The Alaskan sun Lights the Night

Participants in the 2010 Light the Night Walk not only got to show their love and support for patients dealing with blood cancer, they also got to enjoy the long-overdue Alaskan sunshine that came at a perfect time over this past weekend.

Hundreds of community members gathered at Delaney Park Strip, located downtown between 10th and L Street this past Saturday evening, September 11. Vendors such as Kaladi Brother's Coffee Company and Subway of Alaska, along with participating organization Providence Alaska Medical Center offered freebies to those who were giving their time in towards this annual event. A colorful array of illuminated balloons floated across the field as participants held them high while wearing their red t-shirts. A live band started things up when registration opened at 5:30, followed by family-friendly festivities until the start-time of the walk at 7 pm. This event was funded by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, who's mission is to fund blood cancer research for: leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma.

Many family members and friends of those suffering these different types of blood cancer received overwhelming support for the cause. One team in particular, Team Michael, stood out from the rest of the crowd. There were over 60 individuals, adults and children, sporting their black t-shirts labelled "Team Michael" in bright green logos across the back. They were scattered throughout the the entire walk and were highly distinguishable. Gail Rust, who is the team captain and mother of Michael Rust, participated in this benefit last year while her son Michael was said to be in remission from suffering lymphoma. On April 15 earlier this year, Michael lost his battle to this cancer at being 24-years-old. Gail has pushed for community members to join Team Michael so that "no mom should have to say goodbye to her son, no wife to her husband, and kids to their father because of lymphoma." Team Michael has raised over $1700 this year in donations to go towards this research.

The Light the Night Walk is an annual event that occurs once every fall. Supporters are encouraged to visit the website at www.lightthenight.org for more information and announcements. Donations are accepted throughout the year.