Locals join blood cancer walk

For the first time the Rockingham community will join thousands of Australians in the Leukaemia Foundation’s Light the Night walk this Saturday.

Blood cancer claims the life of one Australian every two hours and 35 Australians are diagnosed every day; it takes more lives than breast cancer and melanoma.

Through hundreds of walks around the country, the Foundation aims to raise $2 million.

Rockingham participants will gather at Churchill Park at 5.30pm and shine one of three coloured lanterns: gold to remember a loved one; white for their own blood cancer journey; or blue to show they care.

Arlene Page is part of a group of residents affected by blood cancer who helped organise the walk.

She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2011 and had intensive chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant.

Ms Page is now in remission.

“My journey was very tough but I am very grateful for the hospitals, doctors and support groups which all helped me get back on my feet,” she said.

Lanterns and fundraising kits are available at lightthenight.org.au.