Bright Light Challengers are joining forces to end blood cancers.
They’re igniting hope, leading with purpose, and lighting the way forward. Will you stand with them?
RegisterMeet our Bright Light Challengers in Halifax!
Building a Future Without Blood Cancers: These are the leaders helping lay the foundation for change.
Jenna Brydges
Halifax, Nova Scotia
My partner of 7 years was diagnosed in 2019 with APL leukemia and then continued to battle Leukemia on and off for 5 years, until he passed away in January of 2025. During his battle he was in contact with Light the Night about fundraising and giving back, and I know if he were still with us today, he would be honored to continue to take part in such a beautiful organization
Daisy Cobden
Halifax, Nova Scotia
What inspired me to join the walk? We thought it was a wonderful way to walk in memory of him- we knew that he loved walking and that he would really appreciate that. We walk for my Dad, Michael Cobden, who passed away from Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2017. It's a very special annual tradition for our family. It's a way for us to celebrate him with the family and friends who adore him, and to come together as a community.
Warren Dietrich
Halifax, Nova Scotia
My name is Warren Dietrich, and in April 2017, at 23 years old, I was diagnosed with stage 2B Hodgkin's Lymphoma. My plans for a summer engineering co-op quickly shifted to months of chemotherapy, radiation, a stem cell transplant, and ongoing treatments. Many didn't go as planned, but I never lost hope — knowing that innovative research, much of it funded by the LLSC, brings us closer to a cure.
Rachael Hammersley
Halifax, Nova Scotia
My name is Rachael Hammersley, I'm 24 and last year I was diagnosed with AML! Today, I am over a year in remission and getting ready to start my Masters in Occupational Therapy. My team Footsteps for Rachael fundraises and participates in Light the Night to continue to raise awareness of the raise in blood cancer, especially in young adults like myself. Also to find a world where there's a cure for blood cancer so people don't have to go through the same experience I did and the uncertainty of their diagnosis. Being a Bright Light is a HUGE honour in knowing that I have been able to help at least one person by sharing my story and fundraising money!! Being able to make an impact on someone else's life brings a smile to my face.
John MacEachern
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Continuing research is critical to developing less toxic treatment options and ensuring improved long-term health and quality of life of all blood cancer patients. While research has greatly improved survival rates, there is still too large of a gap for any parent, sibling or family member to face.
Grace Mccrea
Halifax, Nova Scotia
In 2020, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, just after undergoing open heart surgery for a congenital heart defect. with the support of loved ones, I made it through chemotherapy and am now in remission.
Kate McNeil
Halifax, Nova Scotia
When I was 26, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After a 1.5-year battle, I'm finally in remission! I don't take the amazing opportunities for treatment and support I received for granted - I'm eternally grateful for the important funding to cancer research from the LLSC. The LLSC played a role in allowing me to live a normal, active, and most importantly happy life during and beyond my cancer treatment.
Taylor Matthews
Halifax, Nova Scotia
I was diagnosed with CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia) in June of 2024, and just over a year later I got to ring the bell! Throughout this time I realized how important research about blood cancer is, and how developing research requires money. I would love to be able to help others with their battles of blood cancers, and be a true Bright Light!
Brenda Oake
Halifax, Nova Scotia
My father passed away with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2004 and I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2016 and had my first round of chemo in 2019. My lymphoma returned in 2022 and I had a stem cell transplant. I am now 3 years out from my transplant. I am grateful that I can celebrate both my dad and my own journey through Light the Night.
Kelly Poole
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Cancer has affected my family too many times....my dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. In 2011 and I felt helpless. My aunt (dad's sister) was diagnosed with same cancer just a year or so before. I made a decision to help and I joined Team in Training and started my fundraising journey. Fast forward to 2020 - now my mom has the same diagnosis. In 2023 my 8 year old granddaughter Abigail was diagnosed with Leukemia - she lived for a month after this horrible news. Nobody should have to see a child die - the cure is out there, we just need the research to find it. Perhaps the money raised with this campaign will allow this to happen.
DeRico Symonds
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Symonds is an 8th-generation African Nova Scotian from Halifax NS, and currently serves as the Director of Engagement and Justice Initiatives with the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute. He holds an undergraduate degree in Child and Youth Studies and an Afrocentric Master of Education in Counselling from Acadia University.
