Five years ago, I was diagnosed with primary mediastinal diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma, a subset of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a blood cancer (background: Living With Lymphoma). But with the help of my family, friends, and a wonderful team of oncologists and nurses at Stony Brook University Medical Center, I went into remission on September 2, 2005. After six rounds of chemotherapy, I’m now celebrating my fifth year of being cancer-free.

But others aren’t as lucky. Each year since 2006, I’ve been participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk, which is held every October at Suffolk County Ball Park in Central Islip. It’s a nationwide event to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of people battling blood cancers and to commemorate loved ones lost.

Each walker carries an illuminated balloon—white for survivors, red for those who support them, and gold for remembrance of a loved one lost to blood cancer. There are still too many gold balloons—and I am asking for your support in helping me raise money so we see even more white balloons at future Light The Night events.

To celebrate my fifth year of remission, I have set a goal to raise $5,000 before the October 23rd walk. And as an incentive to business owners, every business that donates $50 or more will receive special recognition on my Light The Night fundraising page, my website, and Twitter — as well as have its logo prominently displayed on a banner that will be carried by team Squash Lymphoma on October 23.

Please help me help other blood cancer patients reach the same milestone that I have—every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference. If you wish to donate, please go to my fundraising page, where you can make your donation securely by credit card. I also accept check donations made out to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, mailed to Amanda Marsh, PO Box 406, Islip, NY 11751.

Please feel free to e-mail me with questions.