As a mother my heart sinks when I think about the possibility of anything at all happening to one of my children. As parents we eventually get used to bumps and bruises. We can mend scrapes and kiss boo-boos. If we are blessed, we don’t ever have to go through the pain of watching our children suffer for too long. Seeing our children in pain is heartbreaking. We don’t ever want to experience losing a child. It is hard to imagine what those parents go through. And there is nothing more heartbreaking than knowing that some children are sick and/or in pain. Unfortunately, this is all too common. I have known some children that have lost their lives to leukemia. I have known adults that have lost their lives to other types of cancer. Cancer of all types sucks! No one should have to deal with that pain.
I recently visited a wonderful organization in Kissimmee, FL that helps some of those children live their dreams. Walking through was inspiring. I will tell you more about that in a future post. But it got me to thinking… how can we all help?
This is one of the first questions that people have when they hear about children dealing with terminal illnesses. While you may not be able to physically visit a sick child, you can help. Sylvan Learning is partnering with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) through , a fundraising campaign which brings together families and communities to honor survivors, as well as those lost to the diseases. The campaign shines light on the importance of finding cures and providing access to treatments for blood cancer patients. Those who want to help can join a fundraising team and walk. Consumers help by donating at retail outlets. In fact, before I was even asked to write about this campaign I donated while shopping at Burlington Coat Factory, a major partner in the campaign. Since the partnership began, Burlington has raised more than $16 million for the LLS mission. Once signed up supporters who want to walk then take part in memorable evening walks in nearly two hundred communities each fall across North America.
LLS is committed to raise $250,000. And the Sylvan Learning Center is donating more than 12,000 hours of free tutoring services in almost 200 communities nationwide. This initiative helps young patients and their families with the transition of going back to school.
Check out the below video to learn more:
Funds raised through The Light The Night Walk:
- Fund breakthrough therapies for blood cancer patients.
- Provides Free educational materials, support programs and events.
- Powers advocacy to ensure access to treatments.
- Helps provide personalized assistance through our Information Resource Center.
There are nearly 200 Light the Night walks happening right now all over the US. If you would like to participate visit the website to find a walk near you, or join a team. If you are unable to walk you can also donate right on the website. Follow the following organizations on Twitter to learn more: @LLSUSA @LightTheNight @SylvanLearning.
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Light the Night. All opinions are my own.
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