Hope Illuminates Indiana's State Capitol for Cancer Survivors

The steps of Indiana's State Capitol building lit up with a message of hope on Saturday, shining a light on cancer survivors and honoring those who have faced the disease. The "Lights of Hope" event was organized by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network as part of their signature fundraising event.

"We want to be able to provide these bags out here in the public so that when our senators and congressmen go to vote on important things, like cancer cures, and prevention and research money, they know that it's not just a number, it's a name."

Cancer survivor Christine Yoder, who volunteered at the event, explained her mission: "Because I can't do the surgery, I can't do the research for Ollie, but I can make sure that our lawmakers are paying attention, and that he has the very best available research funding that we need from the state and local level."

The event featured paper bags placed outside the Statehouse, each with a name written on top. The bags were lit up to celebrate and remember people who have faced cancer, whether as survivors or in memoriam.

Organizers are concerned about proposals to slash funding for the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, and cancer research. Saturday's event served as a time of reflection for survivors and loved ones, with another "Lights of Hope" event planned later this month at the National Mall in D.C.