Big Y Kicks Off Partners of Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Big Y has kicked off their annual Partners of Hope campaign. 
 
Each October the initiative helps raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and treatment. The Partners of Hope campaign enables Big Y to give assistance to local breast cancer organizations, hospitals and medical centers. In 2023, the campaign raised over $40,000. In addition, Big Y matches the donations made each year.
 
In Berkshire County the beneficiaries this year will include Pittsfield Berkshire Medical Center Women's Imaging Center.
 
To participate, customers can purchase a Partners of Hope ribbon for $1 dollar when checking out at any Big Y location or donate directly at https://www.bigy.com/community/breast-cancer-awareness, now through Oct. 23.
 
All proceeds from Big Y's Partners of Hope Campaign are donated to 33 local breast cancer support groups throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. 
 
"The support from Big Y and their customers is incredibly helpful to the Karl J. Krapek, Sr. Comprehensive Women's Health Center at Saint Francis Hospital and our patients. The funds raised go directly to our free mammogram program and patient assistance fund, which helps support women in our community who may not otherwise have access to these lifesaving procedures. Thank you for supporting our mission to provide high-quality, equitable care to all," said Christina Metcalf, Division Director, Breast Surgery, Saint Francis Hospital.
 
Since 2007, the initiative has raised more than $2.7 Million dollars. In addition, many products have special pink packaging, that indicates the product manufacturers will be donating a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer research and education throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
 
According to Michael P. D'Amour, President and CEO of Big Y: "Breast cancer affects thousands of people in our community each year. The purpose of our Partners of Hope campaign is to raise awareness about education, early detection and help provide vital resources to empower individuals in their journey. We invite everyone to join us in this
important fight."

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Michael Cook Sr. Sentenced to 25 Years to Life

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Thursday, Oct. 10 Michael A. Cook Sr. was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years for the 2nd degree murder of his wife, Charli Cook.  
 
The sentences for the remaining four charges will be served concurrently to the lead charge, Murder in the Second Degree. The remaining charges are:
  • Assault with Intent to Murder
  • Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon Causin Serious Bodily Injury
  • Assault and Battery on a Family/Household Member
  • Armed Assault with Intent to Murder
Michael Cook Sr. will serve his sentence in State Prison.
 
On July 11, 2019, Michael Cook Sr., of North Adams, broke into the house of his estranged wife Charli Cook. Charli was in her bed when Cook assaulted her with a hammer to the back-side of her head. The assault resulted in significant injury to Charli's skull causing traumatic brain injury. Charli passed away approximately five months after the assault. The Medical Examiner ruled Charli's cause of death as a direct result of the brain injury from the July 11th assault. 
 
The Commonwealth requested that the four lesser charges be sentenced to be served on and after the lead charge. This would extend Cook's sentence by 18 to 20 years; however, the judge denied the request. The Commonwealth made this request based on Cook's extensive, violent criminal history which spans 28 years. The history includes domestic assault and battery of past intimate partners and other violent actions. Michael Cook is a registered level 3 sex offender.
 
District Attorney Shugrue was in the courtroom for sentencing. Judge Flannery presided.
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