When Nick Welnetz was 6 years old, he was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma. The rare blood cancer is highly aggressive, spreading fast in children. After treatment, he went into remission, but when he turned 14 he developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This second bout with cancer sparked a treatment plan that lasted from his freshman year of high school through the summer before his senior year.
The cost was hard on the Welnetz family. Children’s Wisconsin connected him with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which offered a co-pay assistance program to help those with cancer afford their treatment. LLS provided the Welnetz family with funds for treatment up until Nick again went into remission.
With his treatments complete, Welnetz was planning to go to college – and he found out that LLS also offers scholarships for blood cancer survivors. He applied and received a scholarship to attend UW-La Crosse. But in 2022, his leukemia returned, leading him to transfer to UW-Milwaukee, closer to home. He underwent a bone marrow transplant, which proved successful. After three difficult fights, he is now cancer-free.
“I wanted to get more involved with LLS to really shine a light on all the good that they do,” says Welnetz, who has started volunteering with the organization that helped him through many long years of treatment.
This year, he will be a featured hero speaking at LLS’ Light the Night on Thursday, September 26th at Henry Maier Festival Park, where he will share his story of treatment and recovery and help raise awareness for blood cancers.
“I hope to be an advocate for their cause,” Welnetz says.
He’s one of the thousands of cancer survivors whom LLS has helped. This year, the pioneering organization is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
A history of innovation, research, and advocacy
In 1944, a 16-year-old in New York named Robert Roesler de Villiers died of leukemia after a short battle with the cancer. At the time, most leukemia patients died within three months of diagnosis. Leukemia is the most common of childhood cancers, and 40% of all childhood cancers are blood cancers.
His parents Rudolph and Antoinette, heartbroken and frustrated by the lack of treatment options, founded LLS in 1949 with the goal that other families wouldn’t have to go through what they had. In the 75 years since, the organization has expanded dramatically across the nation and has invested over $1.7 billion into blood cancer research. Today, with innovative new treatments and dedicated advocates, about 65% of leukemia patients survive five years or longer.
And the research spurred by the organization has a wider-reaching impact. Blood cancers are often at the forefront of cancer research – innovations like immunotherapies and precision medicine apply to other cancers as well. LLS has helped to advance over 70% of the blood cancer treatment FDA approvals in the last two decades.
While LLS originated in New York, its Light the Night event – an annual walk to raise awareness and money for blood cancer research – started right here in Wisconsin. The first walk was held in New Glarus in 1999.
Light the Night
Each year, Light the Night gathers blood cancer survivors, supporters and more for the fundraising walk. The free program begins at dusk, and every attendee receives a lantern of a different color. Milwaukee attendees take a 1-mile walk through Lakeshore State Park, watch fireworks, and hear from survivors and researchers about the impact LLS has had and the future of its research.
The event on Sept. 26 coincides with Blood Cancer Awareness Month and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
“It’s a unique event for all ages,” says Rich Tennessen, this year’s event chair and the CEO of EUA architecture firm. “We’ve all been touched by cancer in one way, shape or form. It’s a great cause for us all to rally around, and it impacts everybody.”
Tennessen became involved with LLS after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma over three years ago. “We want to raise money for cancer research, but just as important is raising awareness,” he says.
Last year’s Light the Night was co-chaired by two friends: Arvind Gopalratnam, the vice president of corporate social responsibility for the Milwaukee Bucks and executive director the Milwaukee Bucks foundation; and Katina Shaw, the vice president of community relations for the Milwaukee Brewers. The two met while they were both working for the Brewers.
In 2020, Shaw was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and underwent a stem cell transplant. While in the hospital, waiting for the procedure, she flipped through a binder that included information from LLS; it inspired her to use her leadership position to advocate for others.
“When I was diagnosed, I was in my mid-40s. Typically this type of cancer is found in people 65 and older, but it’s also prevalent in the African American community, so I wanted to use my voice to help raise awareness about this cancer in my community,” she says.
Gopalratnam’s father is a blood cancer survivor and was inspired by his friend’s journey.
“There are so many ailments that are part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – ailments I had never even heard of that LLS is researching,” he says. “When I co-chaired Light the Night, I was so positively influenced by the passion, the commitment to the mission, all the dedicated volunteers. They’re doing amazing work.”
This year’s Light the Night is on Thursday, Sept. 26 at Henry Maier Festival Park. It’s free to attend, and you can register here. If you’d like to learn more or donate to LLS’ mission to find a cure for blood cancers, click here.
“Light the Night is such a moving, emotional event. You’re helping blood cancer survivors and their families, and you’re supporting and great cause,” Shaw says. “And hopefully, through this work, we’ll one day find a cure to these diseases and save many more lives.”
