Glowing luminaries that joined more than 100 more on the steps of the town gazebo at Abbie Griffin Park in a recent Lights of Hope event, sponsored on Sept. 12 by ACS CAN, are inscribed "Janet Glitch, our youngest sister who is dearly missed each day," and, "In Memory of Lucille La Rue." Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

MERRIMACK – The gentle placement of more than 100 luminaries — Lights of Hope — on Sept. 12 at Abbie Griffin Park in Merrimack underscored a plan to action by members of the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) that rallied more than 700 advocates from many states who convened in Washington D.C. on Sept. 17.

The group of ambassadors from ACS CAN were there en masse to lobby Congress for an increase in cancer research and an increase in research funding, along with increased opportunities for patients seeking the sometimes-last resort participation in clinical trials that might help them.

“Before sending our luminaries and ambassadors to D.C., I wanted to host a more local and more intimate display to honor those we love who are impacted by cancer,” said Maria Luisa Gay, Ambassador Constituent Team (ACT) leader for District CD-01.

The trip to Washington to honor the afflicted and push for critical attention was christened with the display of the luminaries in an event that drew a substantial crowd of cancer survivors, relatives, friends and supporters to hear stories of triumph from cancer survivors and to share tales of heartbreak at the loss of loved ones.

Among the hosts were Maria Luisa Gay, an ACT lead with ACS CAN of New Hampshire for District CD-01; Mike Rollo, director of government relations for the American Cancer Society; Bethany Ross, ACT lead of District CD-02; Bobbie Glidden, state lead ambassador for Dover, and Deborah Hutzhiago, a legislative ambassador volunteer for Manchester and Merrimack.

Nashua artist Nil Akcacoca, left, and Nora Sargent, an artist from Merrimack, contribute their artistic touches to some newly requested luminaries added to more than 100 displayed on the steps of the town gazebo at Abbie Griffin Park, tributes placed there in memory of departed cancer victims or in recognition of cancer survivors. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

“Our ACS CAN volunteers know cancer is horrible and unfair — we must persevere in asking our elected leaders for sensible policies that can end cancer as we know it for everyone,” Gay added.

Volunteers at Abbie Griffin Park and elsewhere worked long hours to decorate the luminaries, lit inside with artificial tea lights. The wording and artwork on the sturdy white paper sacks was designed to mostly honor individuals currently undergoing cancer treatment or those already claimed by the disease.

Nashua’s Nil Akcakoca, along with Nora Sargent, of Merrimack, volunteered at the local event to decorate additional luminaries with colorful marker pens as newly arrived participants approached their table to request one in honor of a lost loved one, or in support of someone who continues to fight the disease.

Gay invites all who are affected by the disease that is cancer to volunteer with the ACS CAN network, or to donate by inquiring online at fightcancer.org.

Members of the American Cancer Society's nonpartisan advocacy affiliate Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), founded in 2001, assemble at Abbie Griffin Park in Merrimack on Sept. 15 to mark with glowing luminaries a pending mission to Washington D.C. that called attention on Sept. 17 to a wide range of needs affecting cancer victims. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Among the more than 100 luminaries displayed at a recent Lights of Hope event in Merrimack, one sponsored by ACS CAN, were these salutes, "In honor of Dr. Chrystal. Champion. 3x Cancer bad ass," and, "In honor of Kim Hammond. Blood cancer bad ass."  Photo by LORETTA JACKSON