The fifth annual Light The Night was held Saturday at Zwick’s Park Lions Pavilion spreading light, love, and hope to those affected by blood cancers.
More than 200 people participated in the event, honouring those lost, standing alongside those still in active treatment and celebrating those supporting the cause. Over the five years, more than $300,000 has been raised to support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.
The local event was organized by Carol’s CUREsaders in honour of a lost family member, friend and colleague, Carol Goerke. When Carol was battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Kingston General Hospital she indicated that, when recovered, she wanted to get involved in Light The Night to help others who were impacted by blood cancers. What began as an event to honour Carol’s legacy has become so much more – supporting and connecting people in our community. In addition, Carol encouraged everyone who wanted to help, to donate blood regularly, which would help people in treatment in every community. Carol’s CUREsaders has taken on this cause as well, and has a team of 75+ who regularly donate to Blood Services Canada and spread the word to encourage others to donate blood.
Alicia Talarico, president of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, attended the local event and outlined the overall achievements of national Light The Night fundraising including: last year over $6.2 million was raised to fund ground-breaking research and vital support services; 5,000+ participants joined in person lighting the night across the country; and key breakthroughs in treatment were made possible by the success of fundraising campaigns.
Donations continue to be accepted at lightthenight.ca.
