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Here for Hope for Families with Childhood Cancer
For nearly 50 years, Candlelighters has provided comfort, community and support for families in Oregon and SW Washington battling childhood cancer.
We make sure no family faces childhood cancer alone.
Who We Serve
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, everyone in the family and the child’s community is impacted. This is why we offer programs and services for the whole family throughout the lifelong journey of childhood cancer.
Candlelighters’ Story
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer was founded in 1977 by five families who had one thing in common: a child impacted by cancer. Today, nearly 50 years later, Candlelighters has served over 100,000 family members through the crisis of childhood cancer.
Our Impactmore numbers
100000+
family members served since 1977
40+
family events held each year
$100000+
in emergency financial assistance
2500+
families served each year
Family Eventsmore family events
Upcoming Events
Fundraising Eventsmore fundraising events
Upcoming Events
Donate to Candlelighters
Candlelighters stands by local families facing childhood cancer by offering a range of programs for the entire family and a strong community across Oregon and SW Washington for families in crisis. All of our programs are free of charge and we welcome families at every stage of the childhood cancer journey. As we like to say, once a Candlelighter always a Candlelighter. Individual, foundation and corporate giving sustain our vital programs. Your support brings comfort when it is needed most. Every donation makes a real difference.
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When a child has cancer, their siblings’ lives change, too.
From loss of family activities, struggles to find new routines, and the anxiety of the unknown, siblings experience various struggles when their family is navigating childhood cancer
Although siblings are deeply impacted by a pediatric cancer diagnosis, there is limited research into the impact of childhood cancer on siblings, especially from the voices of siblings themselves.
The first step towards supporting siblings is understanding their perspective.
#candlelighters #childhoodcancerawarenessmonth #CCAM2026 #pediatriccancer
(Statistics from a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health in partnership with American Childhood Cancer Organization)
Austin`s sister, Emme, was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in 2009.
Her diagnosis had a tremendous impact on Austin and his family’s life. Daily routines, school schedules, appointments, emotional well-being, and personal relationships were all disrupted.
Although the experience was turbulent, Austin credits it with showing him his sister’s resilience and making him appreciative of the support shown by friends and family.
To other siblings of children diagnosed with pediatric cancer, Austin turns to a quote from The Lord of the Rings: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
Read Austin`s full story at the link in our bio 🔗
#candlelighters #childhoodcancerawarenessmonth #CCAM2026 #pediatriccancer
This week, we’re spotlighting the stories and experiences of siblings of children diagnosed with cancer🎗️
Hear from Candlelighters staff member, Carissa, about what content to expect this week and how to show your support during Childhood Cancer Awareness month!
#candlelighters #childhoodcancerawarenessmonth #ccam2026 #pdxnonprofit
A childhood cancer diagnosis comes with challenges no child should have to experience at such a young age.
Through these experiences, many childhood cancer survivors develop a different perspective on the world around them.
What is something you learned from your experience with pediatric cancer?
#candlelighters #childhoodcancerawarenessmonth #CCAM2026 #pediatriccancer
