La Mesa's Brianna Henritze Named 'Honorary Hero' for Annual Cancer Walk

La Mesa resident Brianna Henritze, 35, was named an Honored Hero for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Light The Night® Walk on Friday, Nov. 2 at Petco Park. Henritze, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma last year, will be honored at the 14th annual two-mile walk that brings together thousands of individuals to raise funds for blood cancer research and patient services.

“Around this time last year, I was diagnosed with cancer and it came as a complete shock. I lived a healthy lifestyle and was actively involved with soccer and softball,” said Henritze. “I started chemotherapy in October, finished in January and then immediately started radiation. It was one of the most difficult and scary times of my life and I’m so thankful that I had such a strong support system! I couldn’t have gone through this without my friends, family and LLS organization and that’s why this walk is so important to me.”

Walkers will join together in twilight holding illuminated balloons – white for survivors, red for supporters and gold to remember those lost to cancer. In addition to the Walk, the evening’s festivities will include music, food and family activities.

“We chose Brianna as one of the 2012 Light The Night Honored Heroes because she is an inspiration and a positive role model for anyone affected by blood cancer,” said Jeff Wheeler, senior campaign manager for the Light the Night Walk in San Diego. “She’s been through a lot in just a year and to see her fight back to where she is today is truly remarkable.” 

Individuals can donate to Henritze’s fundraising or sign up to join her team here.  Registration is at 6 p.m. with the opening ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the Walk starting at 7 p.m. For more information on this year’s event, visit the Light the Night Walk website.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.  Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.