Dawn Silver
Delta BC
Canada
Panther Pride
I have been working with the LLSC for nearly two decades. My involvement started back when the LLSC did a walk/run at UBC Spirit Park/Seymour Mountain, where I walked after my diagnosis back in 2000 to raise money. I was then a volunteer coordinator for Light The Night for the first ever walk in Vancouver in 2005! Since then I have had three children, and started my own athletics business that focuses on competitive cheerleading.
I am involved with Light The Night because of my own experience with cancer, but also because I believe in investing in young people and their development and I think community engagement is a part of that. My company focuses on young people aged 3-30 and helping them to navigate the difficult time between childhood and adulthood. I used to coach cheerleading in high school and it's important to me to provide opportunities for young people to build confidence and better themselves and get involved in the community. I really want to create a second home for young people, and I want them to understand how important it is to give back to the community as well.
Light The Night is really special because it is a chance for me to encourage people to give back to the community. At my company, each team takes on an event to support, and for my team, Panther Pride, Light The Night is that event and the whole club participates. We have connections in our community and it's important that we show up for them. In addition to myself, there are cheerleaders whose little sister is a two-time Leukemia survivor, kids who have had their teachers pass away, and even my best friend who lost both her parents to blood cancer. We walk to honor all these people.
It’s hard to say without getting emotional, but the best part of Light The Night is the lanterns, and visibly seeing how many people come together to show their love and support. There is a lot there for new patients to take in and feel supported by, and it means so much. The feeling that we are all there for the same reason and we are all there to support one another is truly heart-warming.