Imagine hundreds of colorful lit bags, each decorated with a loved one's name and cancer story. Now, imagine them displayed around the pond on ORAU’s beautiful Oak Ridge main campus.
That will be the case on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, when Lights of Hope Across America comes to Oak Ridge. Lights of Hope will be on display from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at ORAU, 100 ORAU Way, in Oak Ridge.
Each year, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) hosts Lights of Hope Across America as a powerful tribute to remember loved ones lost to cancer and celebrate the more than 18 million cancer survivors alive today. Events like the one being held in Oak Ridge give community residents the opportunity to honor and remember their loved ones, family and friends who have faced cancer. Lights may be purchased for a $10 donation to ACS CAN; all proceeds benefit ACS CAN. Donations may be made online.
The ORAU event is organized by Michael Holtz, a 12-year survivor of stage-IIIb rectal cancer who has been a long-time leadership volunteer for ACS CAN. Holtz is ORAU associate manager for communications and marketing.
“Every year, I look forward to getting my neighbors, family members and friends in East Tennessee involved in this heartfelt event to honor and remember our loved ones and their cancer fight as well as support the work of ACS CAN to implement effective policies to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.”
For details on how to dedicate a Lights of Hope bag, please contact Michael Holtz or donate online.
Lights of Hope Across America in Oak Ridge is sponsored by ORAU, Thompson Cancer Survival Center, Threds and Food City.