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Shine for a Cure lights up the Sky Tower in the fight against blood cancer

Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand is lighting up the Sky Tower and to mark the inaugural ‘Shine for a Cure’ lantern ceremony – a first of its kind – to raise crucial funds for blood cancer research.

Building on the success of last year’s virtual event, Shine for a Cure is expanding to include two in-person events this year in Auckland’s Domain and Christchurch’s Hagley Park on Saturday, 21 September 2024.

These events aim to demonstrate solidarity among those affected by blood cancer, their families, their communities, and health care professionals and will include a free 5km lantern walk. Supporters around the country can take part by hosting their own community events.

Participants will complete the 5km walk holding lanterns to keep the memory of loved ones lost to cancer burning bright, to shine hope for those currently facing a cancer journey and to light the path towards a brighter future for those impacted by blood cancer.

“Shine for a Cure is not just about fundraising, it’s about bringing people impacted by cancer together” says Tim Edmonds, CEO of Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand. “By lighting up the Sky Tower and participating in the lantern walk, we honour those we’ve lost, support those who are battling, and help fund essential research for a brighter future.”

Each day, eight Kiwis—children and adults alike—are diagnosed with a form of blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. Blood cancers are the fourth most common cancer type in New Zealand, with leukaemia being the most frequently diagnosed childhood cancer and lymphoma most prevalent cancer among young people aged 15 to 23 years.

In the lead-up to the event, participants are encouraged to register online, inviting friends, family, and colleagues to get behind their fundraising efforts. Those who raise $100 or more will receive a lantern in one of three colours – gold to honour those who have passed away, white to show support for those affected by cancer, or teal to signify personal journeys with cancer.

Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand is the only national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancers and serious blood conditions. As a charity, it relies on the generosity of donors to be able to support patients, including through research.

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