Being diagnosed with blood cancer can be an experience that is isolating and filled with darkness.
One woman is asking the community to be the light in someone’s darkest hours and let them know they’re not alone.
Kaylene Grigsby hosted a Leukaemia Foundation Light the Night event at Arthur Westlake Memorial Reserve in Melton West last year and is asking someone to take up the mantle this year. The event includes a lantern ceremony and a walk around a local park.
Ms Grigsby said the evenings were about bringing people together and allowing them to connect.
“It’s such a rewarding experience being able to give without expecting something in return,” she said. “We had a boy, who was going through leukaemia treatment last year. His family and school community came as well. It’s a time when people can go away from the hospital and clinical environment and be surrounded by people who care.”
Leukaemia Foundation chief executive Bill Petch said most people knew someone affected by blood cancer and encouraged people to host, or join, an event.
“As well as giving the community the chance to come together and walk in solidarity,
hosting a Light the Night event is a rewarding way to show your support and help to raise funds to ensure local families affected by blood cancer receive the support they need,”
Mr Petch said.
More than 60,000 Australians live with blood cancer, including leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma, with 35 people diagnosed each day.
Details: lightthenight.org.au/get-involved
