For the 14th consecutive year, UCT home office employees/members will step up to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) battle against blood cancers by participating in the society’s annual Light the Night Walk fundraiser on Oct. 21. Last year we raised $2,700 through donations and various fundraising efforts throughout October, and while this year’s goal is $2,000, we certainly expect to exceed it!
Light The Night is dedicated to commemorating and celebrating those who have been touched by blood cancers. Walks take place in hundreds of communities each fall across North America. The one-mile Central Ohio event drew 3,500 walkers and raised over $400,000 last year to help fund research for better therapies and cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma – and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. UCT is proud to once again take part in this important event. Here to talk a bit about Light the Night is our Human Resources Coordinator Nicole Watson, who has spearheaded this event since 2002.
“UCT originally got involved with the Light the Night Walk because funding research to find cures for blood cancers was personal for many home office employees – and it still is. Many employees have either experienced the often devastating effects of blood cancers through family, friends and neighbors or through the experiences of fellow employees. Either way, when something like this is personal, it tends to have more meaning. We wanted a way to help, and we found it in the Light the Night Walk.
This walk is unique because it’s held at night, and while the reason for the event is serious, the event itself is festive and family-friendly. Participants form teams like Team UCT to raise funds for the society’s mission and carry lighted lanterns and banners they’ve created to represent why they’re walking. The event features a remembrance ceremony to honor those who have passed away from blood cancers and a survivor’s ceremony for all those who have won the cancer fight. And, at just one mile, it’s a relatively short and easy walk to complete.
The walk has really grown over the years, and it’s a good feeling to know that UCT has played a part in that expansion. Our participation has grown too – last year 20 employees participated and we expect at least that many to turn out this year. Over the years we’ve raised a total of $27,494 for this important cause, and that feels good too. More dollars raised means more research conducted and potentially more lives saved. Light the Night means so much to UCT and its employees, and we’re looking forward to celebrating our 15th anniversary supporting it next year. I can’t imagine a time that we won’t be involved with this event.”
You too can help fund blood cancer research and help ensure better patient treatments by contributing to a Light the Night event in your area. If you live in the Central Ohio area, we encourage you to donate to Team UCT. Every little bit helps – and makes you a bright light in the darkness for those who need it most!
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