Blood cancer survivor and Newtown resident Sandi Kessman, and her family and friends, are determined to help build awareness about the approximately 1,012,533 people in the United States living with a blood cancer. She will be among those showing their support by participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Newtown Light The Night Walk on Saturday, September 28, at Newtown Youth Academy, 4 Primrose Lane.

Registration begins at 5 pm, there will be a Remembrance Ceremony at 6:15, and the walk begins at 7 pm.

In June 2004, Ms Kessman was diagnosed with blood cancer. Her treatment included cranial radiation and intrathecal chemotherapy.

In February 2008 Ms Kessman received a stem cell transplant from her brother, who was almost a perfect match. She has been in remission ever since.

She has had many complications along the way and faces each challenge with strength and determination. Sandi is now cancer-free, a survivor and looking forward to participating in this year’s Light The Night Walk.

Light The Night, LLS’s annual fundraising walk held in communities throughout the country, features teams of co-workers, families and friends walking together in twilight holding illuminated balloons — white for survivors, red for supporters, and gold to remember those who have died.

The walk, which commemorates lives touched by blood cancers, is a celebration, with music, refreshments, and family activities.

“Light The Night is the nation’s opportunity to pay tribute to lives touched by blood cancer,” said Jean Montano, LLS Connecticut chapter executive director “We are grateful to all of our participants for supporting this lifesaving program. The funds raised help the society support leading-edge research and provide much-needed patient services.”

Last year, participants in Light The Night Walk raised more than $39 million, nationwide. For more information or to register for a local walk, contact the Connecticut chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 203-665-1400 or visit www.lightthenight.org/ct.

Newtown Kickoff, August 8

A kick-off for Newtown’s 2013 Light The Night will be hosted by My Place Restaurant, 8 Queen Street. The kick-off will be Thursday, August 8, at 6 pm.

Enjoy complimentary food and refreshments, and meet and greet other participants and Light The Night staff from the Connecticut chapter of LLS.

Visit www.lightthenight.org/ct for additional information on Light The Night in Newtown and other locations this season, as well as for information on how to start a team, fundraiser individually, or otherwise help LLS in its mission to cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.