Light the Night Walk

Last night was the 10th Annual Light the Night (LTN) Walk, benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). It was such a nice way to end the fundraising efforts to which Meredith, Nicole and I have dedicated our time. Our fundraising efforts began back in May when we started planning the big garage sale. Once that was over, we planned the night out in Hoboken which took place 2 weeks ago. We all put a lot of time and effort into raising money for the LLS, so we were pleased with the results. I'm not sure of the final figures, but I think we raised just over $6,000 for Meredith's team, the Naratroopers!

Last year, the walk was such a fun family outing ... the weather was beautiful, so it was nice to be on the pier in Hoboken, overlooking the spectacular Manhattan skyline. This year, the forecast was RAIN, RAIN, and more RAIN. In the days leading up to the walk, it rained a lot and we figured everything would be so wet that it wouldn't be worth bringing the kids. So, we left our husbands home watching the kiddies and enjoyed a pleasant adult night.

Thanks to the forecast, I figured it was going to pour rain on us the entire time, so we'd be walking in puddles of water. I hate when water soaks through my shoes, so I wore my only water-proof shoes, my Sorel snow boots! I felt like such a dork when I got there and everyone was in normal shoes and there were no puddles, or rain! It was just REALLY humid and it only drizzled. I'm such a geek in my boots!!


Each person received a balloon that had a little light in it. The three of us also got these yellow shirts for achieving the "Bright Lights" level, which meant we each raised over $1,000.

Team Naratroopers ... We walked in memory of Meredith's mother, Nara Purcell, as well as Bart Heid, Nicole's Father-In-Law. I also walked in support of Nila Mendez, my Mother-In-Law who is currently battling Leukemia.

Patricia and Meredith

Amanda, Nicole and Meredith, just before the walk began

Meredith and her brother, Jim Purcell

Beginning of the walk ... it was so difficult to get a good picture of the illuminated balloons with just a point & shoot camera! If the flash goes off, you can't see how the balloons light up, but if you don't use a flash, the picture comes out blurry. I need a professional camera where I can adjust the shutter speed!

Nicole and her good friend Michael

During the walk ... here is Meredith and her brother, along with their aunt (Nara's sister) and her boyfriend. The white dots are the raindrops.

Meredith, at the end of the walk

Although I was initially disappointed that it was nothing like last year (with our husbands, children, and beautiful weather) it turned out to be a really nice night. Thank you to EVERYONE who helped out in our fundraising efforts ... whether you helped with the garage sale, the night out in Hoboken, or if you donated online, I hope you know how much it was appreciated. Hopefully, the money that was raised will help save and extend lives for those unfortunate people who are diagnosed with blood cancers.