Lehigh swimmers Light the Night in honor of teammate
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Women's Swimming & Diving
Posted: 10/18/2011 | Last updated: October 18, 2011 at 03:42 PM
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh swimming and diving team enjoyed a weekend off from competition after sweeping its season-opener at Holy Cross in October 9. This past Saturday, the Mountain Hawks joined the Bethlehem community for the annual Light the Night Walk at Northampton Community College.
Light the Night is a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society aimed at bringing help and hope to people battling blood cancers.
The walk holds special importance for the Lehigh swimming and diving team because one of their own was affected by cancer in the past. Senior Jill Rann won her battle with Leukemia when she was just an age group swimmer.
“She has been cancer free for several years, so this night was to celebrate her and her future,” said Lehigh head coach Rob Herb. “Our team stands behind Jill. We are so happy for Jill and her family. It is a true miracle and we are so thankful that Jill is a healthy member of our team!”
Anyone can take part in the walk – children, adults and seniors are all welcome and there is no fitness requirement. The funds raised by teams and individual walkers provide life-saving blood cancer research, along with local programs like family support groups. Over 3,000 people walked on Saturday night, not only to celebrate, but also to remember.
Rann competed in the 1000 and 500 yard freestyle events against Holy Cross and also swam in the 200 yard freestyle relay.
Rann and the rest of the Mountain Hawks will be back in the pool on Friday night when they travel to West Chester to face the Golden Rams at 6 p.m.
Story written by Steve Rumizen ‘12