Mark Barrenechea, OpenText CEO & CTO, and Leukemia Survivor To Chair Light the Night Walk in Toronto
Global business leader renews pledge of support for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC)
TORONTO, June 2, 2017 /CNW/ - It's National Cancer Survivor Day and Mark Barrenechea, CEO & CTO of OpenText, and a survivor of Acute Myeloid Leukemia has renewed his volunteer leadership involvement with the LLSC's signature Light The Night Walk, in Toronto. Moreover, OpenText is the official National Sponsor for all Lantern Ceremonies at the Light The Night Walks in 11 major cities across Canada.
- Each year approximately 22,300 Canadians of all ages are diagnosed with Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma and related blood cancer disorders
- The number of Canadians living with or in remission from a blood cancer has increased by 25% from 2014 to 2016
- Despite advances in treatments, the five year survival rate for most blood cancers is still lower than many other cancers
"We are excited to announce that OpenText and Mark, will lead our flagship fundraiser - Light The Night," says Sandra Harris, Ontario Regional Director, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. "Light The Night Walks are inspiring and meaningful events for those who are touched by blood cancers and it is thanks in part to the leadership of OpenText that it has developed over the last decade to become a major Canadian event, not just in Toronto, but in 11 major cities from coast to coast."
"I know from personal experience that having the support of friends, family and colleagues is vital when battling and recovering from any disease. Leukemia is especially difficult, it has no respect for age, privilege or gender and impacts people very deeply. But it is curable, it can be beaten – and with the help of 35,000 Canadians, I know that we can help find effective treatments, provide much needed support and help those suffering both today, and in the future," said Mark Barrenechea, CEO & CTO of OpenText.
OpenText employees will be among the 8,000 people who are expected to congregate at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto on Thursday, October 19, 2017 to take part in the Light The Night Walk. Together, they will walk along a designated route through the downtown core while carrying bright lanterns that light the night for those affected by blood cancers.
The funds raised through this event help fund research in Canada to support patients, improve treatments and find a cure for blood cancers. To date, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada together with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in the US have committed over $1 billion to research, paving the way for scientific advances and breakthrough treatments like Gleevec, bone marrow/stem cell transplantation and CAR-T Immunotherapy.
To start a team or learn more, please call 647-253-5542 or visit lightthenight.ca
About Light the Night Walk
Each year, in communities across Canada, teams of families, friends, and co-workers walk into the night holding illuminated lanterns to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada at the Light the Night Walks. Together, they bring help and hope to people affected by blood cancers and their families. The Walks are an inspirational and memorable evening event that takes place in nearly 200 communities across North America each fall. There are 11 official Canadian Light the Night Walks and dozens of volunteer-hosted community and school walks across the country. Visit LightTheNight.ca to learn more.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada is the single largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers in the country. LLSC funds lifesaving blood cancer research across Canada, and provides free information and support services. Our mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Visit llscanada.org for more information.
National Office Location:
804-2 Lansing Square
Toronto, ON M2J 4P8
Charitable Registration#: 10762 3654 RR0001
Social Media Posts Twitter/ facebook: Mark Barrenechea, CEO & CTO of @OpenText and blood cancer survivor, shares his message of hope #LightTheNight
SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
Sandra Harris, Regional Director, Ontario, 647-253-5502; [email protected]; Felicitas Adrian, VP Marketing & Communication, 647 253-5526, [email protected]
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