It has many forms and doesn’t strike a particular type or kind of person. It can be an infant or your grandparents … and every age group in between.
Many organizations, led by the Canadian Cancer Society, are working diligently to fund research in order to find cures for those afflicted with cancer.
In addition, there is a need to lend a hand in a variety of other support categories.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada’s (LLSC) St. John’s chapter is hosting its inaugural Light the Night walk on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Bowring Park in St. John’s. The event will be held from 5-8 p.m.
“This is the first ever Light the Night for Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s an exciting time for the society, as this event brings together a community of patients, survivors and supporters,” said Melanie McMillan, community and fund development co-ordinator for Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Moneys raised go towards supporting the patients and survivors of NL through a variety of different avenues. As well, they support the 21 researchers the society funds,” McMillan added.
Friends, families and co-workers form fundraising teams and walk in unity, at twilight, each holding an illuminated lantern — red for supporters, white for patients and survivors, and gold to remember loved ones lost.
Light the Night walks bring help and hope to people battling blood cancers through events hosted in 11 cities across Canada each fall, as well as dozens of volunteer-hosted community and school walks held throughout the year.
McMillan said there are 419 new blood cancer diagnoses in this province annually in addition to those who are in remission or at various stages of treatment.
For more information, contact Melanie McMillan at [email protected] or call 709-351-9592 locally or the regional office at 902-422-5999 or go to the website at www.llscanada.org.
Anyone wishing to volunteer for the event, participate in the walk or make a donation can do so online.
[email protected]
Funds raised through the Light the Night Walk
- Fund breakthrough therapies for blood cancer patients.
- Provide free educational materials, support programs and events for patients and families.
- Provide local programs such as family support groups and First Connection, a peer-to-peer counselling program.
- Comprehensive, personalized assistance through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s information resource centre.
- Educational information sessions for health care professionals and non-patient groups.
Quick facts about the Light the Night Walk
- Become a Champion For Cures: raise $100 or more and receive your exclusive illuminated lantern as well as an official Light The Night T-shirt.
- Bright Lights: raise $1,000 or more and receive additional benefits.
- The walk is done at a leisurely pace and takes less than an hour to complete.
- Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. However, for everyone’s safety, bicycles, inline skates, wheelie footwear, skateboards and scooters are not allowed.
- Walks take place rain or shine.
- Pets? Please check with your local staff about bringing pets.
