Oct 7, 2007

Lymphoma society making strides with walk

By Adria Murray / Society Columnist

"There is still no cure for cancer. I'm tired of seeing cancer patients suffer. And that's why I walk tonight," said Star 101.3 DJ Sylvia Chacon, as she addressed the participants of the second annual South San Francisco "Light the Night" walk.

Carrying illuminated balloons of red and white, blood cancer survivors and supporters walked two miles along Oyster Point Marina on Thursday night as part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's annual fundraiser.

"These people give hope, love and positivity," cancer survivor John Andrews said. "What they do makes a huge difference in the life of those battling cancer."

As an event volunteer, Andrews was actively capturing the personal stories and photos of event participants to be shared with and inspire other walkers.

When Andrews himself was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and leukemia, the outlook was bleak - at the time he was given a 20 percent chance at life.

"They told me I was going to die," he said, "but because of research done right here in the Bay Area, I am alive today."

Andrews took part in a clinical trial for a drug created by South San Francisco biotechnology company (and event participant) Genentech. This drug, Rituxan, saved his life, and is widely used to treat blood cancers today.

Along with those walking in remembrance, carrying gold balloons in the memory of loved ones past, were those walking for the future of blood cancer treatment. Corporate teams had a dominating presence at the walk, and included presenting sponsor Exelixis, Genentech, OTN and Philips, among others.

Exelixis CFO Frank Karbe said that his company and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society have parallel goals. "We share a common vision. We help patients live better lives," he said.

Karbe and the employees of Exelixis are very dedicated to the cause, he says. "We want the white balloon carriers (survivors) to continue carrying white balloons for years to come," Karbe said, as he addressed the crowd. "You give our work purpose."

This year's Bay Area walks have been dedicated to the memory of legendary 49ers coach Bill Walsh, who lost his battle with leukemia in July. Walsh, who also lost his son Steve to leukemia, was committed to helping the society find a cure for blood cancers, and through his participation, helped raise the profile of local Leukemia and Lymphoma Society events.

Last year in Northern California, "Light the Night" walks raised $1.3 million, and this year organizers hope to raise $2 million.

Menlo Park held its "Light the Night" walk last night and several Bay Area walks will take place in upcoming weeks, including San Francisco's Justin Herman Plaza and San Jose's Plaza de Cesar Chavez walks.

Information on the Silicon Valley Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society can be found at www.lightthenight.org.

Note to readers: The Daily News is pleased to reintroduce a weekly society column that focuses on events in your community. Adria Murray's column will appear every Sunday in the Daily News. Please send event information to 324 High St., Palo Alto, CA 94301, or e-mail amurray@dailynews group.com or call 650-327-9090, ext. 328.