LAS VEGAS, NEV. – August 28, 2024 – Cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers gathered near the Las Vegas Strip to honor Nevadans affected by the disease, Wednesday evening. Lights of Hope was organized by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) to help strengthen its mission of reducing the cancer burden for everyone and shed light on public policies that would aid in the fight against cancer. The tribute included dozens of lit bags, each donning the name of a Nevadan that’s been touched by cancer.
“Lights of Hope is a beautiful tribute to those impacted by cancer,” said Samantha Gonzales-Russell, ACS CAN Nevada volunteer and three-time cancer survivor. “This event is a reminder to survivors, patients, and caregivers that they’re not alone. We also want lawmakers to know – cancer can be a devastating diagnosis. The power is their hands to help reduce this burden.”
According to the American Cancer Society’s annual Cancer Facts and Figures report, more than 18,000 Nevadans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year with nearly 5,500 people 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.
A representative from Senator Jacky Rosen’s office presented ACS CAN and its Nevada with a proclamation recognizing their efforts in fighting the disease.
Money raised from Lights of Hope 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 help fight cancer.
Bags from the display in Las Vegas will also be included in the National Lights of Hope tribute happening in Washington, D.C. in September. 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 Nevada 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.