Zoey Ward, a 6-year-old cancer survivor from Beaver Falls, will light the official tree by the Rink at PPG Place during the annual American Cancer Society Tribute of Light Celebration being held on Friday, Nov. 19, at roughly 5:30 p.m. The event will start a weekend of Light-Up Night festivities being held across the city.
Zoey, who finished her cancer treatments in September, is currently in remission from stage 4 Neuroblastoma. Diagnosed at age 4, she has spent the past two years undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation, two stem cell transplants, and major surgery to remove a tumor. Now finished with her treatments, she is excited to have her port removed so she can once again go swimming.
“The timing for this year’s Tribute of Light Celebration couldn’t be more perfect as Zoey just completed her treatment,” noted her mom, Asterria. “Lighting the tree means the world to us because along this journey we’ve seen some kiddos have amazing outcomes and watched other, unfortunately, gain their wings.”
Zoey will be joined by her mom, Asterria, and her siblings, Zane and Giana. In addition to the official tree lighting, the evening will also feature the annual Tribute of Light Celebration, in which a procession of volunteers carrying specially lighted tributes in honor or memory of cancer patients and survivors, their caregivers and families, and those who lost their battle to the disease will encircle the ice rink. Live entertainment will be available, and Magic Ice will donate a portion of all skating fees collected that evening to the American Cancer Society.
ZOEY WARD
Asterria added, “Lighting the tree gives us hope!!! Lighting the tree gives awareness to childhood cancer. Lighting the tree lets the angels who did gain their wings know we are still fighting for them.”
The event is free and open to the public. Those wishing to learn more, or who wish to purchase a tribute in advance of the evening, can do so by visiting http://main.acsevents.org/tributeoflight. A limited number of tributes will be available for purchase the evening of the event, prior to the start of the ceremony.
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