Governor Lights Mansion Orange for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month | Eastern North Carolina Now

For Immediate Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     Late yesterday afternoon, alongside the families of four young children with leukemia, Governor Pat McCrory lit the Executive Mansion orange in celebration of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

    "Being with these children and their families brings deep joy to my heart," said Governor McCrory. "The sacrifices that children with cancer and their families make is why we have lit the mansion orange in order to raise awareness. Not everyone has survived this battle, and it's important that we remember all who have lost their lives to cancer."

    Emily Blust, the executive director of the North Carolina Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, introduced the governor and offered remarks on all the chapter does to support families throughout North Carolina fighting blood cancer. She and Governor McCrory praised North Carolina's health care systems for their nationally recognized children's hospitals. There are seven children's hospitals throughout the state, with six specializing in pediatric oncology.
Attending the lighting ceremony were Maddie Sargent, a 13-year old leukemia survivor, and her family; Josh Paryz, a 9-year-old leukemia survivor, along with his family; Lindsay Templeton, a 9-year old leukemia survivor and her family and 4-year old Carson Ellis, who is in remission after battling leukemia during the past 10 months.
    Carson was accompanied by his family including his father, Josh Ellis, who serves as Governor McCrory's communications director.

    "I'm so proud of Carson for being strong and fighting his battle with such a positive attitude," Governor McCrory said. "I've seen firsthand the support he's received from his family and admire the courage they have all displayed during this difficult time."

    The Ellis family has also won the admiration of the Governor's Communications team.

    "We're so proud of Carson and Josh. They have navigated these tough times with class and dignity, and we are honored to have Josh as a boss, and Carson as a new friend," said press secretary Ryan Tronovitch, on behalf of the governor's press team.

    Click here for a copy of the governor's proclamation of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

    See photos from the event here.


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
        govpress@nc.gov