Leukemia survivor shares story, encourages participation in Lawrence’s Light the Night event

KU grad highlights Oct. 9 event against cancer

It was supposed to be a day of celebration for Kansas University graduate and Washington Post reporter Annie Gowen.

The KU men’s basketball team had won the national championship the day before, and her newspaper was abuzz with the announcement of winning six Pulitzer prizes.

But earlier that day in 2008, Gowen was told the results of a bone marrow test didn’t look good. The following day, she was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, a potentially deadly disease.

Light the Night Walk

• The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s two-mile walk begins at 7:45 p.m. Oct. 9 in South Park.

• A carnival before the walk begins at the park at 6 p.m.

• Organizers are hoping to raise $100,000 for the Mid-America Chapter’s programs supporting research and assistance for people with leukemia and lymphoma.

• The society is still looking for sponsors, event teams and volunteers. For more information visit www.lightthenight.org/mid/ or call 913-262-1515.

“In my heart, I was terrified,” Gowen said.

Two years later, the 1984 Lawrence High graduate was sharing her story of survival with a group of area business people at a corporate recruitment meeting for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s annual Light the Night walk, which is planned for Oct. 9 in Lawrence.

Gowen said the support she received from the organization helped her make it through tough months of chemotherapy and her fear of the unknown.

The society, through its First Connection program, set Gowen up with a survivor who had battled and beat the same form of leukemia. Hearing from someone who went through what she was dealing with made a huge difference in her recovery.

“You’re so scared,” she said.

Gowen said she was fortunate to have insurance and a supportive employer, but spoke about the organization’s programs for those who desperately need financial assistance and other support when dealing with leukemia and lymphoma.

“Your work and contribution will make a difference,” she said. “Help find a cure.”