Light The Night is a fundraising walk where illuminated lanterns are released, helping to bring hope to people battling blood cancers by celebrating survivors and honouring those who've been lost.
The event has lit-up Halifax for four-years running and is now expanding to other parts of the region.
In May 2006, Jon Kenyon received a terrible diagnosis.
“He had AML, which is acute leukemia,” says Jon’s mother Elaine Kenyon.
The cancer was aggressive and the treatments were difficult.
Jon lost his eyesight, his appetite, and soon his ability to breathe.
“His lungs were the last to be attacked, and breathing became difficult and he became very much out of breath,” says Elaine.
Jon passed away in December 2007 at the age of 34.
“Even though we're several years into it, we still shed a tear every now and then. Then I say ‘what would Jon want me do,’ and he would say ‘stop weeping, get on and do something,’” says Jon’s father Bob Kenyon.
So Jon's family and friends decided to partake in Light The Night.
Team Kenyon has participated in the Halifax event for three years. This year, they've organized their own event in Fredericton, which takes place Saturday evening at Queens Square.
Those who've taken part in the Halifax event are happy to see it expand.
“Some people are very emotional, but it feels good, it's a good event,” says Jon’s friend Kevin Christie.
“It’s beautiful when you see all these lanterns going ahead at dusk,” says Elaine.
“What a way to bring the awareness to Fredericton and to honour his memory with that.”
While the glow of the lanterns is a beautiful sight, it is also a reminder of how many people blood cancer touches.
“How many people have gone through this experience of children with blood cancers, and adults with blood cancers?” says Bob.
Light The Night events happen throughout the year, all over the country. The Halifax and Sydney walks will take place October 24.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Nick Moore
