PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — It was a festive night as 5,000 people got their lanterns and took a mile walk across Tilikum Crossing for Light the Night.

Thousands of people walked across the Tilikum Crossing Bridge in Portland for Light the Night on October 27, 2018. (KOIN) 

Cancer survivors and supporters walked together — white lanterns representing survivors and those still battling blood disease, gold lanterns honoring those that were lost and red lanterns glowing for caregivers, supporters and friends. 

“I’m always grateful as all these people are, it’s nice to grow older and still live,” survivor Cliff Goldman said. 

Colette Yaspo carried her light for Sasha, a 3-year-old battling leukemia. The little girl inspired Yaspo to wear her favorite bird in her honor.

“For 3 years old, she gives you the energy that nobody knows you need,” Yaspo said. “So we are here for Sasha Fierce, so go flamingos.”

KOIN anchor Jeff Gianola visited Sasha this week before walking at Light the Night.

“I’m just amazed, even on the KOIN team, the people who are walking on the KOIN Team,” Gianola said. “There’s quite a number of  people who’ve had leukemia in their family or who are walking for people who’ve passed on and this is just a great show of support tonight.”

KOIN anchor Dan Tilkin also joined in memory of a lost loved one.

“My wife had a very good friend who died of blood cancer, so we’re thinking about her and thinking about everyone gong through the same type of thing,” Tilkin said. “It’s great to see everybody coming together. I never imagined it would be this many people channeling that good energy in one direction.”

This was the 19th year of Light the Night, which raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“You have one little light it ticks out all the darkness,” Goldman said. “Hope is really important.”