Red lanterns were for supporters. White lanterns were for survivors. Gold lanterns for those walking in memory of someone who passed away from blood cancer.
These were the colors that illuminated Bridgeport Park in Valencia Saturday night during the Light the Night Walk put on by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Over 1,000 people participated in the walk and raised $110,000 that will go towards blood cancer research, advocacy and support.
“The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is to cure blood cancers, and improve the quality of lives for patients and their families,” said Maria Dunleavy, a campaign assistant with Light the Night.
One such individual who was impacted by the organization’s support was Nancy Torres, who is a survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“The fear was overwhelming but my biggest fear was leaving my kids,” said Torres during her speech. “But my determination to be on this earth got me by.”
She says it’s a huge honor to be able to participate in the walk for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society after everything she has gone through.
“I do feel I am here because of LLS,” she said.
