The community gathered at Community Hospital on December 4 to honor the lives of their loved ones during the annual Lights of Life tree-lighting ceremony.
The cancer awareness event raises funds for the Community Cancer Research Foundation and Cancer Resource Center in Munster, which brings the latest research advances in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer to people throughout Northwest Indiana.
“Bringing the community together helps support our cancer patients through their journey,” said Vita Ayala, project assistant for the Powers Health oncology service line.
As the Munster High School Chorale sang holiday songs, about 100 people gathered outside Community Hospital as the trees were lit with two colors: pink to represent breast cancer and lavender to bring awareness to all forms of cancer. The trees will remain aglow through the end of the year as a beacon of hope for those who have been touched by cancer.
As the weather turns colder and the days grow shorter, it’s important to remember those closest to us who bring joy to our lives.
“This event personally means a lot to me because my friend Sonya Gibson is speaking,” said Lowell resident Grace Meyers. “Sonya is a dear friend and a cancer survivor, and she volunteers at the hospital. This is an event I know she is very passionate about so I wanted to be here to support her.”
The Lights of Life celebration is part of a series of events held by Powers Health for the holidays. The Angel Tree of Lights ceremony at St. Mary Medical Center raises funds for the St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, while St. Catherine Hospital hosts the Wings of Healing ceremony to benefit its Auxiliary scholarship program. All three events offer the community a time to reflect and honor their loved ones.
“The holidays can be a difficult time for some people, while it can also be a joyful time,” Ayala said. “Events like this are truly what makes Powers Health special. They offer an opportunity for us to get out in the community to help people and create connections.”
Donations to the Community Cancer Research Foundation may still be made online at myccrf.com/get-involved/lights-of-life through the end of 2024.
To learn more about Powers Health, visit PowersHealth.org.