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Honored Patients
Nominate your person Honored Patient for the 2010 Walk!
The honored patients for Light The Night serve as the face of the mission of LLS by sharing his/her story with participants and the media. The individual?s picture and biography will be displayed on numerous promotional materials and opportunities for speaking engagements may also arise. The honored patient will inspire participant involvement in the LLS?s efforts to cure leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. In order for your honored patient to qualify, the individual must be a blood cancer patient or survivor and registered for the Light The Night Walk. If your patient is not registered click here. To nominate your patient follow the steps below:
- Fill out the application and turn it at your local Walk. For more information on your local Walk, call (800) 846-7764. For Indianapolis & South Bend participants all applications must be received by 9/21/09.
- Bring your honored patient to the Light The Night Walk and get his/her picture taken with a White Balloon (Photos will be used on the 2010 Walk materials)
Our Inspirations
Fort Wayne
Ren Alderfer, age 17
Bio coming Soon!
Greater Lafayette
Carter Hudson, Age 5
Carter Hudson, an inspiring and energetic 5 year old, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia shortly before his 4 th birthday in March of 2008. After only 29 days, Carter reached remission and he and his family feel very fortunate to have reached that milestone so quickly. This fall Carter will start kindergarten while continuing to be in long-term maintenance care of daily oral chemotherapy, monthly visits to Riley for IV chemo and quarterly spinal taps. Carter?s family hopes to educate people about leukemia by telling Carter?s story ? showing that cancer not only affects the patient, but the entire family. They are honored to be involved and hope that their journey can make a big impact!
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Indianapolis
Taylor Gassert
After being admitted to the hospital twice and visiting several doctors for a dislocated jaw, bone pain and high fevers, Taylor was admitted to the ER on January 3rd. During this visit, an ER doctor admitted Taylor for testing and discovered a compression fracture in her spine. For two days, Taylor endured many tests as a team of doctors worked together to diagnose her worsening condition. On January 5th, 2008, Taylor was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. There was a period of time during treatment where her doses were lowered due to low blood test results. There were also periods when her bone marrow could not produce new cells and Chemotherapy was stopped altogether. At the time of diagnosis, Taylor?s parents decided that she should try a "study" treatment protocol that would benefit other children in the future; something good had to come out of Taylor?s diagnosis. It has been one year now, and Taylor has endured and survived many hardships. Taylor reached "Maintenance" therapy on October 1st, 2008, and is still receiving Chemotherapy and Steroid treatments.
"It is truly an honor to be chosen to be an Honored Hero for The Light The Night Walk 2009.I participated in last year's event and fundraised almost $6,000 for LLS. I was so proud of myself for walking the whole way; it was hard to do. This year, I hope I can do the same. It was such a magical night that I will always remember."--Taylor Gassert
Indianapolis
Matt Weaver
After successfully surviving a four year battle with testicular cancer, Matt Weaver was looking forward to a bright future with his family. However, on December 19, 2005 he was diagnosed with CML and began another journey as a leukemia patient. After several consultations with many doctors Gleevec ® was determined to be the best course of treatment. In February, 2006, Matt started a Gleevec ® trial and responded quickly to the drug. Recently, he reached his 3rd anniversary of being on the drug and continues to get good news with every visit to the doctor. Matt looks forward to sharing his story and hopefully bringing some hope to other people who are going through similar circumstances that he and his family have gone through.
Northwest Indiana
Madelyn Nate, Age 4
Madelyn Nate is 4 years old and lives with her mom, Kathleen, and dad, Cal, in Schererville, Indiana. Madelyn was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October 2007. She is currently in maintenance chemotherapy, and is scheduled to complete treatments in January 2010. Madelyn likes to read books, play with "puppers", pretend to be a teacher, cook and shop. Madelyn and her family want to share her story in hopes of inspiring others to become involved in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and support those affected by blood cancers.
South Bend
Cindy Bechinski
Bio coming soon!
Winona Lake
Bill Crane
Bio coming soon!
