The Greater Bay (California) Area Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will kick off its 2016 Light the Night Walk fundraising campaign on Sept. 24.
Light the Night walks are the society’s flagship fundraiser, bringing together families and communities to honor blood cancer survivors and those lost to the disease. The events also highlight the importance of finding new treatments through research, and of providing access to therapies for patients.
The first campaign will be the Napa Valley Walk, set for Sept. 24, and starting at 5 p.m. PT at Oxbow Commons. There will be three additional Greater Bay Area walks planned this year:
- Oct. 22 – North Bay Light the Night Walk, Petaluma City Hall, Petaluma
- Nov. 5 – East Bay Light the Night Walk, Civic Park, Walnut Creek
- Nov. 10 – San Francisco Light the Night Walk, AT&T Park, San Francisco
Each event starts with food and festivities at 5 p.m., and the walk itself at 7 p.m.
The two-mile walk is family friendly and non-competitive, with an easy route so that anyone wishing can take part, regardless of fitness level.
Festivities usually include a musical show, an area for team photos, children-friendly activities, a dedicated ‘Reflections of Life’ tent featuring stories of Honored Heroes – local blood cancer patients or survivors who are recognized for their bravery or courage – and a survivor lounge.
Through the different lanterns available, walkers will show how their lives have been affected by blood cancer – if they’re a survivor, they’ll have a white lantern; if they’re a supporter, they’ll carry a red lantern; and if they’re walking in memory of a loved one, they’ll carry a gold lantern.
There is no minimum fundraising required, but those who raise $100 or more will be named a Champion for Cures, and receive a T-shirt, a dinner, and an illuminated lantern for the walk.
According to the press release, cancer survivors who attend are guests, and will receive these items regardless of their fundraising amount.
