(Grand Rapids, MI) - October 19, 2009 -Madi McLean and Blair Downey are grateful for the 350 walkers who participated in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk in Kalamazoo on Saturday, October 17. Both girls shared the title of Honored Hero for the event, which raised $100,000.

"This year's walk was really inspirational," says Walk Coordinator Brenda Zwyghuizen. "It was wonderful to see so many people come together to fight blood cancers and fundraise to help find a cure."

Survivors like Madi and Blair joined The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Bronson Park in Kalamazoo 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 Kalamazoo 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 Kalamazoo 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 family activities provided by Prairie Farms and a special program dedicated to honored heroes Madi and Blair.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Kalamazoo Light The Night Walk was also sponsored by many local businesses, including Wendy's  of Michigan, Harding's, Fazoli's, C.H. Robinson Worldwide and Prairie Farms.

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.