‘Love Lights’ give area cancer patients hope

The Christmas tree shining brightly at Terrebonne General Medical Center’s atrium is a reminder of the hospital’s ongoing battle against cancer. After all, each ornament adorning the tree represents a life lost to or affected by the disease.

This Christmas, the American Cancer Society

has teamed up with Terrebonne General to honor people who have been afflicted by cancer. Individuals and businesses can donate a minimum of $5 to the American Cancer Society’s Tribute Program.

Each donor will have the opportunity to place a love light and love ornament on the hospital’s tree during the holiday season on behalf of a cancer patient.

In its 13th year, “Love Lights Terrebonne Parish” honors those who are fighting or have lost the battle to cancer, hospital spokeswoman Rhonda Alfred said. The tree was lit at a special ceremony last Tuesday, and will remain on during the holidays.

The monies raised will benefit research, education, advocacy and patient services for those suffering from cancer, according to Ann Bates, development representative for the American Cancer Society.

Each year, Carolyn Robinson’s family finds hope that a cure is closer when the tree is lighted.

The Houma woman purchases love lights and participates in the Relay for Life to honor five of her family members – her mother, who died of colon cancer; her mother-in-law, father-in-law and brother-in-law, who died from pancreatic cancer, and her sister, a longtime volunteer with the local American Cancer Society who lost her life to breast cancer.

“I just want to do my part so that young children and adults will not have to suffer and go through chemo. It’s such a hard time on them,” she said.

Robinson said the stress and the heartache are not just felt by cancer patients. The entire family shares the pain. “When they are gone, you still have to live and find ways to keep their memory alive,” she said.

Ornaments and lights can be purchased at the Terrebonne Parish American Cancer Society or at Terrebonne General Medical Center. There are no limits on the number of ornaments an individual or business can purchase.

Bates said the foundation raises an average of $1,500 yearly, with more than 100 ornaments being placed on the tree.

Forms are available for Love Lights Terrebonne Parish donations. For more information, call the American Cancer Society at (985) 851-7719.

In honor of her cancer survival, Karen Schilling places an ornament on a special Christmas tree. Schilling was the featured speaker at the “Love Lights a Tree” ceremony at Terrebonne General Medical Center. * Photo courtesy of TERREBONNE GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER