Walkers will light the night on UF campus

October 12, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The eighth annual Light the Night walk is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 19, on the University of Florida campus.

The walk, sponsored in part by the Shands Cancer Center, is among the fundraising events taking place in 250 communities across the United States and Canada for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Proceeds will be used to fund leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma research. Money also will be donated to patient services and community programs. This year’s goal is to raise $60,000 in Gainesville alone.

The two-mile walk begins on the North Lawn of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and winds through the UF campus. Walkers will “light up the night,” each carrying a glowing white or red balloon. Red balloons signify that the walkers have been indirectly affected by the disease. White balloons will be held by cancer survivors and patients. About 600 people are expected to participate.

Registration begins at 6 p.m., and the walk starts at 7:30 p.m. To register or for more information on Light the Night, visit the Web at www.lightthenight.org/nfl.