FPL External Affairs Manager To Head LLS Event To End Blood Cancers In Boca Raton
Sophia Eccleston, external affairs manager for Florida Power and Light, is now the corporate walk chair of the 2017 Boca Raton Light the Night event. The event, promoted by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), is an annual fundraising project held each fall to find cures for cancer diseases and to provide access to treatments for blood cancer patients.
LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to finding cures for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood cancers. Due to fundraising campaigns like Light the Night, LSS has invested more than $1 billion in cutting-edge research to advance therapies for the purpose of finding cures for blood cancers.
“In my role as an external affairs manager for Florida Power and Light [FPL], I’m constantly made aware of the issues affecting our communities,” said Eccleston. “I know about the great work that LLS does and chairing the walk gives me the opportunity to get others involved to support this work.”
Eccleston will be leading the effort in accelerating corporate support and driving revenue growth for Light the Night to support LLS’s ultimate goal of creating a world without blood cancers.
“Florida Power and Light has been involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, as well as Light the Night, for a number of years,” said Eccleston. “So I was thrilled to take on this role.”
“In addition,” Eccleston continued, “I have several friends and colleagues who have been affected by this disease so it is very personal to me.”
Everyone who participates in Light the Night carries a colored lantern in support of cancer patients, survivors and loved ones who have lost their battle with blood cancer. This year, those lanterns can be sponsored.
“For the first time, we will have a Circle of Hope for our survivors and a Remembrance Pavilion for those walking in memory of a loved one,” said Eccleston.
Participants in more than 150 communities across North America join in carrying illuminated lanterns as they walk to take symbolic steps toward finding a cure for cancer. Survivors hold white lanterns and are joined by supporters carrying red lanterns, as well as individuals carrying gold lanterns in remembrance of lost loved ones.
The walk and the event signify hope, reflection and support for lives affected by cancer. “Individuals, families and corporations throughout the community can join in support of the mission of LLS in finding cures for blood cancers,” said Eccleston.
This year’s event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton.
Friends, family and co-workers form fundraising teams, while millions of consumers help by donating to local retail outlets who partner with the cause. Companies, local businesses and individuals can become sponsors or partners and receive benefits and exposure locally.
“Sponsorship is a great way for a company to share their commitment to being a good corporate citizen,” said Eccleston. “It takes an army of volunteers to make Light the Night a successful and memorable event.”
Another way to get involved is to volunteer, as volunteers are needed for event planning, walk night logistics and to help fulfill executive committees.
“We welcome your support; you can make a donation to a walker or a team,” said Eccleston. “Each and every contribution supports our mission to create a world without cancer.”
For more information on Light the Night and for ways to get involved, contact the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Palm Beach County at (561) 623-4560.
