The Leukaemia Foundation is calling on community-minded people of Batemans Bay to volunteer to host a Light the Night Walk this October to help local families affected by blood cancer.
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More than 60,000 Australians are living with blood cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and every day another 35 people are diagnosed.
Light the Night is the Leukaemia Foundation’s annual fundraising walk to help more Australians beat blood cancer, with locations of community walks now being locked in across the country.
“Sadly, most of us know someone who’s been affected by blood cancer,” said Chris McMillan, general manager NSW/ACT.
“The Leukaemia Foundation supports families in the Batemans Bay area through services such as emotional support, accommodation during their weeks and months of treatment in the city, as well as transport to and from chemotherapy – all at no cost to them.
“Hosting a Community Light the Night Walk is a rewarding way to show you support local families affected by blood cancer and want to help more Australians to survive blood cancer and live a better quality of life.
“As well as giving the community the chance to walk in solidarity, you will be helping us raise the $2 million the Leukaemia Foundation needs through Light the Night to continue giving families emotional and practical support and funding vital research into less harrowing treatments and cures.”
Since 2008, families and friends have gathered across Australia to walk at Light the Night. Last year, 30,000 Australians walked around the country, each person shining a special lantern: gold, to remember a loved one, white, for their own blood cancer journey, or blue, to support others.
“Our Light the Night community hosts are critical to bringing a little light into the lives of others, whether their walk involves a few families and friends in the local park, or a big event supported by councils,” said Chris.
“If your immediate thought is ‘I’d like to do that but I’m not sure I have the time’ or ‘I’ve never done something like this before’, our message is not to feel daunted. Our team will give you advice over the phone, send lanterns, posters and a guide to planning a successful event in your community and even help promote your walk by listing it on the Light the Night website and creating your walk’s own Facebook event.
“If the idea of being a host sparks your interest, please get in touch so we can answer your questions and give you all the information you need to decide if it’s right for you.”
To find out more about becoming a Light the Night Community Walk Host, visit www.lightthenight.org.au/host or call Alesha on 1800 620 420 today.