Hundreds gather to celebrate Lights of Love

When Carol Cauley flipped the switch to illuminate the hundreds of lights on the regal evergreen in front of Lenoir Memorial Hospital on Monday, it was more than just an action.

For Cauley, the Lights of Love that shined so brightly in the December night sky brought hope.

Cauley is a breast cancer survivor and the Lights of Love program - which raises money to help defeat the disease - is near and dear to her heart.

"This ceremony means hope and encouragement for the ones who are going through the cancer treatment," Cauley said. "I want this tree to give them encouragement. Every time they look at it, I want them to think that they can do another day, and another day, and another day."

There were more than 1,000 lights on the tree that totaled nearly $23,000 in contributions to help LMH's Oncology Department. Approximately 300 people came to the ceremony to watch Cauley light the tree.

"It was such a wonderful honor and I was humbled beyond belief that they chose me," Cauley said.

Faye Sullivan, the chairperson of the Lights of Love committee, also has a personal stake in the program - she lost her sister-in-law, Phyllis Sullivan, to cancer in July.

"This was the culmination of the Lights of Love and we were so glad that everyone came out," Sullivan said. "We were happy for the fellowship and for the people who gave money to help out."

LMH Director of Volunteer Services Ann Durusky was happy to see so many people come out, especially with temperatures nearing freezing and a brisk wind pushing the wind chill lower.

"I was thrilled with the turnout," Durusky said. "There was excellent representation by the community."

Durusky said she knew why so many people came for the ceremony, though, that started with music performed by Sheri Brinson, Chris Raines, Jay Sauls and Jill Suggs-Howell and ended with a reception inside the hospital.

"I think it was important for people to be able to see the light that represents the people they're honoring or remembering," Durusky said. "When they saw that light shine, they could remember their loved one.