WVU Medicine’s First Light the Night Event Honors Cancer Patients and Care Teams

The Sept. 4 event honored cancer survivors, supported patients and families who are still fighting, and remembered those who have passed away.

Blood Cancer United, formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, started the yearly event as a walk through inpatient units in hospitals, eventually growing into a larger community event spanning several hospital campuses. This year marks the first time an outdoor Light the Night has taken place at WVU Medicine.

Participants carried lanterns: red for supporters, white for survivors, and gold for remembrance, before listening to personal testimonies from survivors.

14-year-old Micah Summey of Martinsburg and his father, Robert, shared their testimonies. When Micah was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, his family turned to WVU Medicine Children’s for care. He is now in remission and looking forward to starting his first year of high school.

The event was made possible thanks to the generosity of community partners like WVU Athletics, BFS Companies, and Blood Cancer United.

Blood Cancer United supports people affected by more than 100 types of blood cancer. The organization raises funds for life-saving research and has delivered more than $1.8 billion in financial assistance to families fighting cancer, including those in West Virginia.

“We are so proud and honored to bring?Light the Night?back to West Virginia in partnership with?WVU Medicine Children’s?and the?WVU Cancer Institute,” said Becca Gregory, campaign development director for Blood Cancer United. “Seeing patients, healthcare providers, families, and friends come together to bring light to the darkness of cancer was deeply moving—especially for our local patients who felt the strength and support of their community.” 

Editor’s Note:Family members, caregivers, and patients walk in support of blood cancer survivors at the Light the Night event.

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