NEW ORLEANS – Hearing the words “you have cancer” can be one of the darkest days in someone’s life. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in conjunction with local partner, First NBC Bank, are bringing light to the darkness of cancer in a new tangible way.
Cancer Centers across the Greater New Orleans area will be receiving night lights in the shape of the Light The Night Walk’s iconic lanterns. These night lights will literally light the night and remind patients that no matter how dark their world may seem, there are countless supporters out there tirelessly working to bring an end to their disease.
On Thursday March 30, representatives from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, First NBC Bank and Light the Night Walk’s Honored Hero, Leukemia survivor Kay Colton, visited with patients at New Orleans Children’s Hospital, delivering the night lights and special survivor T-shirts. Bill Burnell, senior executive vice president of First NBC Bank and the 2017 Chair for the Light the Night Walk said, “Since LLS began investing in research in 1949 the survival rates for children with Leukemia have increased from 5 percent to more than 90 percent. Today we can see the results of this progress. First NBC Bank is honored to be playing a part in finding cures for cancer and supporting patients in our community.”
“When I was going through treatment, night time was the hardest for me,” said Light the Night campaign specialist and Lymphoma Survivor Hillary Christiansen. “I’d lay awake and think about all the ‘what ifs.’ These night lights will remind patients at all hours of the night, there is light amidst the darkness.”
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society reps said they are excited to be partnering with First NBC Bank in this initiative, to bring night lights to area hospitals, and for their support that helps LLS fund research to advance more breakthrough therapies for blood cancer patients, saving lives not someday, but today.
Each year thousands gather locally at Lafreniere Park to Light the Night as a part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s signature fundraising event. Survivors proudly carry white lanterns at the event celebrating their strength. The 2017 Light the Night Walk will be held on Thursday, Nov. 2.
Bill Burnell and Kay Colton visit with Jocelyn, a Leukemia patient at New Orleans Children’s Hospital.
