After her own cancer diagnosis, West Hartford’s Tracy Tighe Johnston gathered more than 40 people to walk around the Avon cancer center for her birthday – showing patients they’re not alone during a Tighed Together event focused on healing, support and joy.

Tracy Tighe Johnston (left) and Dr. Peter Yu (right) at Tighed Together event at Hartford HealthCare’s Avon Cancer Institute Friday, July 25, 2025. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

By Mia Jaworski

On Friday morning, West Hartford resident Tracy Tighe Johnston returned to Hartford HealthCare’s Cancer Institute in Avon – where she once underwent treatment for Stage 3B breast cancer – to celebrate her 55th birthday.

This time, she came with 55 gift bags, volunteers, and a full lineup of activities designed to uplift patients, nurses, and sta

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