“Light The Night, Take Back The Light” shines on in support of blood cancer community
More than 50,000 people from across the country are expected to take part in Light The Night, Take Back The Light – an annual flagship event hosted by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). For the first time in the organization’s history, the event will be broadcast nationally on October 24th at 7 pm EST and Canadians who are immunocompromised, like those newly diagnosed and people in treatment, will be able to participate and engage with the blood cancer community in real time. Due to the pandemic, Light The Night will look different, but it will feel the same as communities from across the country come together virtually to honour and remember those touched by a blood cancer.
“Every 23 minutes, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer in Canada,” says Alicia Talarico, LLSC’s president. “Light The Night can help to ensure that in a time of pandemic, Canada’s blood cancer community is not left behind, and that we can continue to deliver critical programs and services, and invest in research that saves lives.”
Now in its 16th year, Light The Night will raise awareness and funds for blood cancer research and critical programs and services that support Canadians at every step of their blood cancer experience. This year, technology will bring participants together to share stories, remember loved ones lost and pay tribute to those facing a blood cancer. Light The Night generates the lion’s share of funds for blood cancer research and in 2019, event participants raised $6.6 million.
“A blood cancer diagnosis can impact physical, emotional and mental health,” says Nadine Prevost, director of community services at the LLSC. “Connecting virtually with others can help those newly diagnosed and people in treatment maintain a sense of community and support, lift their spirits and assist in the recovery process.”