LRF Encourages All to ‘Light It Red’ for September, Blood Cancer Awareness Month

To raise funds and disease awareness, as well as to encourage patients, the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is presenting its annual Light it Red (LIR) for Lymphoma effort.

The September-long initiative is aimed at getting buildings and landmarks bathed in red, and getting supporters to wear the color. The effort commemorates Blood Cancer Awareness Month — September — and World Lymphoma Awareness Day, Sept. 15.

In addition to Light it Red, the nonprofit organization this year is hosting several events in observance of the month, including the 2019 Lymphoma Research Ride in Barnesville, Maryland, on Sept. 22, and its 2019 Annual Gala in New York City on Sept. 26.

In partnership with the LRF and the lymphoma community, nearly 100 structures nationally and globally are expected to be awash in red this month. They include The Wrigley Building in Chicago; the Helmsley Building in NYC; the Bell Tower in Perth, Australia; the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles; the CN Tower in Ontario, Canada; NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina; and the National Concert Hall in Dublin. Go here for the updated list.

“The first step in eradicating a disease like lymphoma is raising awareness on behalf of all those affected by this type of blood cancer,” Meghan Gutierrez, LRF CEO, said in a press release. “Each year, we at the Lymphoma Research Foundation are honored to convene these wonderful lighting partners from around the world in this truly global show of support for the lymphoma community, with the hope of raising awareness for all those touched by this disease.”

The LRF is asking others to get involved in the September initiative by “lighting” local rooms or structures using red bulbs, red balloons or red decorations. A downloadable “Light It Red for Lymphoma Awareness and Fundraising Guide” is available here.

Individuals are also encouraged to wear red and share photos on social media doing so, and to download the LIR Selfie Sign, photograph it and post that to social media. Other ideas include printing meal menus on red paper using the Light it Red for Lymphoma logo, becoming a foundation sponsor, and sharing lymphoma facts and infographics.

Anyone may download the Round it Up for Lymphoma app to round up purchases to the nearest dollar for an LRF donation, contribute on behalf of a patient or healthcare team member, or plan a “workplace giving” event during September.

Go here for more suggestions and resources.