Sky lanterns symbolize good luck and prosperity. They are lit at ceremonies and festivals all over the world. When people light these lanterns, they make a wish, coining the popular term of “wish lanterns.” Ablaze in the night, they are an embodiment of hope and light in the darkness.
These beautiful lanterns and what they represent inspired Brock Thering and Eleanor Alexander in 2013, after a rash of cancer diagnoses in the Olivet community. They approached Suzie Kramer and Sallie Spencer with a unique idea to bring the community together and support families affected by cancer.
They came up with the idea for the first Wishing Away Cancer Ceremony of Lanterns, as a tribute to those who have lost their lives to cancer and families who have been hurt by the disease.
Now in its fourth year, this annual ceremony has had overwhelming success and community support. In the past two years, the ceremony has raised hundreds of dollars, with all proceeds being donated to Will To Live, an organization committed to “making the journey a little bit easier,” as the back of last years shirts read.
This year’s ceremony will take place on June 24. Participants will gather at 7:30 p.m. on the Olivet Middle School soccer fields to publicly show support to those affected by cancer. Community members will speak about their cancer experiences and at the end of the evening, participants will fill the night sky with lanterns. Please come join this magical experience.
All proceeds will be donated to the Will To Live Foundation.
Article submitted by
Eleanor Alexander.
