Light Up a Life ceremony celebrates 36 years of remembering loved ones

[December 06, 2023] 

On Tuesday evening a large group of people gathered inside the front lobby at Lincoln Memorial Hospital to witness the 36th Annual Light Up a Life Ceremony. The annual event is the end result of a fundraiser conducted by the Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation. The money raised goes toward scholarship opportunities for prospective medical professionals and also to assist the hospital in supplying necessary medical equipment and tools for the treatment of patients.

While the fundraiser is a key part of the event, the most meaningful portion is the source of the donation. Donations are accepted in remembrance of loved ones lost who were treated by and cared for at LMH. In recent years the donations have expanded to include honoring hospital staff who contributed to that care of loved ones admitted into the hospital.

The evening began with guests gathering facing the large front window, from which the unlit LUAL tree could be seen.

Lincoln Memorial Hospital Administrator Dolan Dalpoas came to the podium and welcomed guests and spoke of the 36-year tradition.

YouTube Video – Lincoln Memorial Hospital Administrator Dolan Dalpoas’ opening remarks at the 36th annual Light Up a Life ceremony.

L to R:  Pastor Robert Henderson, Dolan Dalpoas
and Angela Whiteman

Upon closing his remarks, he asked Pastor Robert Henderson to offer up an opening prayer.

The podium was then turned over to hospital staff member Angela Whiteman who read the traditional poem “Light a Candle.”

YouTube Video – Light a Candle as read by Angela Whiteman and O Christmas Tree led by Linda McCuan

During the recitation of the poem, candles that had been handed out to guests as they arrived were lit in memory of loved ones.

Following the reading, Linda McCuan led the audience in singing O Christmas Tree and the LUAL tree outside the window was illuminated.

The evening approached its end as Pastor Henderson returned to the podium to address the audience then close in prayer.

YouTube Video – Pastor Robert Henderson, closing remarks at LMH Light Up a Life Ceremony

YouTube Video - Silent Night led by Linda McCuan

Dalpoas returned to the podium one last time to thank everyone for attending. He noted that the foundation provides a take-home supper with a choice of Chicken Noodle soup or Chili. He invited guests to pick up a bag, but also to stay in the lobby and visit as long as they desired.

Guests mingled for a while after that, but slowly everyone collected their supper and headed on out for the evening.

Those who have donated this year will be noted in a special publication of Lincoln Daily News that is scheduled to go online on Friday, December 22nd. The online magazine will feature the name of the donor as well as the loved one being remembered through their LUAL gift.

[Nila Smith]