Illuminating the Journeys and Memories: Lights of Hope’s Impact in Medina County
By Caoilainn Carlson, BEAT reporter
BRUNSWICK, OH- It is practically impossible not to know someone whose life was touched by cancer. It is a serious disease that has had an impact on so many of us because of its severity and how many forms it comes in. Cancer is unfortunately a reality in many people’s lives. Stephanie Mueller, coordinator of Lights of Hope in Medina County, has experienced this journey as many of us have. And now, through this event, she is taking advocacy for the second year in a row to raise money for cancer awareness.
Lights of Hope is coordinated and run by Mueller herself as a fundraising event for ACS CAN, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. ACS CAN is a non-political branch of the ACS but is still determined to work with legislators to gain funding for cancer research and easier access to care to stress its gravity and importance.
Lights of Hope, which will take place on August 29th from 6 PM - 9 PM, is an event where donors can pay $10 to decorate and light a luminary bag that can be used to decorate Medina Square or personal properties and is used to honor those who have faced cancer. Mueller was excited to bring Lights of Hope to the community because she thinks the Square is a beautiful place to host the event, and it’s a wonderful way to raise awareness for ACS CAN.
Lights of Hope has only occurred in Medina County once previously but is now on course to become a local tradition. “I feel honored that I am able to bring this event to the community,” she stated. Last year, Mueller planned the entire event in only five weeks, but for its follow-up, dedicated more time to preparing, starting the process in January with a new committee of 12 people. Last year, the community helped raise a bit over $5,000. This year, they have already surpassed $13,000 even though the event has not yet taken place.
Mueller’s own life was touched by cancer when her father was diagnosed with prostate cancer 14 years ago. Thankfully, it was caught early, and so he underwent surgery and was able to recover. This is when Mueller first became active in raising awareness for cancer when she joined a prostate cancer organization. A couple of years ago, her father-in-law was diagnosed with colon cancer. However, this diagnosis came once it had reached stage four, and he unfortunately passed away two years ago. She explained she wants a way to still honor both of them through Lights of Hope. “It is a way for people to realize they are not alone in their journey.”
Mueller says the easiest way to support the cause is to simply go on the website and donate, and gain momentum for ACS CAN. Volunteers are also needed for setting up and taking down all of the bags. “One of the great things is just the way the community has rallied around it,” Mueller stated. There are already around 15 local businesses sponsoring and partnering with Lights of Hope to expand the event. Bella Moxie Boutique is hosting a decoration station for people to personalize their luminary bags, Aladdin’s held a Give-Back Day on August 12th, and on the night of the event, Cool Beans is donating $1 from every drink in support. Lights of Hope does have a Facebook page that is a great way to spread the word.
Thanks to the community’s support and her effort, Mueller will now be the seventh advocate in Ohio to be honored in ACS CAN’s Lights Of Hope Hall of Fame for raising over $10,000 with her event in Washington D.C. Although she looks forward to Lights of Hope each year, her ultimate goal is not to have to run this event. She said that she wishes one day nobody will ever have to hear the words “you have cancer”. “Every light tells a story,” Mueller stated. “Every luminary is a light of a story of someone’s cancer journey.”
To donate and help support Mueller’s Lights of Hope, visit acscan.donordrive.com/participants/MedinaMueller
Caoilainn Carlson, Brunswick High School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program, celebrating its 25th year, is sponsored by Donut Land, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, MODA Gifts, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/community/new-beat-site to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com/?folder=ALL to view videos produced by the students.
PHOTOS: 7611 - (L-R) Pat Mueller (Stephanie’s mother in law, Bob’s mother), Stephanie, Bob Mueller (Stephanie’s husband) hold bag to honor father in law Ed Mueller who passed from colon cancer; 7671 - Stephanie Mueller’s dad Steve Hierro, a 14 year prostate cancer survivor, holds luminary in photo; 7472 - Connie Busemeyer, committee member and Medina resident, holds Lights of Hope luminaries for her husband Don and friend Linda, who both passed from cancer; other photos spotlighting the lit Medina Square and art preparation table.