Residents are encouraged to help the Long Island Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease and myeloma. Three two-mile evening Long Island walks are planned for 2002 to raise money for research, financial assistance to patients, and other patient services. The scheduled dates are Sept. 28 at the Montauk Community Presbyterian Church, Montauk, Oct. 3 at Hofstra University, Hempstead, and Oct. 4 at The State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Participants will carry red illuminated balloons to commemorate lives touched by cancer, while surviving cancer patients will carry white balloons as a light of hope. Family, friends, and colleagues will not only enjoy the wonderful feeling of positive energy that comes from helping others, but also refreshment and entertainment after the walk. For more information on this illuminated parade of hope, please contact Kristen Thorsen at 631-752-8500, Extension 13.