Lighting the way
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of lights will illuminate Cranberry Township Community Park on Saturday night to celebrate and commemorate those who have battled cancer.
The American Cancer Society typically holds a relay every year in the township to raise money for cancer-related efforts, but this year the event was canceled over coronavirus concerns.
Doni Matrone, hired by the organization as the community development manager in October, said the spread of the virus forced her and the organization to come up with another solution to fundraising. Matrone and others decided on holding one element of the relay — setting up white paper bags with lights inside all along the park at 111 Ernie Mashuda Drive.
At first, Matrone expected to get a few hundred people interested in setting up luminaria bags to commemorate cancer patients, but Matrone said so far they have received interest from more than a thousand people who want to participate. The people will be invited to drive through the illuminated paths in the park.
“Our luminaria will light Cranberry Community Park to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember those who have lost their battle and fight back against a disease that has taken too much,” Matrone said. “This ceremony of light symbolizes the hope and perseverance with which we all continue to fight.”And the increased popularity of the event is welcome news for Matrone. She noted that by this time of the year the organization would have already held about five to six fundraisers.“This fundraising will support so many amazing things I could talk to you for hours about. Our main mission is to save lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer, so that one day no one will hear those words, 'you have cancer,'” Matrone said. “It supports treatment research, road to recovery program and one of my favorite resources is our national cancer information center phone number.”The number is 800-227-2345, and it serves as a hot-line that is available 24/7 and can be used by people seeking treatment information or a comforting word.Those interested in donating money or a bag can do so on the website, relayforlife.org/pacranberry.
