This annual event in Baltimore is a fundraising campaign benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Participants gather to raise awareness and funds for blood cancer research, patient aid, and advocacy. The event culminates in an evening walk, where participants carry illuminated lanterns white for survivors, red for supporters, and gold for those walking in memory of loved ones lost to cancer.
The societal value lies in its direct support of crucial research aimed at developing new therapies and improving treatment outcomes for individuals battling leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma. Moreover, the event fosters a sense of community and solidarity among patients, survivors, and their families, providing emotional support and a platform for sharing experiences. Its history is rooted in the LLS’s broader mission to cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.