Theo Takes will walk for blood cancer.
Camera IconTheo Takes will walk for blood cancer. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson

Waikiki dad urges locals to get involved in Light the Night

Vanessa SchmittWeekend Kwinana Courier

The Waikiki father was diagnosed with a blood disorder that led to leukaemia nine years ago.

Since then he has had a couple of strokes and had a reaction to his medication.

He had to give up his work as the manager of a fast food outlet.

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“It makes me really tired and I’m in a lot of pain,” he said.

“It makes me feel weak all over.”

Mr Takes will be one of about 100 people to attend the first Light the Night event in Rockingham.

MORE: Light the Night: Shock diagnosis throws family’s life into chaos

Each participant will be asked to shine a special lantern: gold to remember a loved one, white for their own blood cancer journey or blue to support others. There will be a sausage sizzle before a walk at dusk.

The aim of the event is to help more people beat blood cancer, a disease that is claiming the life of one Australian every two hours.

The fundraising target in WA is $220,000 for all Light the Night events. Nationally, the foundation is aiming to raise $2 million to give affected families the emotional support they need and to fund vital blood cancer research.

There is also a Light the Night Walk at the University of Western Australia.

WHAT: Rockingham Light the Night WHEN: October 15 5.30pm WHERE: Churchill Park, Rockingham Beach Road REGISTER: at www.lightthenight.org.au or call 1800 500 088