A Message from the Executive Director – July 2026
What a gift to be in Oregon during the summer! The sun is out, the weather is perfect, and there are so many fun activities taking place in every corner of the state. At Candlelighters, we take advantage of the beautiful conditions and plan activities with families in safe, supportive environments outdoors. From our Latino families to our newest affinity group, our 21+ pediatric cancer survivors, we have been out and about soaking up the sunshine across Oregon.
In terms of fundraising, I am uplifted by all who choose to help raise the needed funds to fuel our programs. This is especially true with Candlelighters families. Sean Johnson from Corvallis, father to Christian, a pediatric cancer survivor, is embarking on the Hoka Hey motorcycle ride in early August, raising awareness and funds for Candlelighters. You can read more about this special ride and fundraiser here and why Sean has chosen to give back to Candlelighters in this way. Jasmine’s Creations, started by a bereaved Candlelighters family, is a new small business in the Mid-Willamette Valley that will offer balloon displays with 10% of sales going back to Candlelighters! It is so inspiring to have families that have been through so much give back to Candlelighters by paying it forward.
With Ride for a Child just around the corner, it is shaping up to be a record breaker with 44 riders! We are all looking forward to the ride in Southern Oregon from August 28 – September 2 in which we will have many of our honored kids there representing which is very exciting! Funds raised through Ride for a Child go directly to support our wide range of programming. We value every rider, our honored children, and all of the time and energy they give to helping Candlelighters fulfill its mission. Go teams!
For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, we have lots of fundraising and programmatic activities planned including our beloved Thursday Night Motocross family night and silent auction fundraiser, Sunset Sips, Killer Burger and Papa Johns givebacks for the entire month, Columbia Sportswear employee store back-to-school give back, plus brand new t-shirts and hoodies that can be purchased to raise awareness and show support for those facing pediatric cancer. More information on all of these opportunities can be found on our website.
Being a valued partner for families battling pediatric cancer in Oregon and SW Washington is our primary objective. With the support of individual donors, foundations and corporate partners, we are able to be there for families every step of the way. As a quick reminder, next year we will be celebrating 50 years of Candlelighters! We will kick off the year with our Ignite Hope event on March 11, 2027. Please mark your calendars! More info on this and other events to follow in the coming months.
In partnership,
Daniela