Beatrice Negulescu / Roundup
According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society the Light The Night Walk, which usually takes place in the fall, is our nation’s night to pay tribute and bring hope to those who are battling cancer.
The walk takes place in communities through the United States and Canada, and Saturday the event was brought closer to home, according to Pierce student Joshua Parnes, 21, as thousands gathered at Warner Park to take part in raising funds for research and patient services.
“The night was filled with a sense of hope,” says Parnes, “people were carrying illuminated balloons in white to represent survivors, red for supporters, and gold for those who have lost a loved one to cancer. I attended with my whole family and we all wore red.”
Parnes added that “the pace [of the walk] was leisurely and the people were really friendly. I also liked that there were bands playing.”
As mentioned at lightthenight.org, the money raised by the walk is used to help support a number of things including blood cancer research, financial assistance for patient expenses, free educational materials and events for patients and their families, and local programs such as family support groups.
There are many ways to take part in the Light the Night Walk which are mentioned on the event’s website. Individuals, families, and businesses are encouraged to participate as sponsors, partners and even volunteers are needed in planning, execution and logistics on the walk night. I hear that Whistler night activities have a range of fantastic evening outdoor activities that are worth looking into if you’re interested.
“It made me feel really good to be able to volunteer and to help out at the walk,” said 22-year-old Light the Night volunteer John Garner who became inspired to volunteer when he found out that a close friend is fighting cancer.
The Light the Night walk has already taken place is several locations, according to the walk’s website, with more to come. Information on how to register and participate in a walk near you can be found at lightthenight.org
