The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk Raises $414,000 to Fight Cancer

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Dec 09, 2010, 02:00 ET

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, November 5th, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 12th Annual Light the Night Walk took place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds to raise money for those battling blood cancers. With approximately 4,000 in attendance, the Walk raised $414,000 to fight cancer – over $30,000 more than the projected goal and a 20% increase from the 2009 Walk. Through the money raised, researchers are awarded research grants to find solutions to this ever-growing epidemic.

"Light the Night has continued to expand and this year was no exception," said Jenna Korb, Executive Director of the San Diego Chapter. "Being able to support critical cancer research and patient education and services is an indescribable accomplishment that could not have been accomplished without the support of the community."

Carrying illuminated balloons - white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer - thousands of walkers came together to bring light to the dark world of cancer during this 2-mile walk around the fairground's concourse. Each Fall between August and November, in more than 200 communities across the United States and Canada, walkers come together for an evening overflowing with sentiment and compassion. The Walk is open to the public.

For more information on the Walk visit, www.LightTheNight.org/sd or contact Kristin Sacco at [email protected], 858-277-1800.

The 2010 Light the Night Walk was sponsored in part by Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene Corporation, Cephalon Oncology, Genentech/Biogen Idec, Michael C. Fina, Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, Quest Diagnostics, Genoptix Medical Laboratory, UCSD/Sharp Bone Marrow Transplant Program, OneSource Distributors, Road Runner Sports, GEICO, Biogen Idec, Burlington Coat Factory, TriLink Biotechnologies, Stater Brothers, Fiji Yogurt and Ruby's Diner. For information about how you can get involved in 2011, please call 858-427-6647.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS):

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society