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Emory Lights of Hope to Honor Lives Touched by Cancer

**Media Advisory for Wednesday Event**

September 30, 2025

ATLANTA – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is partnering with students at Emory University to host a Lights of Hope Night of Remembrance and Advocacy on Wednesday, October 1, to honor lives touched by cancer and champion the urgent need for continued investment in funding for cancer research, prevention and access. The evening will feature a panel discussion with stakeholders in the cancer community, including a Winship researcher and an oncologist, a cancer survivor and a Georgia state lawmaker. The panel will be followed by a touching luminary tribute for those who have faced cancer as survivors, fighters or in memoriam.

The event comes as Congress prepares its annual budget for cancer research and prevention programs. Attendees can learn about ACS CAN's advocacy efforts and how they can get involved. The event is geared toward Emory students and not the general public.

WHO:               

Dr. Ilana Graetz, Winship Cancer Institute Researcher

Dr. Demetria Joy Smith-Graziani, Winship Medical Oncology

Julianna Ferrone, Cancer Survivor and Advocate

Sen. Josh McLaurin, Georgia State Senate

WHAT:           

Lights of Hope Night of Remembrance and Advocacy

WHERE:          

Emory Student Center, Multi Purpose Room 2

201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322

WHEN:            

Wednesday, October 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Lights of Hope is ACS CAN’s signature fundraising event, dedicated to honoring those who have been touched by cancer and remembering those we’ve lost. Funds raised through Lights of Hope help fuel work to make cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state, and local levels.