In just a few weeks, Zane’s Landing Park will be a little brighter as those joining the fight against cancer meet for Zanesville’s first ever Glow for Hope Walk.

Glow for Hope is like a condensed version of Relay for Life in which teams and individuals can raise funds and participate in a walk to support the American Cancer Society.

“We want to celebrate folks that are not only survivors, but we want to honor those we’ve lost over the years to cancer, and we want to encourage and support those currently battling a cancer diagnosis and let them know they’re not alone and our community has their back,” said Event Coordinator, Sara Shallcross.

In the past, Relay for Life events and, most recently, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks have been hosted in Zanesville, but Glow for Hope is a first for the city and the American Cancer Society alike.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks have raised more than $200,000 for breast cancer research locally over the past four years, according to Shallcross, but this year proceeds will be distributed a little differently.

“We wanted to open this event up to all cancers because we know not only is breast cancer such a big thing in Muskingum County, but also a lot of other cancers affect so many people that we love,” said Shallcross.

Proceeds from the walk benefit cancer research, as well as go toward improving the lives of cancer patients in the form of gas cards to help with travel for treatment and makeup and wigs for chemotherapy patients.

In addition to financial support, Shallcross said one of the goals of the walk is to create a sense of community and emotional support for people battling cancer.

“If you’re recently diagnosed with cancer, you’re not sure where to go or what to do next and you just need someone to talk to, you can pick up the phone and call someone, and they can talk you through,” said Shallcross.

Glow for Hope takes place August 11 from 6-10 p.m. at Zane’s Landing Park.

Food and craft vendors will be on site, as well as bounce houses for children.

At 9 p.m., the park will glow as walkers celebrate those who currently are fighting or have fought cancer.

Similar to Relay for Life events, a luminaria ceremony will also take place during the walk.

Glow for Hope is open to all ages. Those interested in participating can sign up here.