The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is out to prove the benefit of everyday kindness, on the third annual National Random Acts of Light Day, set for June 13. In conjunction with LLS’s Light The Night campaign, Random Acts of Light aims to create awareness and educate the public about the critical need to fund research to find cures for blood cancer patients, and ensure they have access to lifesaving treatments. In celebration of bringing light to more than 50 cancer patients since the campaign launched in 2016, LLS is highlighting some remarkable young survivors who were featured in Random Acts of Light campaign in 2019.
Athena Receives a Chocolate Lover’s Dream
Eight-year-old Athena, an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivor, is a huge chocolate lover. In fact, chocolate helped her cope with her treatment. When she was surprised with a day to be a “kid in a candy shop” at Aigner Chocolates in Forest Hills, NY, she was living a chocolate lover’s dream. Athena received a tour of the chocolate shop, including unlimited taste tests! She even went home with a two-foot bunny – more chocolate than she could carry!
Mikah Becomes a NFL Player for a Day
Last year, five-year-old Mikah was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but chemotherapy didn’t stop him from becoming a “Los Angeles Charger for a day” when he was presented with a Random Act of Light from LLS and the Chargers. His special surprise included hanging out with Chargers center Scott Quessenberry, a personal tour of Hoag Performance Center, a personalized nameplate in the locker room and more.
Daylin Receives a Surprise of a Lifetime: A Trip to Disney
When 13-year-old Daylin of Lake Wales, FL, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in May 2018, he was given a 10 percent chance of survival. A bone marrow transplant from his mom ultimately saved his life, and today, Daylin is in remission. To brighten his spirits, LLS surprised Daylin with three all-inclusive tickets to Busch Gardens Tampa! In addition, the aspiring football player received a jersey signed by his idol, NFL wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr.
Want to get involved?
Despite the many advances in cancer treatments and survival rates, many patients are still living with cancer and experiencing the darkness that can come with it. If you want to join the movement and bring light to someone you know who has been touched with cancer, here are some ways you can get involved:
- Post about National Random Acts of Light Day on June 13 and tag #RandomActsofLight across your social channels
- Create a special experience for someone touched with cancer in your community – this can be however big or small. Some ways you can help:
- Surprise a family in the hospital with a meal or gift certificate
- Give a patient or survivor free tickets to a game for their favorite team
- Arrange a surprise photo shoot with a survivor
Be sure to include a photo or video and tag Light The Night on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.