On the evening of Oct. 30, 2025, the CSRA community gathered under the glow of hundreds of lanterns for “Light the Night,” a heartfelt event dedicated to the fight against blood cancer. This one-mile walk-through Evans Town Center Park illuminated both the night sky and the shared hope of survivors, families, and supporters determined to end blood cancers like Leukemia for good.
One of those survivors was Laney Aycock, who was designated the “Honored Hero” for the event and was also the featured speaker for the evening.
“Blood Cancer United helped us throughout the entire process (diagnosis, treatment and ultimately beating cancer) and we have been huge supporters of it ever since,” Aycock said.
Photo by Randy Pace
The one-mile march was more than a fundraiser — it was a celebration of courage and community. The event was organized and sponsored by Blood Cancer United. Families came together carrying lanterns in red, white, and gold, each color representing survivors, supporters, and those remembered. Children laughed and played in the lively kid zone, while local businesses and organizations rallied to raise funds for the cause of blood cancers and lifesaving research.
Blood Cancer United’s “Light the Night”. Photo by Randy Pace
According to the “Blood Cancer United” website, a nonprofit organization, there are 1.7 million Americans currently living with or in remission from blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Blood Cancer United was once known as The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Trisha Frey, campaign development manager with Blood Cancer United, who oversees “Light the Night” and said the fundraiser has a great impact on the CSRA.
“We have resources to help cancer patients and families all the way through the entire process of treatment,” Fey said. “Events like this is to raise awareness, but also lets people know that when you donate it is going back to the organization to help real people.”
One standout participant, TPS – The Pumping Station, took first place among corporate teams, raising an impressive $25,000 toward the cause. In the “Individual” category, Brad Sandbach also raised an impressive $25,000 dollars.
By night’s end, the event had raised over $60,000 dollars, with every dollar helping to fund treatment, patient support, and research aimed at finding a cure.
Aycock gave an impassioned speech about her struggles with cancer and ultimately becoming cancer free. Her speech ended with the powerful line: “Cancer will never have the final word” speaking to the resilience of the human spirit overcoming adversity.
The night closed with a sea of glowing lanterns — a symbol of unity, remembrance, and the ongoing fight to end blood cancer once and for all.
For more information, visit https://www.lightthenight.org/events/csra.
