Sorry, but it just does. It was the only appropriate non-sugar-coated title I could designate for this post.  Too many people I know have battled cancer.  Some have won, like my father, John Suriani, some have lost, like my grandmother Phyllis Mignano.  Some are unsure of their outcome yet, recent survivors like my step mom, Joann Suriani.

 

Dave Harmer was 26 years old.  A brilliant young man, husband, son, brother and friend to many.  He was my “cousin” but more like a little brother and very special friend since his birth. I miss him dearly, and his early death aggravates me.

There are countless types of cancers and countless support groups to go with them.  I support Light The Night from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Why this one? Because Dave’s widow Claire is bravely leading a loud charge toward making an actual difference.  Not just giving me a place to send a check.  Light The Night Walk events are evenings filled with inspiration. During this leisurely walk, walkers carry illuminated balloons – white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer – thousands of walkers – men, women and children – form a community of caring, bringing light to the dark world of cancer.

Please join me in support, so that together we can make a difference.  Maybe not a cure in our lifetime, but soon enough so our own grandchildren aren’t walking for us someday.

To learn more about Dave’s journey – please visit his Caring Bridge Journal where he documented his entire battle of 925 days.

Gratefully yours,

Angie

Light The Night Walk:
Taking Steps To Cure Cancer^TM

Each year, in communities all across the United States and Canada teams of families, friends, co-workers and local and national corporations come together to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS’s) Light The Night Walk events and bring help and hope to people battling blood cancers.

Every Light The Night walker is encouraged to become a Champion For Cures by raising $100 or more to help fight blood cancer.

Funds raised by teams and individual walkers provide:

• Lifesaving blood cancer research
• Free educational materials and events for patients and their families
• Local programs such as Family Support Groups and First Connection, a peer-to-peer counseling program
• Comprehensive, personalized assistance through our Information Resource Center