WHITE, gold and blue lanterns filled Mount Gambier’s night skyline on Friday when hundreds gathered at the Cave Gardens for the 10th annual Leukaemia Foundation Light the Night event.
An emotional evening saw around 200 people “light the way” for those affected by blood cancer in the community.
Tears were shed as the strong crowd conducted a short walk through the city streets to remember, reflect and also celebrate what they have achieved to help people with blood cancer.
Event organiser Josephine Patzel was blown away by the turnout at the event and praised the Limestone Coast community for its support of the event.
“The array of colour walking along the street was beautiful,” Ms Patzel said.
“We have a great community here in the South East and the unity of everyone coming together for something so important gives me a really warm, fuzzy feeling.”
The evening was particularly poignant for Mount Gambier’s Earl family, who spent the evening marking 10 years since the death of their daughter, sister and aunt Bianca Earl.
Bianca died aged just 29 in October 2007 following complications from leukaemia.
Gold ambassadors David and Sue Earl, along with daughters Lechelle Earl and Casey Allen and granddaughters Ashiah Earl Yeates and Tyga Allen led the Light the Night walk.
“It was so lovely to look out and see so many of Bianca’s friends and family there with us on the night – it just showed us that during Bianca’s short life she touched so many people,” Lechelle said.
“The Cave Gardens looked breathtaking lit up with a sea of lanterns, adding to the touching nature of the night.”
The family paid tribute to Bianca during the event, with Lechelle speaking about the legacy her sister had left to the Mount Gambier community.
“While the night was one of raw emotion, we were honoured to be able to speak in memory of Bianca and genuinely thank the Leukaemia Foundation for having us as their gold ambassadors for such a beautiful event,” Lechelle said.
“We wanted to thank everyone who attended for their ongoing support and for taking the time out of their busy lives to remember Bianca in that way.”
Following the event, Lechelle said the night had been one of reflection for her family.
“A special highlight was Ali Vilani and Ben Hood performing a Pink song in honour of Bianca, which was an extra special touch as Bianca absolutely loved Pink’s music,” she said.
“I hope that everyone who attended knows that they are contributing towards the ongoing search for a cure for this insidious disease.”
With 35 more people diagnosed with blood cancer each day, Ms Patzel said the most important factor of the event was raising awareness.
“The meaning of the night is to get everyone together to show hope and support,” she said.
“The whole night’s focus is to raise awareness about blood cancer, but also to raise funds for the Leukaemia foundation.”
