MUNSTER – Radiologist Thomas Hoess, MD has seen a lot of cancer while he has been on staff since 1993 at Community Hospital in Munster and since 2003 at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago. Through his work he has been committed to making a difference, serving on the board of directors for the Community Cancer Research Foundation and volunteering his time to read all the x-rays and imaging scans that the research department submits on behalf of participants while they are on clinical trials. For this dedication, he has been named as the guest of honor who will light the trees at the Lights of Life ceremony this year. The pink and lavender holiday lights will shine outside Community Hospital in Munster with the hope that a cure will be found for cancer.

The Lights of Life program began in 2000. To date, the Lights of Life program has raised more than $140,000 to bring cancer research programs to people in Northwest Indiana.

After the tree-lighting ceremony, all attendees are invited inside for refreshments following the program. Cards and pins will be sent out until Dec. 31. All donations to the program are tax deductible and are used to sponsor local research trials for area patients. For more information on this program, call 219-836-6875. Donations are also accepted online at: www.myccrf.com/lights_of_life.asp.