Cincinnati, OH – November 19, 2015 – For seven years running, the Saint Ursula Academy community has been a strong supporter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This year, through participation in the Light the Night event, students raised over $3000 in support of Leukemia and Lymphoma research.
The Light the Night Walk is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's annual fundraising event, and takes place in over 200 cities across the country. The walk celebrates and commemorates lives of those who have been touched by blood cancers. Students walked in the local Light the Night event on October 15 at Sawyer Point.
For many high school students, participating in a charitable walk would be a good way to show support to a worthwhile organization. For Saint Ursula Academy students however, participating by walking just wasn’t enough. Students rallied behind the cause, designing and selling t-shirts and bracelets, hosting bake sales, encouraging staff members and family members to walk, and kept the walk and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in their daily prayers. All of these efforts resulted in a donation of $3,192.43 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The Student Council Wellness Committee, led by Saint Ursula Academy senior Dominique DiFalco of Mason was instrumental in coordinating the fundraising efforts. Dominique has been involved with Light the Night through walking, fundraising, and singing in the Remembrance Ceremony.
“The biggest thing I have learned from this event over my past few years is that you never know how you can help others,” said DiFalco when asked about the impact of this walk on those affected by leukemia and lymphoma. “I have met great people along each of the walks. I have been able to stand in solidarity with friends who have conquered the disease themselves, and I have been able to mourn with those who have suffered loss. If nothing else, the walk has taught me that even when things seem dark or you may be struggling, the light of just one other person walking beside you is enough to provide some relief, and the lights of the thousands of strangers who march beside you is enough to see a bright path ahead.”
In addition to raising money and participating in the walk, the Saint Ursula Academy Vocal Ensemble (SUAVE) provided the vocals for the Light the Night Memorial Service and Saint Ursula Academy Principal Craig Maliborski led the students in prayer prior to the kick-off.
This event showcases the mission of Saint Ursula Academy. The entire Saint Ursula Academy community, including students, parents, and teachers, was instrumental in “building a better world” by supporting research for a deserving cause.
St. Ursula Academy is a Catholic, college-preparatory, secondary school for young women known for academic excellence and rich tradition. St. Ursula welcomes students from more than 70 grade schools in the Greater Cincinnati area. In 2002 the Academy was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School. The campus, located at 1339 E. McMillan Street in East Walnut Hills has been the home of St. Ursula Academy and Convent since 1910. The Class of 2015 earned college scholarships totaling more than $19-million.
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Photo Caption: Saint Ursula Academy students participated in Light the Night, the annual fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and raised over $3000 for research. The event was held on October 15 at Sawyer Point.