JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dozens of walkers gathered at the Jacksonville Landing Thursday evening-- lighting the night to raise awareness and funds to help battle leukemia and lymphoma.
Many supporters joined fighters and survivors for the annual Light the Night Walk. Many in the group had formed fundraising teams and donned T-shirts honoring loved ones lost to leukemia and lymphoma.
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There were songs, readings and prayers, as well as a light and balloon release.
Thursday night's gathering, mirrored similar walks in nearly 200 communities across north America every fall.
News4Jax spoke to Sydney Franklin, whose mother died of lymphoma at the walk. Franklin and many others had no idea so many others were affected by these cancers.
"After coming out and seeing all of the people and everybody who's been touched by the different types of cancer, it's just overwhelming," Franklin said.
"It's amazing how generous people are when you tell them what you're walking for, and for who, and what that person meant to you in your life. And now that they're not there, they're eager to help and support and find a cure," said Shannon Sturm.
Funds raised by the different teams will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma society which will use the money for life-saving treatments.