The battle against blood cancer came to Siena as the College hosted the Upstate New York /Vermont Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) annual Light The Night Walk. More than 1,200 walkers and 1,000 fundraising participants gathered on the College’s academic quad to honor people impacted by leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. The event raised more than $180,000.
“We are very grateful to all the participants who took part in Light The Night this year,” said Maureen O’Brien Thornton, Executive Director of the Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter of the LLS. “Individuals, sponsors, family and corporate teams, volunteers and businesses who donated supplies—all contributed to the success of the event and have our heartfelt thanks. More importantly, they have the gratitude of the people who live with leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma and whose lives have been touched by these diseases.”
Siena College’s radio station 88.3 FM WVCR “The Saint” kept the quad rocking and members of Siena’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams, Cheer Team and Dance Team joined in the celebration by meeting participants and offering words of encouragement to walkers who carried lit balloons as they walked through the campus.
“I think the team learned that helping others is a great thing. Whether you can support an event or just say hello to someone who maybe is not in good health,” said Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mitch Buonaguro said. He added that showing people how much you care is important.
News Channel 13 Anchor Benita Zahn and Congressman Paul Tonko were also on hand to support Light The Night.
According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, someone in this country is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma every five minutes. LLS estimates that more than a million people in the United States are living with or are in remission from blood cancers. Proceeds from Light The Night funds research initiatives, programs and services for patients and families. Last year, the Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter helped more than 600 patients and their families by providing educational programming, support groups and financial aid.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.
