This Saturday, 2,500 people will participate in the seventh annual Light the Night Walk in Reston. Proceeds from the two-mile walk will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which is dedicated to finding cures for blood cancers.

Each participant “lights the night” with illuminated balloons given out before the walk. Patients and survivors carry white balloons. Supporters carry red. Those wishing to commemorate loved ones who lost their battle with cancer carry gold.

These twinkling lights, colored balloons, and optimistic walkers symbolize a brighter future for everyone affected by these diseases. Last year, five walks in the Washington area raised $1.95 million. This year’s goal: $2.5 million.

Saturday’s walk at Reston Town Center begins at 7 PM. A remembrance ceremony kicks off the evening at 5:15, registration is at 5:30, and a welcome presentation follows an hour later. Sandwiches and other refreshments will be served after the walk, and there will be live entertainment throughout the night.

Other Light the Night walks in the area:
October 13: 13th St. and Pennsylvania Ave, NW, DC
October 13: Ida Lee Park, Leesburg
October 20: Rockville Town Center, Rockville
October 20: Harris Pavilion, Old Town Manassas

For more information, visit lightthenight.org.