Light The Night boasts highest turnout yet
November 30, 2009
The Tallahassee community came together to show support at the annual Light the Night event Thursday, Nov. 19 on Florida State University’s campus. The two-mile walk was put on by the local chapters of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society around the United States.
Blood cancers such as leukemia and myeloma are cancers that originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic system and lead to the uncontrolled growth of cells, known as cancer.
Participants walked with red balloons to show their support for cancer patients and survivors.
The participants in the event all carried balloons with lights in them, giving the event its name. The balloons came in three colors, all signifying something different. The white balloons represented survivors of cancer, while red balloons showed support and gold balloons signified those who lost a loved one to a battle with cancer.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society estimates that in 2009 alone, 139,860 people in the United States will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma and estimates 53,240 people will die from one of these forms of cancer this year in the United States.
Participants in Light the Night were allowed to join either with a team or as individuals. About 130 teams participated, around 90 of which were FSU student groups. While there was no fee to walk, Krista Markham, event chair for Light the Night Tallahassee, recommended that each individual walker raise or donate $35 dollars, as it costs $15 to sponsor a walker.
The walk began at 7:30 p.m. and took place over a mapped-out course around campus.
Other activities that took place at the Light the Night event included a carnival-themed gathering of games, including “Toss ‘em,” in which the participant tried to make ping pong balls into six water-filled cups in the shape of a triangle. “In your face” was a game in which whipped cream pies where thrown into volunteers Evan Schulte’s and Ryan Macfadyen’s faces.
The two were members of the FSU club Demented Ultimate Frisbee. About 20 members of DUF took part in the walk to form a team, working both table games and the two mile walk.
“We went with a carnival theme because we wanted it to be appealing for everyone in the Tallahassee community,” Markham said.
Many local restaurants donated food to the event, including Papa John’s and TCBY. There was also a DJ, as well as other musical performances by a capella groups Reverb and the AcaBelles.
The Tallahassee community is always welcome to volunteer and participate, but the majority of the planning relies on a committee of college students. The Light the Night local chapter first became completely student run in 2008. Last year boasted a high turnout, and the rate continues to climb.
“This year there are around 1,400 people signed up to participate, compared to around 1,000 people who signed up last year.,” Markham said.
Florida State student Megan Valente participated in the walk for the first time this year.
“This summer my dad was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma,” Valente said. “Now more that ever, I recognize the importance of the work the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Their work has helped my family and many others who are affected by cancer every year.”
As of Nov. 19, $90,000 had been raised. Fund raising continues until Dec. 31. The local chapter’s goal is $100,000. All proceeds go toward blood cancer research, financial assistance to patients and local cancer support groups. According the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, someone dies from a blood cancer every 10 minutes, meaning that nearly 146 people die each day. For those still looking to contribute, money can be donated to www.lightthenight.org.
Photo courtesy of Julie Koesmarno, Creative Commons
