In the United States, it is estimated that nearly two million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Of that group, nearly 190,000 will hear from their doctors that they have been diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma – all forms of blood cancer. Approximately every three minutes, one person is diagnosed with blood cancer, and about every nine minutes, one person dies from the disease. These numbers are only projected to climb in the coming years, marking the importance of investing in blood cancer research to find cures.

Since 2016, Spangler Subaru has been involved with aiding the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in some capacity. Whether it is through corporate fundraising, personal gifts, or simply offering a warm blanket to an individual fighting the disease for Subaru Loves to Care, our goal is to help see through that a cure is found. For the second straight year, we are proud to have hosted the volunteer-led Greater Alleghenies Light the Night. The event, which took place on a warm, clear evening in early October on our dealership's parking lot, is a continuation of the previous iterations hosted by LLS at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ). Changing economic conditions forced LLS to withdraw its event, but offered full support to anyone willing to lead a volunteer-led version.

Before the ceremony began, attendees were welcome to enjoy free catering, select hot and cold drinks provided by Galliker’s Dairy and Pepsico, and live music provided by Darlington. There were a number of activities to interact with as well, including taking pictures at the selfie station, honoring those who have passed at the Remembrance Lounge, and playing with outdoor games. Once the sun set, local TV personality and blood cancer survivor, Marty Radovanic, took the stage to lead us during the ceremony. We heard stories of survivorship and stories of loss. We honored local survivors, who lifted their white lanterns high in the air in triumph, and we surrounded them with gold (mourning) and red (supporter) lanterns in solidarity. At the conclusion, 200 attendees walked a mile through a residential area with their lanterns still shining bright.

To date, the Greater Alleghenies Light the Night has raised over $25,000 for blood cancer research, and that number will continue to grow through the end of the year. You can donate to our corporate fundraising campaign here .