Lighting the way to a cure

Cancer touches so many lives, and to honor survivors and remember those who lost their lives to cancer, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) will host their annual Lights of Hope ceremony in Washington D.C.

On Sept. 12, thousands of luminary bags will light up the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool with hope from across the country. According to ACS CAN, Lights of Hope bearing the names of those touched by cancer will line the reflecting pool in an experience to fight back against cancer.

Lights of Hope began in 2011 at the National Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, where 1,200 bags lined the capitol’s reflecting pool that year celebrating ACS CAN’s 10th anniversary. In 2012, 7,000 Lights of Hope bags lit up the capitol in honor of cancer patients, survivors and loved ones lost across the U.S., which continues today.

Lee Turner, ambassador constituent team lead for ACS CAN, representing Congressional District 8 (which includes the Houston County area), has said previously that this event is also very important in bringing more awareness and reaching out to elected officials. He said the ultimate goal is to support research in order to find a cure.

“It’s so important that we continue to talk to our elected officials to get that funding for that research for cancer issues,” says Turner.

Every year, he collects money for luminary bags honoring loved ones from his district. This marks Turner’s 10th year traveling to the capitol to represent his area, which means a lot to him.

Turner also revealed that he was selected this year as the state lead ambassador.

“I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said during a phone interview Thursday, noting he took on the new role in January. He said he’s been traveling the state ever since.

Local businesses and citizens can honor a loved one, friend or employee affected by cancer by purchasing a luminary bag for $10. Those interested in purchasing a bag can contact Turner at (229) 848-6123 or sophienbailey@yahoo.com. Checks can also be mailed to 1134 Ty Ty-Sparks Road, Tifton, GA 31793.

Turner said his deadline this year to turn in funds is Aug. 14, which all proceeds will go toward the American Cancer Society. His goal is to have 400 bags from his district (from Macon to Valdosta) represented at the capitol. He currently has 110 bags.

Turner noted the ceremony was moved this year from the capitol’s reflecting pool to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool due to construction, which he looks forward to attending and says it will be beautiful.

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