On Saturday, November 14, Charlotte's Light The Night walk raises money for Blood Cancer United. Three neighbors from Stroll's communities are helping lead it. The lanterns come in three colors, and each one means something.
This month's Making a Difference column is by Jenny Crow, a contributing writer to the magazine whose contact address for the walk is at Blood Cancer United. What follows is drawn from her column.
On a cool November evening, as the sun sets behind the Charlotte skyline, families gather, colleagues reconnect outside the office and friends arrive with purpose. Each person holds a glowing lantern.
Light The Night is a signature event supporting Blood Cancer United, the blood cancer research and patient-support nonprofit. For many across Charlotte, it has become a tradition rooted in remembrance, resilience and progress.
Helping lead this year's effort are three neighbors from Stroll's communities, Tracy Kerrins, Andrea Bierce and Jayne Borman, who serve on the walk's executive leadership committee.
What the lanterns mean
Each lantern tells a story. White lanterns are carried by survivors, representing strength, courage and the progress made in treatment. Red lanterns are carried by family members, friends and colleagues walking in support. Gold lanterns honor loved ones who are no longer here.
As the walk begins and the lanterns move together, individual stories blend into one message: no one faces blood cancer alone.
Where the money goes
Funds raised through Light The Night support research that brings new therapies and treatment options to patients. Survival rates for many blood cancers have improved dramatically over time, the column says, thanks in part to investment driven by events like this one.
The impact goes beyond research: financial support that helps ease the burden of treatment, access to trusted information during moments of uncertainty, and connection to a community that understands the journey.
There is a defining moment during the evening when the crowd pauses. Lanterns are raised. Stories are shared. Names are remembered.
How to take part
The walk is Saturday, November 14. The column does not give a start time or the venue; those are at lightthenight.org, where you can learn more or get involved. You can also contact Jenny Crow at Jenny.Crow@bloodcancerunited.org.
This story appears in the October 2026 issue of Stroll Firethorne. Read the full edition here.