Savannah Else – Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- On Sunday, Sept. 20 the American Cancer Society (ACS) will host a "Lighting of Luminarias" ceremony at Lakewood Ranch Main Street…and the Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) cheerleaders are helping.
The ceremony will include lighting candles in decorated paper bags (luminarias). Each bag honors a family member or friend who was diagnosed with cancer.
LRHS cheerleaders sold the luminarias needed for the ceremony at the Sarasota Metro Diner on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Sophomore junior varsity (JV) cheerleader Tierney Thornhill started the participation of the LRHS cheerleaders, providing ACS with almost 60 new volunteers.
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She said, "I first heard about the ACS when my mom started getting involved about five years ago. My dad and grandfather were both diagnosed with cancer, so these events are near to my heart and why I love to volunteer at them."
The LRHS cheerleaders aimed for the ACS goal of $1,000. As of Saturday, Sept. 12 they have reached that goal and have over $4,000 and counting.
Thornhill stated, "COVID-19 has put many cancer patients at risk by delaying treatments and clinical trials. The ceremony will hopefully help and uplift those affected by cancer during this difficult time."
The ceremony will also raise awareness for the Relay for Life event (a 5K run to raise money and awareness for the cause) which will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021.