Beaver Falls 6-year-old cancer survivor to light PPG Tree

It’s been a rough couple of years for Zoey Ward, a 6-year-old cancer survivor from Beaver Falls.

Diagnosed at the age of 4 with stage 4 Neuroblastoma, Zoey has spent the last two years undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation, two stem cell transplants, and major surgery to remove a tumor.

But now Zoey is finished with her cancer treatments and is in remission. And if that wasn’t enough to put a smile on her face, it’s been announced that she will light the official tree by the Rink at PPG Place during the annual American Cancer Society Tribute of Light Celebration on Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m.

The event is part of a weekend of Light Up Night festivities in Pittsburgh.

Zoey will be joined by her mom, Asterria, and her siblings, Zane and Giana.

“The timing for this year’s Tribute of Light Celebration couldn’t be more perfect as Zoey just completed her treatment,” said Asterria Ward. “Lighting the tree means the world to us because, along this journey, we’ve seen some kiddos have amazing outcomes and watched others, unfortunately, gain their wings.”

In addition to the official tree lighting, there is the annual Tribute of Light Celebration, in which a procession of volunteers carrying specially lighted tributes in honor or memory of cancer patients and survivors, their caregivers and families, and those who lost their battle to the disease will encircle the rink.

“Lighting the tree gives us hope,” Ward said. “Lighting the tree gives us awareness of childhood cancer and lets the angels who did gain their wings know we are still fighting for them.”