Wednesday, July 25, 2001

'Light the Night' walk set for Sept. 22

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's First Annual "Light the Night" Walk will take place September 22 and organizers are looking for participants to begin team and individual recruitment efforts now.

"Light the Night" is the Society's nationwide evening walk to commerate lives touched by cancer. Participants carry flickering red and white balloons along a three mile walk in Peachtree City, creating a breathtaking sight and spirit of fellowship among all who carry them. Cancer survivors hold white balloons, and all other participants carry red balloons.

The walk will take place starting at the Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater beginning at 7 p.m. Registration and a pre- and post- walk celebration will be held in the parking lot of the Amphitheater beginning at 5 p.m. and will feature live entertainment and refreshments.

"While the walk is a few months away, it's time now for participants to start planning for their involvement by recruiting their family, friends and work colleagues," said Heather Paramore. "Funds raised through individual and corporate contributions will support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins disease and myeloma as well as to improve the quality of life for patients and their families."

Individual walkers are welcome, and families and companies are invited to form teams to walk in this evening event. There is no registration fee, but those raising $25 or more will carry one of the Society's illuminated balloons.

In addition, dedication banners will be displayed to give everyone an opportunity to place a name or message in honor of or in memory of a family member or friend with cancer.

Participants will also be awarded a variety of prizes based on their total fundraising efforts.

In 2000, the Society's "Light the Night" Walk raised 8.5 million nationwide, and organizers expect to exceed that amount this year.

For additional information, contact Heather Paramore of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 770-438-6006, ext. 226, or visit www.lightthenight.org.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, headquartered in White Plains, NY is the world's largest private health organization concerned solely with funding research for cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins disease, and myeloma and improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

Since its founding in 1949, more than $200 million has been raised for research specifically targeted to blood related cancers.

For additional information contact the Society at 800-955-4572 or visit www.leukemia-lymphoma.org.