Bright lights to the darkness of cancer.
I was suppose to have signed up for this event months ago. In support for a couple of my friends, family who have either succumbed, survived or still battling cancer.
But it didn’t stop me from popping in and watching the organizers at Cricket Field in Forest Park set up. They were putting together race/walk track stands, private VIP tents, tables and seats for the guest and participants.
It was a cool summer evening many years ago, when my friend Vito arrived at my house. All my friends thought I was a dang doctor, oppose to being a nurse tech.
Vito, had a bad cough, swollen glands and a slight fever. So, I immediately told him to go to the doctor.
Because for one, his swollen glands came with a hoarse throat and weight loss. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma, and it was not staged yet, so he survived after a vicious bout of radiation and later chemo.
Unfortunately, Vito died, probably from cancer, but he also was later diagnosed with A.I.D.S. In addition, he is one reason why I take these events very seriously.
He had a personality that lit up the room. And a zest that I could not explain, for life. Like Vito, people that get cancer, whether it is Stage 1 or 4, they want to live and fight it to the finish.
As Vito battled his cancer, he left St. Louis to live with an ex in Atlanta, so I never got to see him for years and he died…..
About Light the Night:
This is what went down tonight, just to prepare those who want to attend next year.
At The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night we gather as a community to celebrate, honor, and remember those touched by blood cancers. Friends, families, schools, corporate teams, and sponsors join together to bring light to the darkness of cancer. The funds raised by this community fund lifesaving research, advocacy and support for blood cancer patients and their families. Join us in the fight to cure cancer!
It is highly recommended that all blood cancer patients or other immunocompromised individuals check with their healthcare provider before attending this event. Research conducted by LLS and others has shown that some blood cancer patients do not get optimal protection from COVID-19 vaccination and may continue to have heightened susceptibility to contracting and becoming ill from COVID-19. While at the event, we urge our community to respect anyone’s choice to continue to take precautions like masking or social distancing.
There will also be a virtual event experience provided for any participants who would prefer to not join us in-person, held on November 15, Details to come in emails to all registered participants in early November.
IN-PERSON EVENT
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2022
Location: Forest Park’s Cricket Field, 5595 Grand Drive, St. Louis, 63112
Parking: Please park in the UPPER MUNY LOT. A shuttle will be running from 5 pm – 9 pm between the lot and Cricket Field.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
5:00 PM – Festival Activities Begin
7:15 PM – Opening Ceremony
7:30 PM – Walk Begins (immediately after Opening Ceremony)
8:30 PM – Fireworks Show (immediately after walk)
OTHER FAQS
How long is the walk? The walk is approximately one mile.
Will there be food? Yes! Food Trucks will be on-site for food/beverage purchase. We are excited to welcome the following food trucks to this years event: One Dish Wonders, Kalifornia Cuisine, This N’ That Eatery, Soul Burgers, St. Louis Kettle Corn & Kona Ice. We encourage all participants to bring lawn chairs and coolers to enjoy the DJ and fireworks. Water will be provided at the Hydration Station.
What if there is weather on event day? The in-person event is rain or shine.
Are dogs allowed? Friendly leashed dogs are welcome
Photos by The Newsletter 05
