SALT LAKE CITY – August 25, 2024 – Cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers gathered on the steps of the Utah State Capitol to honor Utahns affected by the disease, Saturday evening. The event 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 powerful display included dozens of lit bags, each representing a Utahn touched by the disease.
“Not only is Lights of Hope a beautiful tribute to those impacted by cancer, but the display also serves as a reminder to lawmakers that we need their help in fighting this disease,” said Catherine Standiford, ACS CAN Utah lead volunteer. “As the daughter of a survivor and loved one to many who’ve been diagnosed, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating toll a cancer diagnosis can take on families. We hope this event shows lawmakers -- the power is in their hands to help reduce this burden.”
According to the American Cancer Society’s annual Cancer Facts and Figures report, more than 13,500 Utahns are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year and more than 3,700 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Utah 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.