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.

How We Serve

KeyBank Financial Workshop

KeyBank Financial Workshop

Survivors & siblings: It's exciting to think about making your own money! But...are you ready to manage it? KeyBank is offering Candlelighters teens, youth and families strategies for savings and spending. And because we know it'll make adulting more fun...this...

A Thank You from the Executive Director, Sarah Breece

A Thank You from the Executive Director, Sarah Breece

Dear Candlelighters Supporters, I cannot believe we are already in April of 2022. Over the last two years, although many things have changed, much has stayed the same, including the impact your support has had on pediatric cancer patients and their families. Since...

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...

We’re 45! Tickets on Sale for our Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser

We’re 45! Tickets on Sale for our Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser

Candlelighters Events

JUNE 2 will be an evening celebrating 45 years of serving Candlelighters Families, and seeking your support for the future. We'll share memories, celebrate our impact, watch a...

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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May 21

At Candlelighters, our focus is on support for the WHOLE family when a child has cancer, from newly diagnosed, to treatment, and beyond. The "beyond" is different for each family. We wish it meant that every child was completely cured. But cancer is a formidable enemy. Many kids complete treatment only to face lifelong health and emotional challenges. And sometimes, cancer is so aggressive that a child does not survive, leaving a family with questions, anger, sadness...grief in all of it's forms. Bereaved families are always part of our community. We offer gatherings for bereaved families, a private Facebook group, and next month we'll introduce a new way for bereaved families to connect. We've posted a new resource list for bereaved families, listing local camps, support groups, and other organizations that offer bereavement support. Bereavement Resource PDF link in bio.
@Embrace Compassion, @TheDougyCenter @armswideopenccf @teamcampbellfoundation @partnersincareor

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May 20

She's lent her energy, empathy and creativity to Mid-Willamette Valley Candlelighters for years, and we've finally managed to make it official! Welcome Sydney, new Chapter co-chair, alongside Mary Lou and Robyn. These three women all have personal experience with childhood cancer, and are widely known for their deep commitment to families in the Eugene area. They have a real talent for planning activities that are fun for the whole family. All three are an integral part of Candlelighters. Read more about our three chapters on our website - link in bio.

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May 19

45 years ago, 5 families facing childhood cancer connected over their common experience, turning to each other for friendship, advice and the comfort of others who understand. That was the beginning of Candlelighters. Throughout the years, many more families have added their own stories, experiences, and insights to make Candlelighters what it is today. One family that helped lay the foundation for Candlelighters is the Sumpter family – Sue, Paul and children Andrew, Sarah and Kate. Read their story - how it started in 1994, and where they are now-. Link in bio.

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May 16

Based on feedback from a panel of distinguished experts and inside sources @oshudoernbecher we've updated our snack pantry wishlist with most requested snacks for kiddos and their families in the hospital. Lily, one of this year's Ride for a Child honored kids, always craves those salty noodles after treatments. Look for the items at the top of the list marked "HIGH PRIORITY" on the Amazon Charity Wishlist. Link in bio.

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May 13

How would Heaven make the world smile? Who is Roman's hero? What's Brandon's favorite quote? Meet all 7 of the 2022 Ride for a Child Honored Children. This is the inspiring team of kids that our Ride for a Child riders will be cycling for - to honor and raise awareness around the childhood cancer journey. It's Candlelighters largest fundraiser of the year. Share or join a team, and get involved! Link in bio.

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May 11

Our Parent & Caregiver Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. June 1 is the next meeting, a chance to connect with other parents and caregivers so that you can share your thoughts, stories, and concerns relating to childhood cancer. The group is moderated by Dr. 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, June 1, 5:45pm via zoom

RSVP for the June Group - Link in bio.

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May 11

Save your seat! Tickets are on sale for our June 2 celebration and fundraiser. This year marks 45 YEARS of serving local families with childhood cancer. Share memories & reconnect with friends against a panoramic backdrop of the Willamette Valley...it doesn't get much better than an evening at Scholls Valley Lodge. 🤗
ticket link in bio

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May 6

Survivors & siblings: It's exciting to think about making your own money! But...are you ready to manage it? KeyBank is offering the @the_luminaries.or, Candlelighters teens, youth and families another educational workshop on strategies for savings and spending. 😆Because we know it'll make adulting more interesting...this workshop will be in an interactive game format. 👍
Join us on Friday, May 27th at 4:30 pm via Zoom. Sign up at the link in bio.

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May 6

Candlelighters teen & youth group, the @the_luminaries.or are doing a lot of good...making encouraging videos, improving their leadership skills, welcoming new survivors and siblings with welcome arms. Now they have their own tee shirts! Sorry - for now they are for members only 😉. But what does that elephant and the phrase "piece by piece" mean? It comes from advice that (Luminaries leader) Garrett's dad gave him. When Garrett was feeling overwhelmed facing the big huge beast of childhood cancer, his dad asked "How do you eat an elephant? Piece by piece." That approach resonated with Garrett, and the rest of the Luminaries. Learn more about Garrett's personal journey, and how the Luminaries helped. Link in bio.

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May 2

Wednesday, May 4 is our monthly Parent Caregiver Support Group, a chance to connect with others who understand having a child diagnosed with cancer. Bring your questions and topics for discussion, the group is facilitated by Dr. Marianne Kabour, a Pediatric Psychologist who works specifically with kids with cancer and blood disorders. If there’s something specific you would like to address, please send it to Lisa@candlelightersoregon.org ahead of time. Sign up for Wednesday, and we'll send the zoom link ahead of time. Link in bio.

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Apr 30

We understand that the pain and grief of losing a child are unimaginable. You are not alone. Picnic on the Farm, on July 10, is a chance for bereaved families to gather for a time of remembrance and to connect with others who are walking a similar path. We'll have RSVP details soon. Join our private Facebook Group for bereaved families for news and ways to connect. Link in bio.

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Apr 29

¿Estas buscando más apoyo emocional? Queremos platicar con usted. Estamos buscando maneras de apoyar a familias que enfrentan el cáncer infantil. Sus comentarios y puntos de vista nos ayudaran a crear más recursos para familias. Para platicar con nosotros y dar su opinión, por favor haz el clic en el enlace para dejar su información. O contacte a Lisa Chavez por texto o llamada a 5039084618.

Link in bio.

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Apr 27

In case you missed it - read our Spring Newsletter for Candlelighters supporters to learn about the Santillan Family - the Family That Shines, recent family activities, and fun ways YOU can contribute to ensuring Candlelighters families have the resources and connections they need to stay strong! Link in bio.

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Apr 26

Our beloved annual family camp is back, and applications for Family Camp are now open! Family Camp is a 3-day getaway for families at any stage of the pediatric cancer journey and bereaved families.

Join us and experience the magic of camp by connecting with other pediatric cancer families and building long-term friendships while horseback riding, zip-lining, swimming, go-karting, bumper-boating, crafting, and more!

Camp will take place over Labor Day weekend (Saturday, September 3rd to Monday, September 5th) at Camp Harlow, Eugene. As always, Camp is free of charge.

Access the application for Family Camp and eligibility guidelines link in bio. Applications are due by May 20.

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Apr 25

Kids these days...up to all kinds of good! The Luminaries, Candlelighters youth program, is focused on growing positive social interactions and leadership. @the_luminaries.or is open to anyone diagnosed with cancer or their sibling aged 13-21. They meet Thursdays at 4:30 online and chat on discord regularly. Email Lisa@candlelightersoregon.org or visit our website (link bio) to learn more.

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Apr 23

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Apr 20

We're excited to introduce Candlelighters new Director of Development, Camille Ogden. She's a skilled storyteller and nonprofit leader with a heart for mission driven organizations. Camille is proud to serve the Candlelighters family and believes how we care for one another in our hometowns—especially children and families facing the unimaginable—is how we build a strong community and better future.
Read More about Camille on our website. Link in bio.

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Apr 18

Wait, what? In addition to the snack pantry at Doernbecher, we also stock the refrigerator with salads, sandwiches, and other fresh meals for families at the hospital! If you’d like to support these efforts, we gladly accept gift card donations for Costco and Safeway. You can purchase gift cards in-store or online, and mail them to our office:

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
6600 SW 92nd Avenue, Suite 160
Portland, OR 97223

Learn about all the ways to shop for Candlelighters families at link in bio.

THANK YOU!

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Apr 15

Save your seat! Tickets are on sale for our June 2 celebration and fundraiser. This year marks 45 years of serving local families with childhood cancer. The evening promises shared memories, reconnecting with friends, and exciting announcements about the future. With a food truck, string lights and a panoramic backdrop of the green hills and valleys of the Willamette Valley...it doesn't get much better than an evening at Scholls Valley Lodge. 🤗 RSVP by May 6 and you'll get an Anniversary tee shirt with each ticket.
Link in bio 😀

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Apr 11

Warm hearts ♥️ > cold hands at the @hillsborohops game with Candlelighters families. @the_luminaries.or group presided over bingo, Barley popped up several times, and Myles represented ⚾️ throwing the first pitch. What a fun day back together ♥️!

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