Duke Cancer Institute glows during Tree of Hope ceremony
DURHAM (WTVD) -- The grounds of the Duke Cancer Institute glowed Thursday night with 200 candles and 3,000 tiny lights for the 24th Tree of Hope ceremony.
The annual event honors those who have been affected by cancer while raising money for the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program. Donors contribute $10 to dedicate one light on the Tree of Hope to a loved one.
In addition to the lights there was a brief ceremony that honored 2014 Light of Hope recipients Connie and Elliot Bossen, two longtime volunteers with the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program.
Connie Bossen began volunteering with the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program in 2000 and spends every Tuesday at the cancer center's Belk Boutique, which offers wigs, scarves and other enhancements for patients during treatment.
She also serves on the support program's advisory board. Connie and her twin Carolyn created the Niquelle Collection, a line of headwear for patients who have lost their hair. She will be available for interviews at the ceremony.
Participants then led a candlelight procession from the Cancer Institute to the Seese-Thornton Garden of Tranquility to light the holly Tree of Hope.
The Tree of Hope is one of the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program's longest running events, raising more than $40,000 a year. The program helps more than 7,000 patients with individual and family counseling, support groups, and other resources.
