Candlelighters

A Community of Hope

for Families with Childhood Cancer

Each year, hundreds of families in Oregon and Washington receive a childhood cancer diagnosis. Families fighting childhood cancer can feel isolated and afraid.

But there is hope for kids and families with childhood cancer.

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer is there, every step of the way, to support the whole family. We offer families diagnosed with childhood cancer in Oregon and SW Washington practical assistance, and ways to connect. Above all, families create lifelong bonds with others experiencing pediatric cancer.

Whether you are a family looking for help or community, or a donor looking to give time or funding, we welcome you to our community of hope!

Who We Serve

We understand that when a child is diagnosed with cancer, it affects each family member differently.

That’s why we develop programs and services for the whole family throughout the lifelong journey of childhood cancer, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

Since 1977, Candlelighters has supported nearly 100,000 family members across Oregon and SW Washington. If your family is facing pediatric cancer, you don’t have to walk alone. Join us.

How We Serve

Bereavement Support Group

Bereavement Support Group

Activities, Bereavement

New Bereavement Support Group Candlelighters is here for families throughout the journey of childhood cancer, and that includes a consistent, safe space of support for those who have lost a child to pediatric cancer. Meeting and getting to know other families...

Scholarship Recipients 2022-2023

Scholarship Recipients 2022-2023

Drum roll please - we are excited to announce three new Candlelighters Scholarship recipients for the 2022-2023 academic year! Congratulations to: Grace Ujifusa from Happy Valley, OR.. Grace’s intended field of study is history, and she is in the process of deciding...

Foundation of Hope : The Sumpter Family

Foundation of Hope : The Sumpter Family

It's been 45 years since Candlelighters was founded by 5 families facing childhood cancer in 1977. Throughout the years, many more families have added their own stories, experiences, and insights to make our community what it is today. Each and every program - like...

Register for Golf to Give 2022

Register for Golf to Give 2022

Community Partner Events

Golf to Give 2022 Registration is Open! The Golf to Give Challenge is a fundraising golf tournament that focuses on raising funds for Candlelighters while also having a great time. Back this year - Golf to Give will drop up to 1000 golf balls from a helicopter LIVE on...

Families That Shine

The Santillan Family

Three-year-old Tatiana and her mom, Juana, like to eat, cook, and watch movies together. Her favorite toys are Minnie Mouse, Frozen, and unicorns....

The Perkins Family

14 year old Alex is a die hard San Francisco 49r fan, whose favorite player is Jimmy Garoppolo. Alex loves anything Marvel. He watches all the...

Healing on the Farm

After her son Julian was diagnosed with childhood cancer in 2019 and died in 2020, Jennifer Bridges, founder of Embrace Compassion, decided...

McCormick Family

I had never heard of retinoblastoma until I was sitting with an ophthalmologist with Derek, then 1, while 36 weeks 5 days pregnant with my second...

Simpson Wight Family

“In November of 2014, I noticed my 8 year old son Robert, had a swollen lymph node of the side of his neck. He felt fine and had no other...

Thull Family

Jared was 11 years old when he got sick. Just about to graduate from 5th grade. It took some time to get a diagnosis. June 18, 2018, he was...

Gunsaulis Family

Our story is like most others. You never think it can happen to “your” child. Ashlynn had just turned 4 years old and was...

Follow Us on Instagram

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Jun 30

At 18, Grace has survived both Leukemia and Carcinoma, and now she's moving on to a bright future! In the fall, Grace will attend the University of Utah Honors College to study history and astronomy. Helping survivors like Grace take the first step toward their dreams is why Candlelighters offers scholarships to local childhood cancer survivors each year. Says Grace, "Through Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Candlelighters, I have been awarded opportunities to be healed and I am forever grateful. Thank you for this amazing award, Candlelighters!"
Read more about Grace at the link in bio.

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Jun 29

"Hi! I'm Kunal - new intern at Candlelighters. As a recent graduate from PSU, I am a big fan of life in the city, and supporting the local organizations and businesses that make up its communities. Working at the ad agency FIR NW and getting a marketing/ advertising double major allowed me to consult these local companies and help modernize them in the harsh environment of the pandemic. Working with clothing brands,a chocolate confectionery, and even the fire department has connected with me Portland in a way I couldn't imagine.
In my free time, find me playing soccer and basketball or swimming in lake Oswego. My dream is to scuba dive in every sunny sea enjoying the serenity of the reefs. I spend a lot of time running around with my neice and nephew, and showing them the shows I watched as a kid: scooby doo and spongebob!"

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Jun 29

We strive to be a source of comfort and connection for families throughout the entire journey of childhood cancer, including the most painful of moments. We've been working on it for a while, and now we can announce that starting in July, parents and caregivers who have lost a child to cancer have a dedicated monthly bereavement support group. Meeting and getting to know other families experiencing this particular heartbreak and grief offers strength and healing through community.

The group will meet online every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 5:45.

Our first meeting is Tuesday, July 19th at 5:45 pm. over Zoom.
RSVP at the link in bio.

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Jun 27

Nearly 500 families a year! That's how many the Candlelighters snack pantry in the Family Kitchen on 10 South OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital serves. Because of YOUR generous donations, snacks from the pantry supplement hospital meals for kiddos, and provide small meals their families, by their side in the hospital for costly cancer treatment. We regularly assess which snacks are in high demand AND nutritionally dense, and mark those as high priority on the wishlist. 💛YOU can help families out by shopping the @amazonsmile Charity Wishlist at the link in bio.💛

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Jun 23

Gabriel, 12, is older brother to Roman, 7. Roman was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia last year. These two like playing video games together, and from what we witnessed, they both like pizza and each other.
When a child is diagnosed with cancer all the changes can be hard for their siblings. Understanding their viewpoint—and all of the emotions and behaviors that go with it—makes it easier to meet their needs. Many children respond to a sibling with cancer with enormous love, care, and support, more empathy and compassion, greater self-esteem, closer relationships with siblings and parents, and greater insight into the things that really matter.
That's the goal, here at Candlelighters - to serve the whole family, and provide positive ways to connect and make memories in both the hard and the good times.
Find out about more about programs that support and connect local cancer families on our website, www.CandlelightersOregon.org.

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Jun 23

Candlelighters is looking for camp counselors for Family Camp! Every year, Candlelighters Oregon hosts a weekend-long Family Camp in Eugene, OR for the families of kids and teens diagnosed with pediatric cancer. This year, camp is September 3-5. See our website for details and how to apply. Link in bio.

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Jun 22

The Luminaries’ mission is to provide spaces for kids and young adults who have experienced cancer and their youth siblings to connect, grow, and support one another through social connections and projects. As the Luminaries grows closer and larger, it's a privilege to watch, and to hear about their impact from local healthcare workers. Follow them on their own Instagram page @the_luminaries.or, or find out more on our website. Link in bio.

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Jun 17

Parents & Caregivers of kids with cancer: Join the support group just for you. We meet the first Wednesday of each month, and July 6 is coming up fast! This is a chance to meet other parents and caregivers of children with cancer so that you can share your thoughts, stories, and concerns relating to childhood cancer.

The group is moderated by Dr. Marianne Kabour, a PhD who works specifically with childhood cancer patients and survivors at Randall Children’s Hospital. All parents and caregivers are welcome to join at any date!

Wednesday, July 6 at 5:45 p.m. via Zoom

RSVP at link in bio for the July Parent & Caregiver Support Group.

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Jun 15

We love to see your smiles, and Jose and Kylian's are pretty great. Parents and caregivers of kiddos with cancer, your well-being is important to us. You asked for more resources, and we want to make sure that you know about all them available to you, so we compiled this PDF covering a wide range of organizations and information specifically related to childhood cancer. Check it out, and comment below if you have any suggestions for additions!
link in bio.

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Jun 11

Is it summer yet? It might not feel like it, but those warm days when you want to WFC (work from the course) are coming! @golftogive happens once a year, and you don't want to miss a fun time golfing while doing some good. Since they started, they've raised more than $120k for Candlelighters! Get your team together, or come on your own for a beautiful day at @stonecreekgolfcluboregon. Tickets are available now: www.golftogive.com

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Jun 10

Hint: both have been an integral part of Candlelighters for 25 years, strongly prefer one of our state universities over the other, have planned many Holiday parties, and have the strongest festive vest game in town! Our new video takes you back to when these wonderful ladies joined Candlelighters, and then back further, to the families who started it 45 years ago.
Watch the new video on our home page - link in bio.
#45yearsofhope

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Jun 9

Drum roll please - we are excited to announce three new Candlelighters Scholarship recipients for the 2022-2023 academic year! Congratulations to:

Grace Ujifusa from Happy Valley, OR.
Grace’s intended field of study is history, and she is in the process of deciding her school of choice for the fall.

Samantha Mederos from Washougal, WA.
Samantha plans to study psychology at Washington University.

Saydee King from Beaverton, OR.
Saydee attends Portland Community College is studying nursing.

We'll be sharing more about each recipient soon.

Candlelighters’ family assistance in the form of these scholarships is awarded to high school seniors or current college students who have previously been or are currently diagnosed with cancer to support their pursuit of a higher education.
Learn more about Candlelighters Scholarship Program - link in bio.

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Jun 8

If you joined us at Scholls Valley Lodge on Thursday evening, you got to hear each from a few of our @the_Luminaries.or leaders about their cancer experience, and what this group means to them and the close ties the group has formed. Their leadership and courage is what the future of Candlelighters is all about, and it's no wonder there were more than a few tissues put to work in the audience. To learn more about the Luminaries youth program visit our website. Link in bio.

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Jun 6

Pardon us while we catch our breath from the beauty of Thursday evening at Scholls Valley Lodge! Celebrating 45 years serving the local childhood cancer community is a privilege built on the contributions of many families and supporters. Although one evening barely scratches the surface of 45 years of history, there was a palpable sense of shared connection between past and present Candlelighters. We left with hearts filled, and resolve fortified, knowing we will continue to make a difference together. ❤️
If you weren’t able to join us, watch for more highlights, news and ways you can impact the future of care for local families facing childhood cancer. www.CandlelightersOregon.org.

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Jun 3

¿Tu hijo tiene cáncer?
No estás solo. Estamos aquí para apoyarte.
Comuníquese con Lisa Chavez para inscribirte a nuestros grupos de apoyo. Lisa@candlelightersoregon.org o llame 503-908-4618.

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May 30

We invite you to our second annual Picnic on the Farm, honoring our children who have gone on before us, and the families who love them. It’s a time to share and a time to listen. It’s time to be with others who have a story a little like yours and a time to play and be surrounded by nature.

The picnic is hosted by the Candlelighters Bereavement Committee and Embrace Compassion at:

Pearl Street Urban Farm in Sherwood, OR
Sunday, July 10th
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

All attending families will have the opportunity to create a terrarium using crafts, symbols, and colors in memory of their child. We will have lawn games onsite and a chance to visit with the farm animals. Food and drink will be provided.

Please RSVP by June 17th. After we receive your RSVP, we will follow up with additional details.
Link in bio

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May 27

It's almost here! Our big 45th Anniversary Celebration is next week, Thursday, June 2. The weather is looking good 🤞, and tables are filling up fast, but there are still seats available for this very special evening. If you haven't already, make sure you grab your tickets by Friday, May 27.

We can hardly wait to share the evening's lineup of Candlelighters, each sharing their personal cancer journey of heartbreak and hope. You'll also hear exciting plans for the future of connecting to our diverse community. Together, we'll make more support more accessible, and reach even more families on the journey of childhood cancer.
Tickets - Link in bio

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May 27

Are you cycling this summer? There's still time to join our growing Ride for a Child team, and make your miles count! For over 20 years, we've been riding for families like Roman's, raising millions of dollars for families in Oregon & SW Washington with childhood cancer, and having fun doing it. Find out more at www.RideForAChild.org

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May 26

¿Tu hijo tiene cáncer? No estás solo. Estamos aquí para apoyarte.
Comuníquese con Lisa Chavez para inscribirte a nuestros grupos de apoyo.
Lisa@candlelightersoregon.org o llame 503-908-4618.

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May 24

Candlelighters is sending big hugs to @HillsboroHops , one of our generous sponsors of the 45th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser on June 2. We're filled with gratitude to the Hops for continuing provide hope and light to the local childhood cancer community!
If you haven’t already reserved your spot, there are still a few seats left for Thursday, June 2 at @SchollsValleyLodge for an evening celebrating Candlelighters legacy of hope, and looking to a brighter future for kids and their families in Oregon and SW Washington facing cancer.
Link in bio.

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