Editor’s note: This story originated as part of a Mount Royal University community service learning course with the partner the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. The reporter retained complete editorial control over this story.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately 23,600 Canadians were diagnosed with blood cancer last year.
Lymphoma, myeloma and leukemia are among the most common diagnoses, however there are currently 137 recognized kinds of blood cancers.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada was started in the 1950s to initiate leukemia research and fundraise for Canadian blood cancer patients. Today, they actively support the 155,593 Canadians living with or in remission from blood cancer through community building, fundraising and education.
Every year on a fall evening, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada hosts Light the Night events in Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa and Halifax.
In other cities, community leaders can host their own Light the Night walk to bring together those impacted by blood cancer.
Light the Night was started as an event to bring together a community of individuals who have been affected by blood cancer.
This walk is illuminated by community members carrying paper lanterns; red lanterns are carried by blood cancer supporters, white for patients and survivors and gold to honour someone lost to blood cancer.
Participants came together on the evening of Oct. 18 to recognize fundraiser teams and then to loop the TELUS Spark Science Centre, lanterns in hand after dusk.
Supporters raise their red lanterns showing support for the blood cancer community. PHOTO: RILEY STANG 
Red lantern ceremony taking place just before the community bundled up for the Light the Night walk. PHOTO: RILEY STANG 
Participants collect their lanterns at they enter the TELUS Spark Science Centre in Calgary, Alta. PHOTO: RILEY STANG 
Light the Night begins as the community walks together. PHOTO: RILEY STANG 
Community members begin their walk, lightsabers in hand. PHOTO: RILEY STANG 
A group of blood cancer supporters begin their walk. PHOTO: RILEY STANG 
An acapella band keeps things lively near the finish line of the walk. PHOTO: RILEY STANG 
Community members wait outside the TELUS Spark Science Centre to begin walking. PHOTO: RILEY STANG 
Drummers bring the energy as community members walk by. PHOTO: RILEY STANG 
Supporters listen to live music while Light the Night comes to an end. PHOTO: RILEY STANG 
Community members listen to live music and catch up after finishing their walk. PHOTO: RILEY STANG
“You do it because you believe in the people in this room, you believe in our cause. You do it because you believe in community and supporting each other when life gets really challenging,” said Alicia Talarico, president of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Talarico shared her gratitude for the community gathered for Light the Night and expressed how much of a difference community involvement makes in promoting blood cancer research and innovation.
“We are really fuelling Canadian-led care and national change.”