FOR a few minutes on Friday night, uMhlanga’s shoreline was aglow with floating points of light at the Lanterns 4 Life fund-raising event. It was hoped by those who released those points of light, in the shape of illuminated lanterns, that they would serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against cancer. (Click here for pictures from the event)
Sharon van Straaten, founder of the Pink Phoenix Cancer Foundation and one of the organizers of the annual event thanked all those who showed their support. “The lanterns symbolize life. Lighting a lantern in memory of a loved one who lost their life to cancer or lighting a lantern in celebration of a loved one who has fought the battle against cancer and survived.
“This is the second Lantern 4 Life event we have hosted and the response from the community has been so positive. Not only is it an event that raises money to assist with the costs of cancer treatment but it serves as an awareness initiative,” Sharon explained.
This year’s event which drew hundreds of people raised funds for local resident Jordan Smith, who is battling bone cancer.
Jordan who loves his sport and dreams of being a rugby player also got the chance to meet one of his heroes and Sharks players Anton Bresler.Lanterns 4 Life raised R42,000 with a private donation of R20,000 for Jordan’s medical costs.
Visit pinkphoenix.co.za for more information or email sharon@pinkphoenix.co.za
