More than 3,000 Duke Cancer Institute community members came together virtually on Thursday, December 3, for the Nancy Weaver Emerson 30th Annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony to honor loved ones and recognize those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

The lights on these beautiful trees at Duke Cancer and Duke Cancer Center Raleigh represent and illuminate HOPE that outshines the darkness it is surrounded by. This year we celebrated our healthcare heroes for their continued commitment to care for our patients, their loved ones and the community despite all the challenges and uncertainties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two patients and their families shared how they have been impacted by cancer and the remarkable services they received from our cancer support team that helped them find their place and made the journey easier for them.

Our Duke Cancer Institute team members expressed their gratitude to the patients for allowing them to be a part of their cancer journey. They also recognized the many heroes involved in the cancer process including those cleaning the rooms, making the meals, drawing blood and those who give life every day through medications and treatments. All of us work together as a team to care for the whole patient and help them get to the other side.

Please take a moment to enjoy the recording of the event.

We would like to extend our appreciation for all who joined us for the remarkable 30th Annual Tree of Hope Ceremony and thank those who purchased tribute cards and more 500 luminaries in honor of our healthcare heroes and support the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program - which provides critical services and support to patients at Duke Cancer Institute and in the community, who are battling cancer.

The luminaries were lit on December 3 and they will remain lit through December 31 in the Garden of Tranquility in front of the Duke Cancer Center and in the Duke Raleigh Garden adjacent to Duke Cancer Center Raleigh.