In a world of uncertainty, one thing is for sure — cancer doesn’t stop during a global crisis.
Individuals and communities nationwide are tapping into their inner creativity and survival skills to pivot to, at least for now, a virtual way of living. This year, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will host its signature community fundraising campaign, Light The Night, as a virtual event.
Given the ongoing health risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, LLS determined that a virtual Light The Night is the most responsible approach. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be the most inspiring and impacting Light The Night ever, because just as blood cancer sees no boundaries, this year’s walk can be everywhere and anywhere. LLS’s Palm Beach-Treasure Coast chapter will host its 2020 Light The Night virtual event on Thursday, Nov. 12.
“Blood cancer patients need us now more than ever. We will gather virtually to bring light to the darkness of cancer, creating memorable moments across the country, through an exciting, interactive virtual experience for LLS staff, volunteers, patients and all supporters,” said DeAnn Hazey, LLS executive director for the South Florida Region. “As we’ve done throughout our 71-year history, LLS will ‘virtually’ reinvent the peer-to-peer fundraising category through our unparalleled ingenuity, resourcefulness, innovation and relentless drive to deliver our mission.”
Light The Night is a fundraising event benefiting LLS and its funding of lifesaving research to find blood cancer cures. Coming together for a common goal, friends, family and co-workers form fundraising walk teams. Culminating in inspiration and memorable evening walks every fall, participants in communities across North America join together carrying illuminated lanterns to take steps to end cancer — white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer.
LLS’s signature fundraisers like Light The Night have helped LLS invest nearly $1.3 billion in cutting-edge research worldwide, fueling nearly every critical advancement in blood cancer treatment that spans the most promising treatment approaches now being tested in clinical trials for other cancers and diseases.
“Light The Night’s virtual platform will be an interactive and engaging experience, allowing LLS supporters and volunteers to enjoy the same iconic elements of Light The Night — illuminated lanterns, Circle of Survivors and the Remembrance Pavilion — in a different format but with the same passion to bring an end to blood cancers once and for all,” Hazey said.
To form a team, or to learn more about becoming involved, visit www.lightthenight.org/sofl.
