Shuran Jandu - Bright Lights Hasebenebi (In Memory) & Preety (Survivor)
I got involved with the LLSC when my best friend was diagnosed in 2013 or 2014 with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. She’s doing well now but had new born at the time. She had to undergo heavy chemo and treatment but came out of it doing really well. I did the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco in 2015 for her with Team In Training. Then my girlfriend lost her dad to leukemia in August (2019) and that’s was why I did the walk. He had a long battle with ups and downs and eventually he passed away. It was very emotional but also an uplifting walk to participate in. Everyone is there together. You’re walking by SickKids and they’re cheering for you and it’s like but I’m cheering for you!
The Light the Night event came so soon after my girlfriends’ father's passing, they lost track of time and were worried about not having fundraised enough. To which I replied, you don't have to worry about it just show up. Their father was a real mover and shaker. He really contributed and they all want to give and Light The Night is one way to do that. We’re blessed that we don’t need the help but there are many people who do.
You can use the walk as an opportunity to reconnect and they can help “distract” and focus on what’s right and good. Come in a little open hearted - the struggle isn’t ours but the person going through it. Show up for them.
Your Message to the Blood Cancer Community:
We’re all healing together. Though we may be separate in our homes we all have time to reflect, and grow together. We can enjoy the moment we have now. There is a lot of greatness to come out of isolation. The sun shows up every day it is just that the clouds are hiding it.
