RAY OF HOPE

Claudia Peschiutta

GLENDALE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL -- At first, it was something she discussed

with only her husband.

But soon after Glendale resident Marcia Ray was diagnosed with breast

cancer in 1985, she began talking about it with more people than she

could count.

“You help others to seek early detection and treatment, if you talk

about,” she said.

It was during the radiation treatments that followed the removal of a

lump in her right breast that Ray, now 77, and others at Glendale

Memorial Hospital began working on starting a breast cancer support

group.

In those days, Ray said, cancer was the “closet disease.”

“You just didn’t talk about it,” she said.

Times have changed.

The group that began holding its monthly meetings in 1986 with only

six women has grown to include more than 100 members.

“It’s much better to talk to people who have ... been there, done

that,” Ray said. The breast cancer survivor will be honored on Oct. 1

for her work as a founder of the group and of an organization that helps

raise funds for the Glendale Memorial Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Glendale Memorial Health Foundation will present a tribute to Ray

at its 13th Annual ‘Evening of Wine & Roses,’ a fund-raiser that will

benefit the cancer center.

“She’s just an inspiration to so many people,” said Linda Lynch,

director of development for the foundation. “She always keeps a positive

attitude.”

Ray is surprised by all the attention coming her way.

“I’m just flabbergasted,” she said. “I only did what I thought maybe

needed doing.”

Ray’s efforts will also be recognized this week. A section of the

cancer center will be renamed in her honor on Friday.

In her latest fight -- this one against abdominal cancer -- Ray is

again using optimism as a weapon.

“We have to keep a positive outlook on life and enjoy every day ...

and make good out of bad,” she said.

IF YOU GO

* WHAT: 13th Annual “Evening of Wine & Roses.”

* WHEN: The event begins at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

* WHERE: Glendale Memorial Hospital, 1420 S. Central Ave.

* COST: Tickets are $150 per person. Reservations are required.

* INFO: The theme of this year’s event is “Rhapsody and The Blues.” It

will feature dinner, wine-tasting, dancing and contests.

* CALL: For reservations or more information, call 242-9108 or

502-2375.