Osher Gunsberg shines a light on blood cancer and hosts Australia’s first virtual Light the Night event

Tuesday September 30, 2020

Osher Gunsberg has today been announced as host of the Leukaemia Foundation’s first virtual Light the Night event, with the popular Australian media personality set to guide tens of thousands of people across the country through a special evening of blood cancer awareness this October.

For 13 years, close to 400,000 Australians affected by blood cancer have gathered in cities and towns nationwide for the annual Light the Night event, to stand united in support for each other and a shared hope for a future free from blood cancer.

Due to COVID-19, this year’s Light the Night has been reimagined as a virtual event, with registered participants now able to join with Osher and the national blood cancer community when they stream the official ceremony online on Saturday 10 October at 8pm local time.

Light the Night host Osher Gunsberg said he was proud to be supporting the Leukaemia Foundation and to give back to the organisation that supported his mum during her battle with blood cancer.

Osher’s mother battled the blood cancer myeloma also known as multiple myeloma, for several years and sadly passed from the disease in 2018.

When my mum was battling myeloma, a highlight of her week was the support from her Sunday walks with the Leukaemia Foundation’s [volunteers]. She felt so much support, so much solidarity and was full of gratitude,” Osher said.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t miss my mum, however I’m grateful for the lessons she has taught me during that time.”

Every day, 47 Australians are diagnosed with a blood cancer including myeloma, lymphoma and leukaemia. The Leukaemia Foundation’s latest State of the Nation: Blood Cancer in Australia report confirms that in just 15 years, by 2035, this number will more than double to 100 people per day.

Leukaemia Foundation General Manager of Supporters Rachael Lance said the Leukaemia Foundation warmly welcomes Osher Gunsberg as this year’s Light the Night host and is encouraging all Australians touched by blood cancer to register now and join the organisation for this very special event.

“It will be one national moment for the blood cancer community to come together – regardless of where you live, or your connection to blood cancer. Everyone will be able to join in and be part of this shared experience of support, hope and unity,” Ms Lance said.

“We Light the Night to give hope to everyone touched by blood cancer now, and to cure and conquer blood cancer into the future.”

Light the Night is free to attend and all fundraising through the event provides precious relief for families affected by blood cancer as well as supporting the Leukaemia Foundation to work towards achieving zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.

Join Osher Gunsberg and other Australians affected by blood cancer at this year’s Light the Night event.

Official Lanterns can still be secured by new participants up to Thursday, 1^st October so they can be delivered in time for the night.

To register or for more information, visit lightthenight.org.au or phone 1800 500 088.