Light the Night

Event Details

October 8, 2026 5:30 PM CST. Railroad Park

600 1st Avenue South. Birmingham, AL 35233

The family of Karen Long, along with Stage4Life, have formed a fundraising team to support Blood Cancer United's Light The Night event. The various treatments Karen received for her blood cancers over an eight-year period added quality years to her life. Please join us in bringing light to the darkness of cancer! By donating today, you can help people like Karen.

Karen passed away from lymphoma in February 2026, but from the time she was first diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2018 until late 2025, she led an active and fruitful life.

After her initial CLL diagnosis and subsequent lymphoma diagnosis in 2024, she underwent seven years of various treatments, but cancer did not hinder her active lifestyle. An adventurous spirit, Karen loved to travel and engage in cross-cultural experiences and was able to visit Costa Rica, Australia, and New Zealand. During those treatment years, she completed a half marathon, hiked in the Rocky Mountains, volunteered at her church, and spent quality time with her family and friends.

Karen’s lymphoma was aggressive and eventually stopped responding to her treatments. As it spread she became bedbound in October 2025, but never lost her optimism, love of life, and concern for others. Karen passed away at home, with her family, this past February.

Your support of Light The Night allows Blood Cancer United, formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, to fund treatments for patients like Karen, who are suffering from all forms of blood cancers. Blood Cancer United proudly supports the science that makes FDA drug approvals possible, including 80% of the 153 new approvals since 2017.

Please donate - or join our team today - and help us shine a light for blood cancer patients and their families.

*As of September 2025, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is now Blood Cancer United

Update: Stage4Life came in second in the team donation challenge - $6,409 was raised for Blood Cancer United.