The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada's annual Light The Night Walk is set for Saturday, Oct. 15 at Lumberman's Arch in Stanley Park.
The fundraiser, which gets underway at 5:30 p.m., followed by the walk at 7 p.m., sees community members walk to raise funds to bring help and hope to people battling blood cancers.
The North Shore News connected with longtime participant and cancer survivor Aubrie Naab, a 16-year-old Edgemont Village resident, to find out more.
- Aubrie: How long have you been a participant in Light the Night?
This is my sixth year.
- Do you have a special role with this year's event?
This year is particularly special because I have been chosen to be an Honoured Hero. This means that I am a bit of a spokesperson for the walk and it is my job to share my story with others and encourage lots of fundraising. This includes planning fundraisers and speaking at various Light the Night events.
One major fundraiser that I held this year was a shopping night at Sofiabella Fashion Boutique in Edgemont Village. It was a fun night where girls came and got to enjoy live music, refreshments, and lots of shopping! Sofiabella kindly donated 10 per cent of all the proceeds from this event to Light the Night. Along with the generous donations from the customers, this fundraiser made over $1,200.
- Have you been personally affected by leukemia or lymphoma?
I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in October of 1998, when I was three years old. I am coming up on being 11 years cancer-free and couldn't be any healthier. The disease not only affected me, but my family as well. Without their support I may not be living the amazing life that I am today.
- Why is this an event you feel strongly about supporting?
I feel very strongly about supporting this event because it is an opportunity to give back. I want to help others in need, the way that others helped me.
I have raised over $2,500 so far and surpassed my goal of $2,000. I have reset the bar at $3,000 and hopefully it will be met quickly.
- How can people support your fundraising efforts?
People can support my fundraising efforts by going to my personal fundraising webpage, found through visiting www.lightthenight.ca/bc.Every donation is greatly appreciated.
- Who should get involved in Light the Night?
Everyone has been affected by blood cancer in some way, shape or form. This walk welcomes anybody who wants to feel that they're making a difference. It is a great time and fun for anyone of any age. Anyone who wishes to participate can sign up, join a team, or start their own, through the event's website.
- What sets this event apart from some of the others out there?
The event is a night where every single person there knows how everyone around them has felt, and what they've gone through. It's special because everyone at that moment can feel united for one amazing cause. It's unlike anything I've experienced before.
- Is there anything you'd like to add?
I am extremely passionate about this event and encourage anyone who can to sign up or donate. All of the funds raised are going to a great cause.
