A Message from the Executive Director
In early January, my workout instructor mentioned that January is a great time for reflection about the previous year prior to setting intentions and goals for the new year. That advice resonated so much with me that I had our staff reflect on the highs and lows of 2025. Not surprisingly, we all thought that our family programming went well, we successfully provided $1000 higher ed scholarships to six amazing students who overcame pediatric cancer, the emergency financial assistance program ran smoothly, and newly diagnosed families found a warm and loving community to help them navigate a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
On the community outreach and fundraising front, our incredibly successful collaboration with the Portland Thorns, WCP Cares, Thursday Night Motocross and The Portland Montessori School, along with our fundraisers and silent auctions helped to spread the word about Candlelighters to the broader Portland community as well as raising the funds needed to fuel our work.
In terms of lows, we were saddened to pause our peer-to-peer parent mentorship program due funding not being renewed. It was also a year in which some Candlelighters families experienced the loss of their loved one; to all of our bereaved families we wish you much strength during such difficult times.
Looking ahead, there is exciting, new programming planned for 2026! We have launched our Home to Hospital Care Bag initiative offering to-go bags for families that suddenly face unexpected long hospital stays. Social workers and life child specialists at Doernbecher and Randall Children’s hospitals are very excited about this new initiative just like we are! To find out about how you can help, please visit our Amazon wishlist. We are also planning our first mom’s retreat which will take place in Hood River in April. We know this will provide a space for healing that our mothers desperately need.
As always, we are incredibly grateful to each and every donor, foundation, and corporate partner that helps sustain our work. We truly could not provide our programs without your generous support! We look forward to continued collaboration in 2026 and beyond! As a reminder, next year, in 2027, Candlelighters will be celebrating our 50 year anniversary! Stay-tuned for more details on how we plan to celebrate in the months ahead!