By Abbie Bythewood
For the AJC
Losing a loved one to cancer is an emotional experience that can impact everyone. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, runs toward these life events and creates environments where people can support one another.
The national fundraising event “Light the Night” is returning to Piedmont Park on Saturday (Oct. 6) for its 20th consecutive year.
“It’s an event that’s hard to describe … it’s very moving” said campaign specialist Emily Maggs. “This (even) shows you you are not alone.”
You can join the LLS in this fight to cure blood cancer by participating in the illumination of the city, followed by a mile-long night walk.
The main event is the ceremony around a large spotlight in the meadow that is illuminated with a corresponding lantern color. Red indicates the walk in support of someone who has battled any form of cancer. Gold lanterns represent the memory of a loved one who has passed from cancer and white lanterns are specific to current cancer patients or survivors.
In 2010, the United States Congress designated September as the National Blood Cancer awareness month. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is recognized as one of the world’s largest voluntary health organizations dedicated to blood cancer research, and aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
“Beating cancer is in our blood,” said Tiffany Kirkland, “Light the Night” campaign director.
The “Light the Night” campaign is not a 5K race. This is a night walk that aims to “bring light to the darkness of cancer,” Maggs said.
Registration is free and open to the public. Dogs are also allowed. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and opening ceremonies will begin at 7:30 p.m., followed by the mile-long night walk and ending with a fireworks display.
“Light the Night” is not specific to blood cancer. Anyone that has any type of a cancer connection is welcome and encouraged to participate in this year’s activities.
“No matter what your connection to cancer is, this is the event that you need to participate in,” Kirkland said.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or participating at this year’s “Light The Night” campaign, you can find more information at www.lightthenight.org/atlanta.
Doing Good
Each Sunday, we write about charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To suggest an event for us to cover, email us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com.
About the Author
