Urges Local Businesses Take the First Step to Help a Good Cause

Springfield, MA (June 29, 2009) – The Massachusetts Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) named Gary Rome chair of its 2009 Northampton Light The Night® Walk, the LLS annual fundraising event each fall to raise money for cancer research and patient services. Mr. Rome is hosting a complimentary summer BBQ at his Holyoke dealership on Saturday, July 11th at 11:00 a.m. for guests to learn how they can be involved.

LLS holds walks each fall in approximately 230 communities across the United States and Canada. Participants at the walks carry illuminated balloons – white for survivors, red for supporters, and gold to remember those who have died – to honor and commemorate lives touched by blood cancer. The Northampton Walk will take place on Sunday, September 13th at Look Memorial Park in Northampton, MA. Last year’s Northampton Light The Night Walk raised more than $55,000 and the Massachusetts Chapter raised more than $1,050,000 throughout its six walk locations.

“Light The Night is a great way to build a spirit of caring and cooperation among employees as they help others,” said Rome. “I am honored to serve as the chair to and look forward to encouraging commitment from local businesses and corporations.”

The funds raised through corporate and individual contributions help to find cures and better therapies for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to provide information, education and support for patients and their families.

“Light The Night Walk gives hope to patients and their families and lets them know they are not alone in their battle against cancer,” said Rebecca Longworth, Campaign Manager.

To find out more about forming a team or participating in a Light The Night walk, or to attend the recruitment BBQ on July 11th, contact the Light The Night Staff at the Massachusetts Chapter at 508-810-1342 or visit www.lightthenight.org/ma.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
world and provides free information and support services. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the