Local man to host sixth Light the Night walk

Shelby Reeves, Chillicothe Gazette
·2 min read
During the Light the Night walk supporters are given lanterns to carry with red representing support, gold representing remembrance and white representing survivors.
During the Light the Night walk supporters are given lanterns to carry with red representing support, gold representing remembrance and white representing survivors.
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CHILLICOTHE — For the sixth time local man, Dave Reitz, will be hosting a Light the Night event in Downtown Chillicothe to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

"It is a great organization," said Reitz.

Reitz was diagnosed in 2014 with fast-progressing chronic lymphocytic leukemia, in 2017 his cancer had reached stage four. the LLS helped him secure three trial drugs to help him manage his cancer that his insurance would not approve. Though he is not in remission Reitz has hope and continues to fight.

He hopes with his support the LLS can continue to help others like him. While he walks to raise money he also aims to educate people about the organization and blood cancer, as he knows that until you are diagnosed you may know little about the different blood cancers.

See more from previous walks: Leukemia survivor to host second annual Light the Night walk

To raise money and awareness Reitz will be holding a downtown walk where all are invited to join him during the mile loop as well as visit local shops and businesses. Those who want to can carry lanterns, red in support, gold in remembrance and white for survivors.

Reitz also invites all of those battling cancer or who want to show their support to join in the walk.

"The walk is really for all," said Reitz "I think we all need that light and hope."

Over the last five years, Reitz and the community have raised around $38,000. So far this year he has raised around $3,100 and hopes to increase this number by the walk.

The walk will take place at 6:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 6 p.m., on Oct. 12 starting at Picture This Gift Shop in Chillicothe. The walk is free but those wanting to donate can do so online on the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Join this year's Light the Night walk to support blood cancer patients