Volunteers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network hosted Arizona’s first-ever Lights of Hope event Friday evening outside of the Arizona State Legislature offices in downtown Phoenix.

The display included hundreds of lit bags to honor and remember loved ones affected by cancer.

The display served as a reminder to state and national lawmakers on the importance of ensuring the fight against cancer remains a top priority, according to an American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network press release.

More than 41,000 Arizonans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, with more than 13,000 expected to die from the disease.

“Cancer affects everyone but does not affect everyone equally. There is not one person not touched by cancer in some way,” Amy Graham, a volunteer who attend Friday night’s event. “Lights of Hope is an incredibly moving tribute. The display sends a visual reminder to our lawmakers – they must do more to help save lives from this horrible disease.”

Graham and others will represent Arizona in Washington D.C. during the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Leadership Summit and Lobby Day Sept. 17-20. Volunteers will meet with members of Arizona’s congressional delegation about the importance of making the fight against cancer a top priority.

As the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, the Network works to ensure cancer is a top priority for policymakers at every level of government.

Click here to donate, or contact Hannah Scott at Hannah.scott@cancer.org.

The display of hundreds of lit bags honored and remembered loved ones affected by cancer.

(Photo provided by American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network)