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U-M candle lighting event remembers those who have died from cancer or a blood disorder

Event takes place at the U-M Cancer Center, September 17

Ann Arbor - Losing a loved one is painful and difficult. On this special evening, families can share their grief in a celebration of lives lost to cancer or a blood disorder.

About the Event

Time: 6:00pm, Saturday, September 17, 2011

Location: Under the front entrance of the Cancer Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor

Information: Candle Lighting for Hope & Remembrance event page

Regisration is encouraged, but not required.

The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center will hold its 15th annual Candle Lighting for Hope and Remembrance on Saturday, Sept. 17. The ceremony is designed to celebrate the lives of those who have died and bring hope to their families and loved ones. The ceremony, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7 p.m., with resources and refreshments available beginning at 6 p.m., all under the front entrance canopy of the Cancer Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor.

"Loving and caring for someone with cancer requires many acts of courage and strength not only on the part of the patient, but also on the part of their family. Through the comments of the speakers and the evening's activities, we hope to help those in grief examine avenues of hope and healing," says Susan Wintermeyer-Pingel, manager of the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center's Grief & Loss Program.

The event brings families, staff, faculty and volunteers together to light candles and to commemorate those individuals lost. The evening also includes comments and readings from family members, faculty and staff. Participants are encouraged to bring photos or mementoes of their loved one, which will be gathered for a group display.

"It's still very painful for those who have lost someone. We hope to give individuals a supportive hand, giving them a little more strength to go on, to validate that person and tell them it's OK to grieve," Wintermeyer-Pingel says.

The evening concludes with all participants lighting a candle in memory of those lost - and as testament to the hope and commitment that cancer and blood disorders will be conquered.

Registration is encouraged and free parking is available for this community-wide event. Anyone may attend, even if your loved one did not receive medical care at the University of Michigan.

Candle Lighting for Hope and Remembrance Event

Written by: Nicole Fawcett

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