Festival of Hope ... (Joy and Pride)!

My family and I had the privilege of attending the Festival of Hope for Glenn Lightner yesterday.  As many Patch readers know, he is a local son who is battling brain cancer.

Our community has rallied around this young man in so many ways.  Through so many benefits, fund raisers, runs, even lemonade stands…the goal is the same no matter how big or small the effort is in how people participate. 

Every single person who has organized, attended or contributed…it is with genuine kindness and concern for one of our own.  ORT Farms has been extraordinary in their contribution to this cause. 

My husband and I were talking about the Festival of Hope when we got home yesterday.  It was so heartwarming to see our community, yet again, continue to support a family; to show their love, to simply be there in any way they can for the Lightner family.

We enjoyed the bands (who were FANTASTIC), the food, the kids having so much fun, the sense of community …but really what we appreciated the most was how many people came to show their love and care for Glenn.  Many who don’t even know him personally, but took the time to attend and support him!

Because of Glenn and his family, so many  of us know that through them, we have such a great appreciation of supporting one another and doing all we can to help each other.   Glenn is a hero!!!!

I am extremely proud to live in Long Valley.