Boats "Light the Bay" at Keyport Harbor

Keyport Harbor will sparkle with hundreds of lights on the evening of June 9 in support of blood cancer research.

Local sailors gathered at the Keyport Yacht Club on March 25 to kick-off the 2012 campaign to raise funds in support of blood cancer research and patient services. National sailing champion Gary Jobson was the keynote speaker at the kick-off.

“When you help other people out, in the end it might just be you who is helped out the most,” said Jobson, who is the president of US Sailing, the National Leukemia Cup Regatta Chairman, and a cancer survivor.

Last year the Keyport Yacht Club and participating sailors from around the bay raised more than $48,000 for Leukemia & Lymphoma research through the two day Bill Volk Leukemia Cup Regatta and affiliated events.

This year, hundreds of boats in Keyport Harbor are invited to turn on decorative lights as a way to pay tribute to those whose lives have been impacted by cancer for a "Light the Bay" ceremony. Members of the community will also be invited to join onshore for an inspirational remembrance ceremony.

Light the Bay is a maritime innovation based on the renowned Light the Night walks sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in the US and abroad, bringing light to the dark world of cancer.

If you are interested in donating, send an email to kyccharity@gmail.com.

To learn more about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, visit their website.