Looking to get involved in an amazing philanthropic event on campus this semester? Look no further than Light the Night, a walk raising awareness and money for blood cancer patients and research. Join hundreds of students on Nov. 2 at Langford Green for live music and entertainment, different vendors, and a chance to honor those affected by blood cancer. The money raised by Light the Night participants goes towards the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission, which is to “cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.”
Every three minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with blood cancer. Communities all over the United States and Canada are “lighting the night” to help this important cause, including Tallahassee. After someone close to her was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease, Light the Night Executive Director and FSU senior Allie Cannan witnessed first-hand how blood cancer affects individuals and those around them. Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children, adolescents, and young adults, this is why Allie “lights the night.”
Courtesy: Allie Cannan
The event is filled with lots of fun entertainment, but also offers time to reflect on the hardships of cancer. The trademark symbol of the event is the illuminated lantern, which comes into play throughout the night. Each color lantern symbolizes something different; white lanterns are carried by survivors, red lanterns are carried by supporters, and gold lanterns are carried in memory of those lost to cancer.
This year, Light the Night is adding two new features to the event, the Survivor Circle and Remembrance Pavilion. Survivor Circle is the events new opening ceremony, where patients and survivors of blood cancer will be celebrated, kicking off the walk. Light the Night participants will also honor those that have lost their battle with blood cancer in the Remembrance Pavilion. Participants are encouraged to bring photos of loved ones to be displayed in the Pavilion, along with messages of remembrance and hope.
With September being Blood Cancer Awareness Month, there has never been a better time to start fundraising for Light the Night. Don’t forget to sign up for the only fully student run Light the Night Walk in the entire nation!
To register for Light the Night at FSU, click here.