Cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers gathered in Phoenix to honor Arizonans affected by the disease, Tuesday evening. The event, hosted at Dignity Health Cancer Institute at St. Joseph’s, was organized by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) as part of Lights of Hope Across America, the organization’s signature fundraiser aimed at strengthening the mission of reducing the cancer burden for everyone. The display included dozens of lit bags, each representing an Arizonan touched by the disease.
“Lights of Hope a powerful tribute and serves as a reminder to lawmakers that we need their help in fighting this disease,” said Amy Graham, ACS CAN Arizona lead volunteer. “I’ve seen the impact cancer has had on my family and I know many Arizonans have witnessed the same. I hope this event shows lawmakers -- the power is in their hands to help reduce the burden of this disease.”
According to the American Cancer Society’s annual Cancer Facts and Figures report, nearly 43,000 Arizonans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year and more than 13,000 people are expected to die from the disease. Cancer also remains the second-leading cause of death in the state, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Lights of Hope is ACS CAN’s signature fundraiser. Money raised from the event in Phoenix will go directly towards the organization’s mission of reducing the cancer burden for everyone through research funding and advocating for evidence-based public policies that aid in the fight against cancer.
Bags from the display in Phoenix will also be included in the National Lights of Hope tribute happening in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, September 17th. The event features tens-of-thousands lit bags on display near the Washington Monument at the Constitution Gardens. Several volunteers will travel to D.C., as well, to represent Arizona at ACS CAN’s Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Volunteers plan to meet with the state’s congressional delegation and discuss policies that would help cancer patients and survivors.