Light The Night
Help Us Bring Light to the Darkness of Blood Cancer
Everyone with blood cancer deserves a longer, better life.
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, we will come together at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, NY for Light The Night. This inspiring evening unites survivors, families, friends, and community partners to celebrate, honor, and remember those touched by blood cancers.
What began as a $1 million goal in 2019 is now within reach. With just $25,000 to go, together we can reach this incredible milestone and continue making a difference for those impacted by blood cancer.
Join us as we walk in support of Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and its mission to improve the lives of those affected by blood cancers.
Light The Night Long Island Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Location: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater, Eisenhower Park, Merrick Ave, East Meadow, NY 11554
Parking: Parking lots are available throughout Eisenhower Park.
Event Festivities: Approximately 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Opening Ceremony & Walk: Approximately 7:00 PM
After the Walk: Fireworks following the walk
Why We Walk
Light The Night is about the people and families whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.
We walk to honor those in treatment, celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost, and stand beside the families, friends, caregivers, doctors, and nurses who support them along the way.
From Our Team
Jesse Giordano, CFP®, CAP®, RLP®, CBEC®, Financial Advisor, Principal
“Forty years ago, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I was just a kid, but I remember those moments as clearly as if they happened yesterday. Not just the pain and fear, but also the compassion, the people who showed up for me, who made sure I was never alone. That’s what Light The Night represents to me. It’s a chance to walk in honor of those who’ve been through blood cancer, to remember those we’ve lost, and to celebrate the progress we’ve made. But most of all, it’s a chance to be there for patients, families, doctors, and nurses, the same way others were there for me.”
Christine Ketcham, Relationship Manager
“I am walking in the Light The Night Blood Cancer United event in loving memory of my cousin, Peter J. Marcelle, who bravely battled multiple myeloma. Peter was more than family to me. He was a source of strength, laughter, and love and his courage throughout his fight continues to inspire me every day. I honor Peter’s legacy and stand with others affected by blood cancers by participating in this event. I walk to raise awareness, to support life-saving research, and to bring hope to families facing the same fight.”
Taylor Cala, Client Service Associate
“I walk for the ones who can’t, the fighters, the survivors, and in memory of those we carry in our hearts.”
Eugenia Kalaitzidis, Service Team Manager
“I walk for Jesse, for his strength, his courage, and his journey.
I walk for all the survivors who’ve battled blood cancers and won.
I walk for the fighters still in the thick of it, for their resilience and hope because none of us should fight alone.
I walk for Penny Wood, an inspiration, a fighter, a champion, and a force to be reckoned with. Her strength Lights The Night.”
Brittany Siemer, Marketing Manager
“I walk in memory of my uncle, who passed away from lung cancer in 2008. Although many years have passed, the impact of losing someone you love to cancer never truly leaves you. I walk to honor his memory, to stand alongside every family who has been touched by cancer, and to support the hope that continued research and progress can give more families more time with the people they love.”
How You Can Participate
There are several ways to be part of Light The Night and stand with those impacted by blood cancer.
- Walk With Us: Join Opal Wealth Advisors at Eisenhower Park and experience Light The Night alongside our team and community.
- Invite Friends & Family: Bring the people who matter to you and share in an evening of remembrance, hope, and support.
Help Us Reach $1 Million
We are closer than ever to a milestone that began years ago. With just $25,000 left to reach our $1 million goal, every contribution can help carry us across the finish line.
Your support helps Blood Cancer United advance research and provide resources and support for patients and families affected by blood cancers.