UMass Memorial Medical Center

08/01/2026

World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) is a global celebration dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and ensuring every family has access to the support they need to reach their feeding goals.

Our Lactation Services team is proud to support families from pregnancy through the postpartum period with compassionate and evidence-based care. Whether you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival, navigating the early days of breastfeeding, pumping for a NICU infant, or looking for ongoing encouragement, we’re here to help.

This week reminds us that every family deserves access to knowledgeable, compassionate breastfeeding support. We are honored to be part of your journey. Connect with our lactation team for more information.

07/31/2026

As we close out Sarcoma Awareness Month, we share the story of 59-year-old Daryl McLaurin, who was likely only weeks from death when a rare gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) was caught and treated just in time. The tumor in his abdomen measured 36 centimeters, larger than a basketball.

“I was told that if it wasn't treated right away, I could die from it,” says Daryl.

“There was no way a surgeon could safely remove it,” says Dr. Matthew Hemming, a sarcoma specialist and oncologist at UMass Memorial Medical Center. “He wasn't eating much or having regular bowel movements, had lost muscle mass, couldn't work or perform normal activities of daily living, and was at imminent risk for a life-threatening bowel obstruction from the tumor mass.”

Instead, Daryl began targeted therapy, which dramatically shrank the tumor with almost no side effects. Once the mass was reduced to roughly the size of a baseball, surgeons were able to safely remove it this April.

Daryl’s story highlights the importance of early diagnosis and advances in targeted cancer therapy.

“If you have concerning signs or symptoms, such as a persistent or growing lump or unexplained changes in your health or energy, get evaluated,” says Dr. Hemming. “Finding sarcomas early offers the best chance for cure. These diagnoses are often delayed because symptoms can seem common and these cancers are rare. Advocate for yourself or a loved one to receive a thorough medical evaluation.”

📸 Photo 1: Daryl at normal weight post surgery; Photo 2: Daryl before diagnosis, tumor growing in his abdomen

07/30/2026

UMass Memorial Medical Center – Marlborough Campus has received a $125,000 gift from St. Mary’s Credit Union (SMCU). This funding, spread evenly over the five years from 2026 to 2030, will directly support the expansion and renovation of the campus’ emergency department.

Read more in Marlborough Patch:

The project will nearly double the number of patient rooms and add new treatment and trauma rooms.

07/29/2026

Volunteer opportunities at UMass Memorial Medical Center are available for dedicated high school and college students looking to make a meaningful impact throughout the full academic year.

Gain valuable healthcare experience, build communication and leadership skills, and support patients, families, and caregivers!

Apply before August 12 — spaces are limited and placement opportunities fill quickly. Begin here: https://umassmedctr.vsysweb.com

📸: Past student volunteers Maria Tanaka and Linsley Samuel

07/29/2026

Be part of something new from the start!

UMass Memorial Medical Center at Nashoba Valley is seeking Ultrasound Technologists to join our team as we prepare to open in early 2027. Help shape the future of care in our community while growing your career with Massachusetts' largest health system.

Are you or someone you know interested? Learn more and apply today: https://tinyurl.com/uj4u9k6t

07/28/2026

In honor of his father, UMass Memorial Health oncology nurse practitioner Ryan Horgan and his family will run the Fairway to Care golf tournament on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Blissful Meadows Golf Club Golf Club in Uxbridge to benefit the UMass Memorial Cancer Center.

Read this Worcester Telegram & Gazette column to learn more about Horgan and how his father's battle with melanoma inspired his career and this event:

After losing his father Steven to melanoma, Oxford's Ryan Horgan, an oncology nurse, raises funds for cancer research via a charity golf event.

07/26/2026

Recently, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Hahnemann Campus to welcome a new Neurology office. The new location reflects our ongoing commitment to meeting the growing healthcare needs of the region and ensuring patients have convenient access to high-quality neurological services close to home. The office began seeing patients in February, further expanding access to specialized care for patients in the community.

07/25/2026

Today on World IVF Day, we celebrate the advancements in fertility care that have helped millions grow their families. If you're exploring your options, our Fertility Center is here to help every step of the way. Learn more: https://www.ummhealth.org/fertility-center?fbclid=IwY2xjawTRsj5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETE0NGhuUUxVZ2d3OUxNS1Ywc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrMS1xNhwzLNOPiwGjLBOnDx0o3IlZWpQbRXY7uOfheyBBiHqdn7PMinf3fq_aem_fTpQU_v_N8MLev-fLCk-lg

07/24/2026

When should you see a doctor when experiencing osteoarthritis of the hands? Our UMass Memorial Medical Center experts talked to Prevention Magazine about which certain symptoms require a visit to your physician.

Osteoarthritis symptoms can include pain and stiffness in the hands.

07/24/2026

In case you missed it, UMass Memorial Medical Center recently celebrated the grand opening of Family Medicine at White City Plaza, formerly known as Benedict Family Medicine.

Our new location allows patients to continue receiving care from their same trusted physicians and staff, now in a more accessible setting with added convenience and enhanced amenities.

Last week, UMass Memorial Health celebrated the new home for Family Medicine at White City Plaza. Formerly known as Benedict Family Medicine and located on UMass Memorial Medical Center's University Campus, the practice has moved to a more convenient community-based location and is now operating as....