This is the second year The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada held its unique fundraiser in Île Ste.Hélène’s Jean Drapeau Park. Along with major sponsor, Bristol-Myers Squibb, the Novartis team was also noticed. Product manager Teresa Fedeli from NDG was busy handing out water amidst the food, music and fun that began at 5:30 with ‘Stretch’, the MC clown.

Light the Night was one of the most remarkable events ever to be held on the island since Expo 67. Walkers carried one of three different coloured balloons: gold for the loss of a beloved; white for survivors, and red for supporters. Stats are encouraging. Alicia Talarico, the Society’s Montreal branch director, revealed: “In 1960, leukemia’s survival rate was 10%; in 2006, it rose to 46%. Hodgkin lymphoma rose from 30% to 84%!”

Thanks to the relentless hard work, spirit and optimism of Kabiria Espinosa, who co-ordinated Light the Night (walks take place all over North America), the event was a resounding success.” Participation exceeded our expectations and we anticipate donation funds to exceed last year’s.” she revealed proudly.

Sponsorship was done primarily on line. My sponsors were friends and Monkland Avenue businesses: Pâtisserie Nancy, Fleur Sauvage, Harold Bergman and Associates, Ye Olde Orchard and St-Viateur Bagel. Walking in memory of my father who passed away from leukemia, I was touched by the parade of balloons glowing in the dark. Together, we formed a spiritual rite of passage - flocks following each other on a 5-kilometre walk of hope and reflectiveness. The walk had moments of collective silence. Only the sound of waterfalls, reeds swaying in the wind, and stilts worn by two clowns tapping along the cement path were heard. Trees were lit by moonlight; Montreal’s cityscape sparkled across the water. The colossal landmark dome – once the U.S. pavilion - made its own luminescent impression.

On display was the exquisite hand-made jewelry of P.I.N.K. Created by the Frackt family in Cote St.-Luc, their designs dazzled. “We sell to retail and non-profit concerns. Putting sale proceeds into the Society is rewarding,” said Elissa Frackt.

One Snowdon woman – a generous, anonymous donor summed up everyone’s efforts: “If we don’t do this, it (blood cancers) will continue to do it to us.”

Upon returning home, unable to sleep, I turned on the TV. There he was – my dad – his face smiling huge across the screen! CTV must have done a close-up on the little photo

I had placed inside a memorial tent. That moment alone was worth walking for! Donations can still be made through their website www.marcheilluminela nuit.org or by calling them at 514) 875-1000.