A common refrain I often hear this time of year is some form of trepidation or dread about the encroaching darkness. Even the snow lovers bemoan the onset of those “long winter nights” and the seemingly endless darkness. Hence the emphasis on light and warmth throughout the winter holidays, humans have long feared the cold dark of winter loneliness, and crafted ways to keep a spark of warmth kindled among us.

Deb Orgera shares her memories and admiration for Betsy Neisner, one of Cancer Connections most influential and beloved executive directors.

John Bos is a member of the Cancer Connection community and a contributor and creator of Words to Live By: Poems and Images for Contemplation in a Time of Not Knowing, which has been a wonderful gift to the Cancer Connection.

John Bos is a member of the Cancer Connection community and a contributor and creator of Words to Live By: Poems and Images for Contemplation in a Time of Not Knowing, which has been a wonderful gift to the Cancer Connection.

I was a nanny for a sweetheart toddler named Aenon. Equipped with a tiny plastic watering can and rugged gardening gloves, he would buzz around his father’s garden, generously dousing nearly everything green.

Following a two-year hiatus, the Mother’s Day Half-Marathon returned in person to Whately in 2022.

The board of directors of Cancer Connection has named Chelsea Sunday Kline as its new executive director.

The Daily Hampshire Gazette spoke with Cancer Connection’s Executive Director, Beverly Herbert, and Sheila Kelley, Cancer Connection’s Director of Participant Services, about how Cancer Connection is continuing to support our community through these challenging times.

Nearly 20 years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. We lived in western Massachusetts, but her doctor practiced in Boston. Although she was physically capable of driving herself, I made myself useful as her chauffeur, hand-holder, and joke-teller. I was a single mother, retail worker and community college student, so if anyone asked about my career, I would falsely boast about my promotion, “waiting room professional,” which always elicited a confused mild chuckle and a slightly concerned look.

Cancer Connection thanks all those who attended workshops and made ornaments. And thank you to those who have made it a tradition to buy an ornament when buying a tree. This year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, revenue from the sale of ornaments topped $2,000, enabling those facing cancer to benefit from free programs in 2020.

Monte Belmonte raised over $100k during the 13th annual Cancer Connection Campout.

Radio personality Monte Belmonte broadcasted for 12 hours in a tuxedo and top hat in the Hotel Northampton ballroom on Wednesday, gathering donations for Cancer Connection.