University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt Gymnastics, Mina Deluca Light the Night at Heinz Field
10/18/2019 10:34:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Panthers’ Friends of Jaclyn Teammate Honored as Patient Hero
PITTSBURGH – Pitt gymnastics joined Friends of Jaclyn teammate Madelina (Mina) Deluca Thursday night at Heinz Field for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk.
Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in 2014, Deluca was honored as a Patient Hero for the event. She has been a Pitt gymnastics teammate since 2016, attending multiple meets throughout each season.
Following an opening ceremony, participants walked along Pittsburgh's North Shore holding lanterns. Survivors carried white lanterns, and red lanterns were carried in support of patients and survivors. Gold lanterns were carried in remembrance of those lost to the fight against cancer.
The Panthers were especially moved by Thursday's event.
"Going to this event was really eye-opening for me because it put into perspective how many families are affected by cancer," Pitt junior Jordan Ceccarini said. "It was so inspiring to hear all of the survivors' stories and how much hope they have even after going through so much."
At the conclusion of the walk, the participants enjoyed a fireworks show along the river.
"My favorite part of events like this one is getting the opportunity to spend time with Mina and being able to put a smile on her face," Ceccarini said. "She has so much energy and joy, and it amazing to see that and be a part of it."
ABOUT LIGHT THE NIGHT
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk funds treatments that are saving the lives of patients today. LLS is making cures happen by providing patient support services, advocating for lifesaving treatments and pioneering the most promising cancer research anywhere. And it's all happening now. Not someday, but today. Each year friends, families and coworkers form teams to raise money in support of our mission.
#H2P | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in 2014, Deluca was honored as a Patient Hero for the event. She has been a Pitt gymnastics teammate since 2016, attending multiple meets throughout each season.
Following an opening ceremony, participants walked along Pittsburgh's North Shore holding lanterns. Survivors carried white lanterns, and red lanterns were carried in support of patients and survivors. Gold lanterns were carried in remembrance of those lost to the fight against cancer.
The Panthers were especially moved by Thursday's event.
"Going to this event was really eye-opening for me because it put into perspective how many families are affected by cancer," Pitt junior Jordan Ceccarini said. "It was so inspiring to hear all of the survivors' stories and how much hope they have even after going through so much."
At the conclusion of the walk, the participants enjoyed a fireworks show along the river.
"My favorite part of events like this one is getting the opportunity to spend time with Mina and being able to put a smile on her face," Ceccarini said. "She has so much energy and joy, and it amazing to see that and be a part of it."
ABOUT LIGHT THE NIGHT
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk funds treatments that are saving the lives of patients today. LLS is making cures happen by providing patient support services, advocating for lifesaving treatments and pioneering the most promising cancer research anywhere. And it's all happening now. Not someday, but today. Each year friends, families and coworkers form teams to raise money in support of our mission.
#H2P | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
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