Shining like a star: Bridge lightings to put focus on childhood cancer

Hannah Morse, The Patriot Ledger
·2 min read

Four bridges in Massachusetts will be bathed in gold light on Saturday evening to put a spotlight on pediatric cancer.

The Fore River Bridge connecting Quincy to Weymouth will be lit up for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month at the request of This Star Won’t Go Out, a nonprofit that focuses on supporting families impacted by pediatric cancer.

The Zakim and Longfellow bridges in Boston and the Kenneth M. Burns Memorial Bridge in Worcester will also shine bright gold.

This Star Won't Go Out was founded by the Earls of Quincy

Over the past 12 years, the nonprofit has raised more than half a million dollars to help ease the financial burden on these families by defraying costs related to housing, utilities, transportation and other expenses. This Star Won't Go Out tries to help at least 30 families a year, offering grants of up to $2,000 each.

The nonprofit was started by the parents of Esther Earl, a 16-year-old North Quincy High School student who died in 2010 after fighting thyroid cancer for four years.

Quincy native Esther Earl, who died from thyroid cancer in 2010, is the inspiration of John Green's book "The Fault in Our Stars."
Quincy native Esther Earl, who died from thyroid cancer in 2010, is the inspiration of John Green's book "The Fault in Our Stars."

More: Quincy girl who died of cancer shines forever in 'Stars'

Esther Earl was the inspiration for 'The Fault in Our Stars' book and movie

Esther was the inspiration for the John Green novel, “The Fault in Our Stars,” which was turned into a movie starring Shailene Woodley, who played the character based on Esther, and Ansel Elgort. She was a fan of Green’s work and first met him at a Harry Potter convention in Boston.

A book of essays by Esther, family and friends was published in the same name as the nonprofit.

Gala at Break Rock Brewing in Quincy to raise money for pediatric cancer families

The nonprofit will continue raising money for its mission during the annual Shine Under the Stars Gala later this month.

"Unfortunately, incidences of childhood cancer have not decreased," said Lori Earl, Esther's mother. "Treatments have improved, which is amazing, but families — especially with these difficult times — have such great financial needs when trying to care for their child."

Lori said families should be able to focus on their child, not the stress of finances.

The event will take place on Sept. 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Break Rock Brewing in Quincy. Tickets are $70 and include a free drink and raffle ticket, as well as access to a silent auction. The hosts are Annie Dow, a friend of Esther's, and Kennedy Elsey of Mix 104.1. Guests will be entertained by DJ Silent Partner.

Some children and families who have benefited from the nonprofit’s will be in attendance. Food will be catered by Victory Point Bar & Grill, Boardwalk Pizza, Konditor Meister and Montilio's.

Lori Earl, Esther's mother, said they hope to raise $50,000.

For more information, visit onecau.se/shinegala2023.

Hannah Morse covers growth and development for The Patriot Ledger. Contact her at hmorse@patriotledger.com.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Why is is the Fore River Bridge lit up in gold?