On Sept. 27, NHS members set to brighten the streets of Forest Park in St. Louis at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk. On this special night, NHS members, along with many other volunteers and participants, were united under the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s goal to “walk to the end of cancer.”

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society holds walks nationally. In St. Louis, the turnout is usually quite large, however, this Friday’s turnout was exceptional; over 10,000 people participated.

The Light The Night Walk is a fundraiser for the research and treatment of cancer. However, what sets the Light The Night Walk aside from other cancer walks is that it raises funds exclusively for different types of blood cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

“Participation in The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk funds therapies and treatment advances for blood cancer patient,” the organization explains on their website.

However, most NHS members who attended the walk worked behind the scenes, helping to keep the walk running smoothly and ensuring the safety of walkers. NHS member and FHC junior Royce Ingram got a first-hand experience in the protection and maintenance effort that comes into a fundraising event of this size.

“The volunteers, including my friends and I, were split up and designated to work in certain areas. During the walk 5K run and 5K walk, they had to shut down certain streets and parking lots around Forest Park. It was my job to ensure that the streets remained clear during the race. I also had to direct traffic. It was a blast! They gave me glowsticks and I pretty much danced around, directing drivers around the path of the 10,000 runners and walker. It also felt great to help with such a great cause,” said Ingram.

Other volunteers worked to organize, arrange, and prepare for the walk. This included anything from setting up tables and chairs or giving out and selling shirts.

“The people in charge had me help prepare for the walk. Although it wasn’t the most fun volunteering experience I’ve ever had, I got to work with my friends towards a great cause,” said NHS member and FHC junior Kyra Barillier.

According to Barillier, NHS members had a great time volunteering at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk knowing that they were working helping those afflicted with blood cancer.

People who interested in participating or donating can find information on The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s website, www.lls.org.