- 303 Haggar College Center
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
(574) 284-4579 - Director of Media Relations
Gwen O'Brien
gobrien@saintmarys.edu
Walk Sheds Light on Battle with Blood Cancers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Walk Shines Light on Battle Against Blood Cancers
Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, Ind.
(574) 284-4579
September 24, 2009 (Notre Dame, Ind.) — For the third year in a row, people from across north central Indiana, southwestern Michigan, Saint Mary’s College and the University of Notre Dame will come together on the lawn in front of Le Mans Hall at Saint Mary’s on Thursday, Oct. 1 to join in a nationwide walk called “Light The Night.” Festivities begin at 5 p.m., and the walk will begin at 7 p.m. with a few words from the organizers of the event. The event is part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's efforts to raise awareness and money for blood cancer research, patient services and educational programs.
Light The Night walks take place across the United States and Canada throughout the months of September and October Last year more than 500 people participated in the College event, carrying illuminated balloons as they walked through campus. Supporters carry a red balloon with a light inside, while survivors carry a white balloon with a light. Others carry gold balloons in memory of those who have passed on.
“This is an excellent event for demonstrating solidarity with those fighting blood cancers as well as their family and friends. It is an outgrowth of the spirit of compassion and care that is prevalent on our campus,” said Carrie Call, director of the College’s Office of Civic and Social Engagement, which organizes the event. “I hope to have a record turn-out of walkers this
year.”
Saint Mary’s student Sarah Weber ‘11 became involved with the Philadelphia chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in April after her father was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of T-cell Lymphoma. This is the first year she’s been involved with the Indiana chapter.
“I do all this for him. He is my biggest inspiration and I want to help anyone that has a blood cancer like him,” says Sarah. “Unfortunately, most types of Leukemia and Lymphoma are fast moving and aggressive. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has done so much for my family personally, this is just my way of helping. I can’t do much when it comes to the cancer itself, but I can give support, encouragement, and hope to my dad and others affected by cancer.”
Sarah will be walking with a large group of her friends during Light the Night to show support for her dad and others who have been affected. “I want to make a difference and this walk is just one more way to help,” Sarah added.
Anyone interested in participating in the walk can go to http://www.lightthenight.org/in/ . Those interested in volunteering can email ocse@saintmarys.edu . The public is invited to attend the event and cheer on the walkers.
About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary’s College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary's College ranks among the nation's top 100 liberal arts colleges in U.S. News & World Report's 2010 annual survey. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
