PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Hundreds of people walked across the Tilikum Crossing Saturday evening for the 20th annual Light the Night Walk.

The walk, put on by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society raised money for cancer treatments. The paper lanterns participants carried help to bring light to the darkness of cancer.

“This event is about raising awareness about blood cancers, celebrating the survivors, and raising money to fund the mission of LLS,” said oncologist Kate Kolibaba.

It’s a special night, not just to raise awareness of the diseases, but to show support for those who are currently battling cancer—fighters of all ages.

“We all have our own personal reasons for being here, for coming out,” said host Craig Walker. “But our focus is singular – to show Portland, southwest Washington, and the whole world that we want to see the end of cancer!”

  • People stand in a crowd at the beginning of the Light the Night Walk outside of OMSI in Portland. October 12, 2019. (KOIN)
  • Speaker Brett Walker kicks off the Light the Night event put on by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society outside of Portland’s OMSI. October 12, 2019 (KOIN)
  • Participants carry white lanterns to represent that they are cancer survivors. October 12, 2019 (KOIN)
  • Red lanterns are for friends and supporters of caner fighters and survivors. October 12, 2019 (KOIN)
  • Some people in the crowd at the Light the Night Walk carry gold lanterns to remember those who have lost their lives to blood cancers. October 12, 2019 (KOIN)
  • A participant in the Light the Night Walk holds a white lantern to symbolize being a cancer survivor. October 12, 2019. (KOIN)
  • Cancer fighters, survivors, and supports walk in Portland for the 20th annual Light the Night, put on by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. October 12, 2019 (KOIN)
  • Hundreds walk in the Light the Night Walk. October 12, 2019 (KOIN)
  • Families, friends, cancer survivors and supports carry lanterns in the Light the Night Walk. October 12, 2019 (KOIN)
  • Participants in the Light the Night wear matching shirts and hold lanterns to bring light to the darkness of cancer. October 12, 2019 (KOIN)
  • Participants carry white lanterns to represent that they are cancer survivors. October 12, 2019 (KOIN)
  • Some people in the crowd at the Light the Night Walk carry gold lanterns to remember those who have lost their lives to blood cancers. October 12, 2019 (KOIN)
  • People walk across the Tilikum Crossing in the Light the Night Walk and fundraiser. October 12, 2019 (KOIN)

“Our lanterns of gold, white, and red represent our reasons for lighting the night,” said Walker.

Those who walked with white lanterns are cancer survivors. The red lanterns are a symbol for friends and supporters, while others carried gold lanterns to remember those who have lost their lives to blood cancers. During Walker’s speech, he paused and asked each group of lantern holders to take a turn raising their lanterns high in the air, bringing visibility to the variety of participants.

Brenna Messner, a Lake Oswego senior, was among those who were lighting the sky with white lanterns. She recently had brain surgery to remove a tumor.

“I’m thrilled to tell you that my body shows no signs of cancer,” Messner said before cheering. “Being connected with LLS and Light the Night has been such an important part of my cancer journey—I’m so proud to be here with you all tonight.”

The crowd gathered outside of OMSI and then folks paraded over the Tilikum Crossing with flashing necklaces, supportive shirts, and, of course, their lanterns. The night ended with a fireworks show over the river.

If you weren’t able to attend in person, you can watch the full live-stream of the walk below and learn more about the event.