(Madison Heights, MI) - October 19, 2009 - Ten-year-old Aaron Blanzy and his family are thankful that 350 walkers participated in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk Downriver on Friday, October 16. Aaron, who was diagnosed with T-Cell acute lymphocytic leukemia in 2008, was honored hero for the event, which raised $56,000.

"This year's walk was really incredible," says Walk Coordinator Stephanie Holland. "It's inspiring to see so many people come together to fight blood cancers and fundraise to help find a cure."

Survivors like Aaron joined The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in downtown Wyandotte for a walk to raise funds for blood cancer research and patient services. Survivors and supporters alike walked in teams consisting of co-workers, families and friends. During the two-mile walk in Wyandotte each participant held an illuminated, colored balloon to display how blood cancers have affected their lives - white for survivors, red for supporters and gold to remember those who have lost their battle.

The Downriver Light the Night Walk is one of five events hosted by the Michigan chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to raise money for blood cancer research, education and patient services. Donations are still being accepted for all Walks and can be made by calling (248) 581-3941 or by mailing checks to LLS, Attn: Light The Night, 1421 E. 12 Mile Road in Madison Heights, MI, 48071.

In addition to fundraising, participants enjoyed food from Sisters Cuisine and family activities provided by Cary Ann's Clown Caravan

In addition to the abundant individual participation, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Downriver Light The Night Walk was also sponsored by local businesses, and this year's media partner was Heritage Newspapers.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. 
 
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.