Three colours symbolised remembrace, support and hope, for Light the Night 2018.
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People affected by blood cancer united in many different ways – those who are patients, strangers to the disease or individuals with loved ones going through tough times.
As the sun went down, the esplanade at Cronulla was awash with lanterns in gold, white and blue on Saturday, as supporters walked arm-in-arm.
White represented a personal journey of blood cancer, gold symbolised memories of someone lost to the disease, and blue marked support.
The walk of more than 500 people ended at Dunningham Park, where blue lantern ambassador, Alfie Arcuri, winner of The Voice Australia 2016, performed, marking the closure of a sentimental occasion.
Now in its 11th year, Light the Night is the only Australian event that brings together the whole blood cancer community.
Every day another 35 Australians are diagnosed with a blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma, and the Leukaemia Foundation states that this is on the rise..
Survival rates are improving but the foundation says more needs to be done to improve prevention and treatment options.
Vital money raised from Light the Night funds breakthrough blood cancer research that the Leukaemia Foundation is investing in.
“It is always encouraging to see the local community coming out in strong numbers to show support towards the people living with blood cancer and their families,” chief executive of the Leukaemia Foundation, Bill Petch, said.
