The Oneida Health Auxiliary invites the community to Oneida Light a Light 2026 on Saturday, September 26th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Oneida Health.
The Light a Light tradition has grown this year from a simple LED luminary display into a community-wide event focused on remembrance, education, support, and connection. At the heart of the evening will be an in-person luminary display on the lawn of the Dorothy G. Griffin Radiation Oncology Center at the corner of Genesee Street and Seneca Street, where hundreds of luminaries will create a meaningful tribute to loved ones, survivors, caregivers, and those who have touched our lives. The expanded event will also include facility tours, community resources, opportunities to meet members of the care team, and a drive-through BBQ dinner.
The luminary display provides an opportunity to honor loved ones, celebrate cancer survivors, recognize caregivers, and pay tribute to individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Visitors are welcome throughout the evening, but the display will be especially moving at sunset, when a brief tribute will take place and the luminaries will illuminate the campus.
Guests can also enjoy a drive-through BBQ dinner from Piggy Pat’s Smoke & Ale House, available for pick-up from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Those who wish to stay are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket and spend the evening enjoying the campus and event activities.
Those interested in a BBQ dinner can buy their tickets online at OneidaLightaLight.org or pick up an order form at Worthy Boutique in Oneida. (767 Lenox Ave Ste 2, Oneida, NY 13421)
Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to tour Oneida Health Cancer Care’s Medical Oncology office and learn more about services available through the Roswell Park Care Network. The Dorothy G. Griffin Radiation Oncology Center and Oneida Health Breast Care will also be open for tours, giving visitors the chance to meet members of the care team, learn about available treatment and screening services, and explore resources available to patients and families throughout the region.
A community resource fair will be held in the parking area adjacent to the Radiation Oncology Center, featuring local organizations, support services, and wellness resources. Luminaries will also be available for purchase during the event, allowing attendees to create a tribute in memory of a loved one, in honor of a survivor, or in recognition of someone who has made a difference in their lives.
“For many years, Light a Light has offered families a meaningful way to remember, honor, and celebrate the people who have touched their lives,” said Mary Gwilt, President of the Oneida Health Auxiliary. “We are excited to expand this tradition into a larger community event that brings people together while shining a light on hope, healing, and support for those affected by cancer.”
“This event reflects our commitment to caring for patients and families both inside and outside our walls,” said Sara Reinhardt, Director of the Oneida Health Foundation. “By bringing together healthcare professionals, community organizations, survivors, caregivers, and supporters, we’re creating an opportunity for people to learn about local resources, celebrate survivorship, and honor the journeys that connect us all.”
Proceeds from the event support the Oneida Health Auxiliary and its ongoing efforts to enhance patient care and services throughout Oneida Health.
Organizations interested in participating in the resource fair are encouraged to contact the Oneida Health Foundation at foundation@oneidahealth.org or 315-361-2196 for more information.
For luminary purchases, BBQ tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or additional event information, visit OneidaLightALight.org.
