Mat-Su to light up the night to find a cancer cure

MAT-SU — September is Lymphoma and Leukemia Awareness Month. If you didn’t know much about either, join the group.

Lymphoma is a cancer of lymph cells — a type of blood cell. It is not a very common cancer, but it commonly affects young people and those who should be living a long and healthy life.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that about 63,000 individuals in the United States will be diagnosed with and 18,600 die from non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2007. Another 8,000 will be diagnosed with and 1,000 die of Hodgkin lymphoma this year. Blood cancer education is limited, but includes lymphoma (Hodgkin’s and non), leukemia and myeloma.

The Light the Night Walk is The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) nationwide evening walk to build awareness of blood cancers and raise funds for cures. Walkers carry illuminated balloons — white for survivors and red for supporters — to celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer. The Society’s Light The Night Walk is also the Mat-Su Valley’s night to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling cancer, bringing the community together to celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer.

Tonight at 7 p.m., Wasilla businesses and supporters of cancer research will gather around the Garden of Reflection off of Lucille Street to begin their 3-mile journey.

Companies participate by organizing teams of employees, including their friends, neighbors and family members, to raise money and walk in the event. Team members are responsible for raising funds from coworkers, friends, neighbors and family members who wish to back the team and support the cause.

All proceeds from this year’s Light The Night Walk go to further curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and myeloma, and improving the quality of life for patients and their families. This mission is carried out through extensive research for treatments, cures, government advocacy, patient assistance programs, community outreach and education programs.

One of the teams walking in tonight’s event is the City of Wasilla Team, consisting of two people: Wasilla Mayor Dianne M. Keller and her son, Seth.

“We call him ‘Super Son Seth,’” Keller said.

Keller has been involved, in one form or another, with Light the Night for two years through her friendship with Kelly Mahri, the woman who spearheaded the event starting up in Wasilla, now in its fourth year.

Mahri, who lost her son Logan to a blood cancer years ago, became involved with the Anchorage Light the Night Walk nine years ago.

“I just know the Mahri family and have a lot of respect for her work,” Keller said. “We both have lost a child, one way or another, and so I clicked instantly with Kelly. Since then I have always tried to make myself to available for this event.”

Keller wants people to be aware of how lymphoma and leukemia can affect the lives of others. She said the walk is an informative gathering as much as it is a support group.

“We need more fundraising,” she said. “There’s so much more research to be done and every little bit counts, making a difference.”

This year, Light the Night will begin with a remembrance ceremony for loved ones of those who have passed on due to blood cancer. Keller will read scripture provided to her from LLS and will meet and greet those affected by blood cancers.

Kimberly Conn, deputy executive director of the LLS Alaska and Washington chapters, said seeing the blinking, lit up balloons at night is a treat for those who have never witnessed it before.

“Sometimes it’s a little tricky with the daylight,” Conn said. “Everyone carries these red balloons, except cancer patients and survivors, they carry white ones. It’s beautiful.”

Conn said this year a gold balloon, signifying the life of a loved one that has been lost, will join the others for the first time.

“It’s special because it’s like they were there on the walk with you,” Conn said.

Conn said those planning to attend should remember a couple of things. “Arrive at 5:30, put on your walking shoes, throw in about $25 to $50 in donations. It’ll be fun and you’ll get a balloon to show your support.”

Contact J.J. Harrier at 352-2269 or valleylife@frontiersman.com.