BY EVAN COLLINS
Lanterns will once again illuminate the evening sky as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk returns to Nay Aug Park in Scranton.
Set for Saturday, Sept. 21, at 4:30 p.m., the annual charity event aims to raise awareness about leukemia and lymphoma while also offering support for those fighting the diseases and remembering those who lost that battle. The event is organized by a group of volunteers in the Scranton area and sponsored by the LLS, which oversees Light the Night walks across the country. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the LLS.
“(This event) means everything to me,” said Tori Donahue, 31, of Dunmore, one of the many volunteers who help organize this event.
Donahue got involved with the program after her son was diagnosed with leukemia.
“It’s important to me to help a foundation that supports patients so well, and I’ve seen a number of kids in our community get diagnosed after my son,” she said.
The night’s main event is the walk, which goes throughout Nay Aug Park. Participants carry illuminated lanterns in three colors, which signify survivors, supporters and the memory of loved ones the cancer claimed.
Aside from the walk, there will be basket raffles, photos and opportunities to donate to the LLS. Guests also are encouraged to stop by the Gift of Life table, where those interested can join bone marrow and stem cell registries.
“It’s definitely not a sad event,” Donahue said. “Even those who are honoring loved ones have smiles on their faces. Lots of people have a connection to this disease, and some people are really thriving through this event.”
Walk registration is free, and people can form teams to walk or join an already established group.
“The point of joining a team is to raise money for that team, and each team independently fundraises for their donation goal,” Donahue said, although donations are not required.
To create or join a team, visit lightthenight.org.
Contact the writer: ecollins@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127
JASON FARMER / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Walkers light their lights for a previous Light the Night Walk around PNC Field in Scranton.
If you go
- What: Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
- When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 4:30 p.m.
- Where: Nay Aug Park, Scranton
- Details: Registration is free, but walkers can raise money to donate to the LLS. Join or create a team online at lightthenight.org. Donations also can be made at the event or online.
