The Montgomery News Staff | July 24, 2025
For patients and their loved ones, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) offers hope instead of helplessness, connection instead of loneliness, and life-saving research and support at every step.
Publisher Norman Silverstein (center) with cancer survivor Keelly Nieves on the far right and friends.
Montgomery News Publisher Norman Silverstein of Skillman signed up to help lead LLS’s local Light the Night Walk, with a goal of raising $1 million.
He and Co-leader Michael Barasch of Compass Realty hosted a “Leadership Launch” at BeOne Medicines in Hopewell on June 10. Many attended the event to support blood cancer research and patient support, to hear moving stories from survivors, and to enjoy appetizers and cocktails.
Co-leaders Norman Silverstein (Castle & Bishop) and Michael Barasch (Compass Realty).
The fund raiser will conclude on November 1 with an “illuminated walk” at Mercer County Park at 1638 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor.
The walk brings communities together to celebrate, honor, and remember those affected by blood cancers. Participants carry illuminated lanterns – white for survivors, red for supporters, and gold for those walking in memory of loved ones.
Silverstein kicked off the event by sharing a powerful and emotional story about his employee — Keelly Nieves — her battle with cancer. The experience deeply affected him and motivated his involvement with LLS.
He recounted Mike Barasch inviting him to get involved with the LLS and his initial hesitation due to being “busy.” This is a relatable conflict for many people when asked to volunteer.
The core of Silverstein’s speech revolved around the harrowing experience of a young woman — Nieves — who works in his warehouse. Her persistent back pain, the difficulty in getting a doctor’s appointment due to insurance issues, and his intervention to help her navigate the medical system were vividly described. The shock of her diagnosis shifting from back pain to needing an oncologist immediately highlights the often sudden and overwhelming nature of a cancer diagnosis.
Silverstein used his connections to get Nieves into a cutting-edge treatment known as the Cord Blood Transplantation Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York City in 2020, during the peak of COVID.
Advertisement
The challenges Nieves faced during the COVID lockdown, being alone in the hospital, and her resilience (dancing with nurses, keeping a good attitude despite losing her hair) painted a picture of incredible strength.
Silverstein offered gestures of support along the way — such as finding a Colombian restaurant to deliver food. These were small, but profoundly meaningful, acts of kindness that surely made a difference in her emotional well-being.
Nieves’ eventual recovery and the fact that she was present in the audience, brought the story full circle.
Silverstein concluded with a powerful message about busy lives and the importance of “paying it forward” in the fight against cancer.
He made a simple yet profound call to action for folks to get involved, whether through direct support of LLS, fundraising, corporate matching, or simply raising awareness.
Join “Light the Night,” or make a donation of time or money by accessing the following website: lightthenight.org/events/mercer-county.
