2005 Light the Night - Opening Ceremony Speech

My name is Patty. On Christmas eve 2002, my daughter, Katie, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She was only 2 years old.

Katie went through 2 years and 2 months of intense chemotherapy, spinal taps, bone marrow aspirations, and blood transfusions. The leukemia caused compression fractures in her spine and she was unable to walk or even crawl for several months. She experienced many unpleasant and painful side effects from the chemotherapy.

Although Katie has been in remission since New Year's Eve 2003, we still worry that her leukemia could come back.

Yes, the survival rates for leukemia are much better than they were years ago, but there are still children who will die from this disease. Cancer remains the number one disease killer of children -- more than genetic anomalies, cystic fibrosis, and AIDS combined.

We have turned to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for accurate, up-to-date, disease-related information, education programs and family support groups to help us through the different phases of Katie's treatment. The Trish Greene Back to School Program for Children with Cancer helped us communicate with Katie's preschool so they had a better understanding of her needs while she was in active treatment.

One night, Katie made a wish on a star. She wished she was all better and there was no more leukemia. When we heard about the Light the Night Walk, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to help make Katie's wish come true. We participate as a family, with Katie leading our team. As we walk together, we look at the sea of illuminated red and white balloons, twinkling like stars, and we remember Katie's wish.

Light the Night is a time for us to be with family and friends, and to celebrate life!! It is also a time for us to remember those like my Uncle John, who lost his battle with Hodgkin's disease almost 40 years ago. Had my Uncle been diagnosed today, I know he would be walking with us as a survivor.

Katie is now 5 1/2 years old and a 7-month cancer survivor! Tonight she will be walking, and proudly carrying her white balloon – her symbol of her wish for a cure.

Your participation in the Light the Night Walk will help many more kids like Katie, and her friends here, in their fight against leukemia and other blood cancers. We thank you for joining us at this year's walk, and sharing in our celebration of life and hope.

Thank you!