Every five minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with leukemia, Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myeloma. Every nine minutes, someone loses the battle. Everyday, efforts can be made to speed up the road to a cure.
Fairfield University students have joined forces with members of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in its annual evening walk and fundraiser to fight the battle against these potentially fatal diseases.
Joan Lynn ’04 and Jessica Foscolo ’04 have formed two teams of over 100 university students and faculty to walk in the Society’s nationally recognized “Light the Night Walk,” to be held at Cove Island Park in Stamford on Oct. 2, and at the Penfield Pavilion in Fairfield on Oct. 3.
“I do many walks, and I always wanted to form a team, ” said Lynn, a nursing student. “I have interacted with patients who had lymphomas, and they have touched me. I want to do something to help.”
The walk was designed to commemorate those who are affected by all forms of cancer, according to Wendy Logan, campaign director of the Society’s Fairfield County chapter.
The event is a casual two-mile walk, with no fitness requirements. Participants carry illuminated balloons to celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer. Funds raised support the society’s mission to find a cure and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
A cancer survivor will walk with participants. Survivors will carry white balloons, and supporters carry red balloons. The American Steakhouse and SoBe will be donating all food and beverages, there will be a DJ, and prizes such as t-shirts, sweathshirts, a DVD player, or a palm pilot given to those participants who raise the most money.
“These events are to celebrate those we lost, those who survived, and those in treatment,” said Logan. “Eighty percent of the money we raise goes directly to the cause, and the remaining goes towards operating costs to run the events.”
The Light the Night Walk began nationwide over five years ago, and continues to attract thousands of participants at these fundraisers. Last year, the Fairfield event attracted over 1,000 participants alone. Logan anticipates over 2,500 participants between the two events in Fairfield County this year.
“Last year, $14 million was raised across the country,” said Logan. “I am looking forward to another outstanding year of participants. It’s a fast-growing fundraising walk.”
Foscolo has raised over $1,250 for her team, comprised of students from the Circle K club and Campus Ministry.
“I asked everyone on my team to raise a minimum of $25,” she said. “I feel like this fundraiser is different than all other walks. These cancers affect younger people…people we know.”
The society relies on the support of individuals, corporations and foundations to fund the Society’s research initiatives, patient services, and education programs.
“The events are visually spectacular,” said Logan. “Imagine 1,500 red and white balloons shining at night. It’s very poignant, and the feeling of camaraderie is amazing. I have never met someone who wouldn’t want to do it again.”
For more information on how to get involved in these events, email Joan Lynn at 04_jlynn@stagweb.fairfield.edu or go to the Circle K meeting on Mon. at 6p.m. in BCC 200. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society can be reached at (203) 967-8326.
“We all should do something special for a cause,” said Lynn. “Every bit of help is a step closer to a cure.”
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