A local park hosted a fundraiser recently for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), a nonprofit cancer research organization striving to find a cure for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and Myeloma. According to their website, they also work to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS hosts approximately 140 inspirational Light the Night walks nationwide to raise money and support in communities for their mission. 

“We have three [events] that take place in Illinois, so we do one in the North Shore, one in the Western Suburbs, and one in Chicago,” Campaign Development Director for LLS in Illinois Kristin Vlach said. “So the event itself is really a celebration of all of our corporate teams, our community and friends and family teams, who come together to raise funds to support the LLS mission throughout the year.” 

The Opening Ceremony on Oct. 12 at Spring Rock Park in Western Springs began at 6:45 p.m. and went until around 7:15 p.m. when participants began to walk the mile with their respective lanterns. There are three lantern colors to represent why participants [were] at the event. White lanterns are carried by survivors of blood cancer diseases, red lanterns are carried by supporters, and gold lanterns are carried in memory of loved ones who have been lost to cancer.

“[The Society workers] come in early in the morning and set up for the walk,” Barb Kartzmark, the Manager of Community Relationships and Events for the Western Springs Park District said. “We are just the site and the LLS people come and set up a big stage, all this cool stuff, and some food trucks.”

The event raised $409,302 out of the $650,000 goal. Some of the top individual fundraisers include Matt Levine, Kaitlyn Cardinale, and Patrick Shields.

“Everything [happened] in the lower parking lot, [there was] a big archway where they start walking by where the inline rink is, [the walk started and went] along the gravel path, [came] around by the soccer field, and [looped] back by the parking lot and down,” Kartzmark said.

In the parking lot there [were] several activities made by some sponsors, Vlach said. For example, there was a kids zone, a selfie station, as well as a remembrance area where people who’ve lost a loved one to cancer could honor them by writing their name on a blood drop in that area.

“We take any and all volunteers for all of our events,” Campaign Development Manager at LLS Caroline Ryan said. “We love any students that want to come down and make a difference and help our cancer patients and their families.” 

The event has been hosted in Western Springs at Spring Rock Park for the last few years and will likely continue for years to come.

“I’ve been to every single one of them here and it’s such a heartwarming and beautiful experience,” Kartzmark said.