Bring Light to the Darkness of Cancer

On Saturday, October 28, 2017, friends, families, children of all ages, and co-workers will come together for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Light The Night® at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Light The Night is an inspirational and memorable evening. During the two mile leisurely walk, participants carry illuminated lanterns – white for survivors, red for supporters, and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancers. Thousands of walkers will form a community of support, care, and love, bringing light into the dark world of cancer.

John Ragg of Hatsboro will walk with his team, #TeamRagg, at this year’s Light The Night walk. Ragg was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) two years ago after experiencing severe chest pains and being taken to hospital.

“When you or someone you love hear the words ‘you have cancer,’ it’s one of the darkest moments in your life,” said Ragg. “That was me when my doctor told me I had leukemia. My reaction was, I’m sure the same as anyone else’s. I was shocked and scared of the unknown.”

Ragg soon started an aggressive chemotherapy treatment. He credits his wife for being by his side every single day. Seven weeks after his diagnosis, Ragg learned that his cancer went into remission. Now, he enjoys traveling with his wife and spending time with his two grandchildren.

Last year was the first year that Ragg along with his team participated in Light The Night. His team exceed their fundraising goal of $1,000 and raised $3,100 for the LLS’s mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

There is no fundraising minimum to participate in the Light The Night, but every walker is encouraged to become a Champion For Cures by raising $100 or more. Nationally, participants raise an average of $300.

“Light The Night gives hope to patients and their families and lets them know that they are not alone in their battle against cancer,” said Ellen Rubesin, LLS Executive Director. “It is a night to pay tribute to lives touched by cancer, honor those we have lost, and celebrate the lives that have been saved.”

To become part of Light The Night, contact the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter at 800.482-2873 or visit www.lightthenight.org/epa.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brooke, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada including the Eastern Pennsylvania chapter. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.