Light the Night: Hundreds to gather in Milwaukee bringing light to the darkness of cancer

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- More than 1,000 people are expected to gather at Henry Maier Festival Park Thursday night, Oct. 5 to honor and celebrate those who have been touched by blood cancers. It is the 30-year anniversary of Light the Night celebration and CBS 58 is a proud partner of the event. 

Our very own CBS 58's Justin Thompson-Gree is the emcee, and you may not know this is a topic that hits close to home for him. Justin's father is currently fighting leukemia and both will be in attendance -- bringing light to the darkness of cancer. 

"I basically went from being very healthy person for my age and then suddenly everything shifted, and everything changed," said Bob Thompson-Gee, Justin's dad. 

"We just knew there was something up," Justin said. "We just kind of weren't sure what it was." 

Bob Thompson-Gee says his battle with leukemia started last year, a bone marrow transplant followed his diagnosis in October. His battle isn't over but he's on the up and up. Bob says his family, and Justin's visits to the hospital helped him push forward during those dark times. 

Light the Night, a mile walk along the riverfront will be illuminated by several lanterns that hold different meanings. 

“Red is for community supporters, white is for survivors and patients, and gold is for memory of," said Steven Bloom, campaign development manager with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society say their goal is to not only bring light to the darkness of cancer but to also raise funds to support families and patients. 

Their goal is to raise a quarter of a million dollars -- and they are about halfway there.