THE Leukaemia Foundation’s annual fundraising lantern walk Light The Night is being held this Saturday in Belmore Park from 6.15pm.
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It will be held in conjunction with Glowburn.
The event involves people carrying different coloured lanterns as they walk around the park and is being held to raise awareness about blood cancers.
Goulburn Blood Cancer Coffee Group member and Light The Night coordinator for Goulburn Mary Hartnett said every day 35 people are diagnosed with blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or a related blood disorders.
“The Leukaemia Foundation is trying to find cure for these cancers,” she said.
“So they are calling on Goulburn people to come along for the walk to support local families affected by blood cancer.”
She said her own journey with leukemia began when she was diagnosed with the disease in January 2013.
“I am in remission, so I will have to wait and see what happens from here,” she said.
She said people could buy different coloured lanterns on the night to reflect their personal circumstances.
Gold lanterns are held to remember a loved one, white for people on their own blood cancer journey, or blue to support others.
Mrs Hartnett said the local support group is assisted by Anais Le Gaul, who travels down from Canberra for a monthly catch up with the group.
“Most people with these conditions initially have to travel to Canebrra for treatment, but people can also receive chemotherapy at the oncology section of the Bourke St Health Service.”
She said $3000 has been raised already through people registering online, and that this was the easier way to order the lantern.
There will also be a marquee in the park for Leukemia Foundation merchandise and Rotary is providing a barbecue.
Now in its ninth year, Light the Night aims to raise $2 million to give affected families the emotional support they need and to fund vital blood cancer research which focuses on delivering better outcomes for patients and improving their quality of life.
To join the walk, register at lightthenight.org.au or call 1800 500 088.