Meet Our Chair: Anna Symington

Anna Symington has been involved with Rays of Hope (ROH) for more than 10 years. She began by sponsoring a friend who was walking, then walking with a team; forming a team of supporters of her own; teaming up with her youngest sister as co-captains of a larger team and exhibiting at the annual event with her youngest sister and mom (all breast cancer survivors), selling handmade creations and donating proceeds to ROH.

Wanting to become more involved, Anna joined the ROH Community Advisory Board last year and, more recently, the ROH Research Advocacy Committee. Anna believes strongly in Rays of Hope’s mission to improve breast health within our communities, through enhanced research and providing support and educational services for affected individuals. “I believe education is the most powerful tool an individual can have in meeting this disease head-on,” says Symington, who has a strong science and analytical background. “I’m especially excited about the introduction of the breast research registry and the Research Advocacy Committee, and their significance in furthering breast cancer research and transfer of information among those performing the research and the community,” she continues.

“I’m looking forward to advocating for and working with the dedicated and impassioned staff and volunteers in building upon our resources in western Massachusetts. “I believe the strength and credibility of this organization comes from the fact that the funds stay here to directly benefit the community. How many fundraising organizations of this size can boast the same?” she adds.