LTN Walk-2005

Saturday, the Light the Night Walk was a big success. It was a beautiful night to walk. Team Jackiepie-me Steve, Andrea, Patricia, Peter, Chris, Hailey, & Emil-walked the 2 miles with ease. Mom & Christina cheered us on from the sidelines. We even had a "cheering car"-Catherine, Peter, Alexander, & Andrew-drive by twice. All together (online and offline), Team Jackiepie raised over $3,500. for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!!! Thanks to everyone who contributed so generously!

It was a very beautiful and emotional ceremony for me. Supporters carried red balloons while survivors carried white balloons which lit. When the ceremony began, supporters were asked to turn off their red balloons so that survivors could be honored. Then white flowers were given out to family and friends to honor loved ones lost. All were asked to turn balloons on and we walked. The main reason I walked is just because I can. Six months ago I couldn’t walk up the stairs in my house without oxygen. I was lucky to be diagnosed with such a curable cancer and that gave me so much hope. I think of all the work and research that went into helping me, and I hope that someday everyone diagnosed with cancer will have the same chance of survival as I did. I walked for all my “blood cancer cousins” who cannot walk and I plan to do this every year until they find a cure.

Our slogan-La Forza di Vivere-means "Live Strong" in Italian