baystate Health Foundation Director of Annual Giving and Events Kathy Tobin. 'Thanks to their efforts, Pink in the Rink makes this disease visible and reminds the community that breast cancer is a year-round fight for too many. The generosity of our pink partners allows us to fulfill our mission of ensuring that, through research, medical intervention, and healthy programs, thousands of local survivors receive the care they deserve.' Since its inception in 1994, Rays of Hope has raised over $17.7 million to support the women and men living in Western Massachusetts touched by breast cancer. Funds also support vital research at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research. The T-Birds Foundation was established in 2018 to serve the Springfield community and the Pioneer Valley beyond every win and loss by focusing on providing and supporting initiatives in health and wellness, youth enrichment, and civil service. During the 2024-25 season, the T-Birds Foundation raised more than $115,000 for charitable causes in Western Massachusetts. This year's Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer will be held on Sunday, October 19. For more information, visit or call 413-794-8001. Read the original article on MassLive.
Glasgow Times
26-04-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Inspirational woman with advanced breast cancer taking on Kiltwalk
Determined Belinda Butcher is aiming to complete the 22.6-mile Mighty Stride from Glasgow Green to Balloch on Sunday (April 27). The 60-year-old is one of around 66 people who are doing so to raise money for Renfrewshire cancer charity Rays of Hope and their new extension. She is also one of several members of the Neilston Well Walks group who are stepping up for the cause. Belinda, second from left, with members of the Neilston Well Walks group (Image: Sourced) Belinda, who lives in Paisley and recently completed a 19-mile walk with the Well Walks group in preparation, said: 'This is my passion and I'm going for it. 'I've got to keep my hands open so I won't get too disappointed on the day if I can't complete the whole thing but that is the plan. 'The incredible thing is that you are not alone and there is a team and first aiders who can step in if I need it. 'I am very determined to keep going. I really want to complete it and it would be good for my mental health to do so.' Belinda, second from left, with Rays of Hope founder Linda O'Malley, far right, Rays of Hope wellbeing and fitness coordinator Jennifer Muirhead and volunteer Liz Cowie (Image: Sourced) Belinda, who received her diagnosis in March, previously battled breast cancer in 2016 before suffering a mini stroke in 2019 and a larger stroke in 2022 which affected her cognitive processes and short-term memory. When she was diagnosed with cancer the first time, Belinda, whose background is in holistic therapy, began volunteering with Rays of Hope. The charity, which is based in Elderslie, provides peer support to those diagnosed with cancer and offers services geared at improving quality of life such as exercise sessions, a walking group, choir, writing group and Spanish classes. The extension has been underway for a year (Image: Sourced) The charity started work on their extension a year ago and the build will provide much needed extra space to help them cope with how busy they have become. It will feature a reception area, two offices, a quiet room, a shower room and a spa room. Notably it will give them the space to provide a new programme to help people get fit and mentally prepare for surgery and help them get back to fitness after the fact. 'We probably need another £100,000 to get it completed,' explained Linda O'Malley the founder of the charity, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary later this year and supports more than 100 people every week. 'There has already been that and more spent on it, but we are really pleased with it and grateful for all of the donations people have given us, plus all the fundraising that has been done.' Belinda, second from left, with Rays of Hope founder Linda O'Malley, far right, Rays of Hope wellbeing and fitness coordinator Jennifer Muirhead and volunteer Liz Cowie (Image: Sourced) Linda also expressed her gratitude to those doing the Kiltwalk in aid of the extension and praised kind-hearted Belinda for her efforts. 'As much as we have helped Belinda, she has helped a lot of people coming in,' she added. 'She's a very kind, generous person in that way. "She will give up so much of her time to help others and be with others.' Last autumn, Belinda joined Neilston Well Walks, which is led by Kiltwalk veteran Anwar Rafiq, who has described her as a 'total inspiration'. Fresh air, exercise and being part of a group who know her and make her feel safe has benefited her enormously. 'I've become calmer being outside,' she explained. 'The fresh air and getting to know people who really respect one another - I couldn't be in a better place getting fitter. 'Mentally I would have given up by now, but now I'm going to keep going."
Zawya
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Visits Niger to Strengthen Cooperation in Mining, Water Management and Cancer Care
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has been to Niger this week for high-level meetings with Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine and other senior officials to enhance support for the country through the peaceful uses of nuclear technology for mining, water management and cancer care. During his two-day visit, the Director General also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Yaou Sangaré Bakary, Minister of Mines Ousmane Abarchi and Minister of Energy Haoua Amadou to discuss other development priorities, including sustainable energy. Mining is one of Niger's main economic activities, and the IAEA is ready to support Niger so that it can benefit even more from nuclear techniques to boost sustainability and development. During his visit, Mr Grossi visited two uranium mines, Compagnie Minière d'Akouta (COMINAK) and the Société des Mines de l'Aïr (SOMAIR). Niger is one of the world's largest uranium producers. Cooperation in Water Management Mr Grossi and Niger's Minister of Hydraulics, Sanitation and Environment, Maizama Abdoulaye, signed a landmark agreement to strengthen water resource management on Thursday in Niamey in the presence of Han Fraeters, World Bank Country Manager for Niger. Through the new partnership, Niger will develop an integrated water resource platform to strengthen water-related planning, policies and investment, supported by World Bank funding. Located in the heart of the Sahel, Niger is facing severe water scarcity due to its arid climate, rapid population growth and limited water infrastructure. The new water laboratory will use a nuclear technique – isotope hydrology – to better understand how water moves between rivers, lakes and groundwater. This will help decision makers in the country manage and use water resources more effectively The IAEA supports countries in using isotope hydrology to manage their freshwater resources. Under the agreement, the IAEA will provide technical support to establish a national water quality laboratory, modernize seven existing water laboratories and strengthen national capacity through training. The new partnership builds on commitments made at the launch of the IAEA's Global Water Analysis Laboratory Network (GloWAL) at the 2023 UN Water Conference, where the IAEA and Niger pledged to work together, with support from the World Bank. Cancer Care Niger's first radiotherapy facility – the National Cancer Care Centre, was established with IAEA support in the country's capital, Niamey. Mr Grossi visited the centre with Niger's Minister of Public Health, Population and Social Affairs, Garba Hakimi. 'Niger was among the first countries supported under Rays of Hope and is now expanding cancer care with a new radiotherapy centre planned for the Zinder region,' Mr Grossi said. 'The IAEA will continue working with Niger to strengthen cancer services, so more people receive cancer care closer to home.' Through its Rays of Hope nitiative to expand access to cancer care where it is needed most, the IAEA has supported Niger in strengthening its radiotherapy services – most recently through the addition of a new radiotherapy bunker that will host a medical linear accelerator and other essential equipment. This expansion of Niger's radiotherapy services will enable more cancer patients to receive this key treatment, which is needed in nearly half of all cancer cases. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
