About Candlelighters
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.
At the time, there were no organizations to connect and support families going through this journey. Now, 45 years later, local families have come to depend on Candlelighters.
With the help of emergency financial assistance, regular family activities, in-hospital programs, and an annual family camp, we ensure that families have the resources and connections they need to navigate childhood cancer together.
Today, the organization has supported nearly 100,000 family members through the crisis of childhood cancer.
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer provides support every step of the way for families in Oregon and SW Washington facing childhood cancer.
From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, we offer programs such as emergency financial assistance, an annual family camp, regular family activities, bereavement support, and in-hospital meals.
Our programs are always free to Candlelighters families.
We are experts in whole-family support.
We build transformational relationships, not transactional support.
Candlelighters Staff
Sarah Breece
Executive Director
Lisa Chavez
Programs Manager
Nicole Ek
Programs Coordinator
Angela Griffin-Meyers
Director of Marketing & Communications
Ruth Lorente
Administrative Business Manager
Camille Ogden
Director of Development
Candlelighters Board
Executive Committee
Liz Kraus, JD
Secretary
Melissa Rose
President
Mollie Worcester
Past President
Jeffrey K. Yandle
Treasurer
Board
Jeanne Beacham
J.D. Godfrey
Jackie Costello
Steve Drew
Amanda Garcia
Kelsie Storm, MD
Candlelighters Chapters
Our main office is in Portland, serving the Portland and Vancouver areas, with three additional chapters in Mid-Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, and Central Oregon. Each chapter is led by a chair or co-chairs.
We encourage you to get in touch with the chapter most convenient for you.
Mary Lou Bradley, Robyn Thompson, Sydney Wight
Mid-Willamette Valley
Kimberly Bruhn
Southern Oregon
Ruth Staten
Southern Oregon
Kimberly Banner
Central Oregon
Candlelighters Employment
Candlelighters is looking to fill one volunteer position. Click below for more information and how to apply.
Chapter-Volunteer
Regional Chapter Volunteer for Central Oregon
Position Title: Marketing and Social Media Intern
Reports to: Director of Marketing and Communications
Time Commitment: 10-12 hours a week. Remote and in-person activities during a few evenings and weekends throughout the year.
Time Period: July-September
Pay: Unpaid, volunteer position
Position Summary
This position reports to the Director of Marketing and supports the marketing initiatives for Candlelighters For Children With Cancer. The Marketing Intern will gain experience in a variety of marketing and communication roles, including social media platform promotions and engagement, design, storytelling, and the planning and executing of two main campaigns; Golf to Give and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Marketing/Communication Responsibilities
Administrative
â— Organization of assets on google drive and Canva
â— Help maintain social media calendar, plan calendar around events and campaigns, particularly Golf to Give and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Content creation
â— Help to create content to leverage across multiple platforms: social media, website, print, eblasts
Graphic Design
â— Create and design both digital and print collateral for Candlelighter activities and events
â— Resize / scale existing graphics for multiple formats
â— Create simple website and social media posts consistent with brand, photo usage
â— Print design and layout
â— Organize field incoming Marketing requests and add to spreadsheet
â— Constant Contact and HubSpot assistance in email campaigns
Photo and permissions management:
â— Collect and organize photos from family activities and CL events
â— Post to Flickr if needed
â— Track permissions for photos and update xls or Salesforce Social media & Private FB Groups
â— Run Golf to Give social media page including scheduled posts and content creation
â— Help with postings as needed using Hootsuite
â— Check FB org. page and Instagram for comments on posts and respond to community
â— Help with family permissions on sharing photos and posts as needed
â— Come up with ideas to engage our audience, particularly around Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September
â— Create reels and videos
Research & Reporting
â— Social media trends and tools effective for small nonprofits
â— Website and social media benchmarks and goals
â— Understanding of SEO and google analytics is a plus!
Requirements
â— Strong written and oral communication skills
â— Good eye for design and branding consistency
â— Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs
Social media experience and understanding of, platforms like hootsuite
â— Experience with Canva or design software
â— Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects
â— Must be comfortable working in an office environment and display strong interpersonal skills
â— Experience in marketing and communications or a plus
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have strong communication, marketing and branding skills and a proven ability to be a team player and resourceful. Interest and experience in the nonprofit industry is preferred.
Interested in Applying?
Email your cover letter and resume to Angela Griffin-Meyers at Angela@candlelightersoregon.org
Position Title: Grant Writing Intern
Reports to: Director of Development
Schedule: 10-12 hours a week, in-person, and hybrid, flexible schedule
Time Period: July – December 2023
Pay: Unpaid
Position Summary
This position reports to the Director of Development and works alongside the Executive Director, and the Board President to support the fundraising initiatives for Candlelighters For Children With Cancer.
The Grant Writing Intern will gain experience in a variety of fundamental development roles, including grant and foundation research, grant application process, grant writing and submission, and reporting on funded grants. This is a unique opportunity to be mentored by seasoned non-profit development professionals, including a leading expert and current board president with tremendous depth and experience in foundation grant writing and fundraising.
Responsibilities
â— Study and understand the mission, history, structure, objectives, programs and financial needs of the organization.
â— Research grant opportunities from foundations, corporations and other non-government agencies.
â— Draft grant proposals and supporting documents based on the funding requirements of the organization.
â— Submit proposals to grant coordinators for approval.
â— Respond to internal and external queries on drafted and submitted proposals.
â— Maintain positive relationships with fund providers and other stakeholders.
â— Maintain records and submit reports related to grant opportunities. Requirements
â— Strong written and oral communication skills
â— Strong organization and research skills
â— Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects
â— Must be comfortable working in an office environment with use of shared online tools and databases
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have strong communication, organizational, and research skills and a proven ability to be, independent and self-motivated and resourceful. Interest and experience in the nonprofit industry or government agency is preferred.
Interested in Applying?
Send your cover letter and resume to Camille Ogden at camille@candlelightersoregon.org
Position Title: Co-Chapter Volunteer
Reports to: Various Candlelighter Staff including the Program Coordinator, Executive Director and Business Operations Administrator.
Time Commitment: 10-15 hours a month: Remote and in-person activities during a few evenings and weekends throughout the year.
Pay: Unpaid, volunteer position
Position Description:
Chapter Volunteers at Candlelighters play a critical role in executing our events and programs within chapter regions throughout Oregon and SW Washington. This position provides a great opportunity to
learn first hand the work that goes into the services provided to families at Candlelighters and an opportunity to gain valuable skills and experiences along the way.
Specific Responsibilities
â— In partnership with Candlelighter staff and current Central Oregon Chapter Volunteer, prepare and lead community engagement activities and programs
â— In partnership with Candlelighter staff and current Central Oregon Chapter Volunteer, Coordinate and Schedule Candlelighter events within the community
â— Assist with event preparation and stewardship of local supporters
â— Table at community events
â— Assist other staff members with any miscellaneous tasks
â— Attend monthly chapter volunteer calls, meetings and trainings
REQUIREMENTS
â— Passion for Candlelighters for Children With Cancer mission.
â— Strong community building skills with sensitivity to families lived-experiences
â— Discretion in handling confidential information; tactful and diplomatic in dealing with others.
â— Strong fiscal management and organizational skills and the ability to work within and help improve systems and processes.
â— Interest and excitement in fundraising initiatives that support the mission of Candlelighters
â— Work collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation and in line with our values of compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, use hands to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, and lift up to 25 pounds. Must be able to read information from printed sources and computer screens.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS & INFORMATION
This role may require travel within the community. Access to motor vehicle, current Driver’s License, insurance, and the ability to drive locally is required. Hours and schedule may vary depending on event
requirements. All finalists must pass a criminal background check, prior to employment with Candlelighters For Children With Cancer.
Interested in Applying?
Email resume and cover letter to: sarah@candlelightersoregon.org
Candlelighters is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Sarah Breece
Executive Director
Sarah brings over 13 years of nonprofit development and leadership experience to the Executive Director role, along with incredible energy and focus. Most recently, Sarah has served as Candlelighters’ Director of Development, seeing the organization through the pandemic while building a new development program. Prior to Candlelighters, Sarah spent time working in the nonprofit industry, most recently at the YMCA of Greater Seattle as the Director of Annual Giving.
Sarah and her husband Brett live with their two dogs, Zeva and Ackley, in Beaverton, OR. As a childhood cancer survivor herself, she is passionate about the Candlelighters mission, bringing community, programs, and resources to the entire family impacted by childhood cancer.
Contact Sarah
- Office: 503-719-4244, ext. 2
- Mobile: 360-870-6821
- sarah@candlelightersoregon.org
Nicole Ek
Programs Coordinator
Nicole was introduced to Candlelighters in 2009 when her daughter, Emme was diagnosed with cancer. In the Candlelighter community, Nicole and her daughter have developed a strong connection through their journey. Along with the family events, Nicole and Emme have been involved with the Luminaries teen group for over 7 years.
Nicole is also a cancer survivor. Seeing both sides of cancer has driven Nicole’s personal mission to help children and their families feel supported through their own journeys.
In her role as Programs Coordinator, Nicole looks forward to helping light the way for all with friendship, community and empathy just as Candlelighters lit the way for her family.
Contact Nicole
- Office: 503-719-4244
- Email: Nicole@candlelightersoregon.org
Lisa Chavez
Programs Manager
Lisa has a BA in International Business, and is completing her Masters in Social Work at Portland State University. She has volunteered at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Legacy Hopewell House, and at The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families. Lisa was born in Mexico City, and her fluency in Spanish is vital to our growing programs.
Lisa was a caregiver for her mother who died of cancer. The way cancer impacted her whole family unit drives her personal mission to help other people whose lives are also impacted by cancer. Candlelighters’ mission aligns with her personal mission, and she looks forward to helping to provide a community of healing of support for families impacted by cancer.
Contact Lisa
- Office: 503-719-4244, ext. 3
- Mobile: 503-908-4618
- lisa@candlelightersoregon.org
Angela Griffin-Meyers
Director of Marketing & Communications
After earning an MA focused on women’s studies and literature, Angela pivoted to work in the tech explosion of the early 2000s. She brings over 14 years of marketing and advertising experience to her role. Having worked for advertising agencies in Austin and Seattle, she’s excited to be back in her hometown of Portland.
Her goal is to bring strategy and reach to Candlelighters communications. She looks forward to telling the stories of Candlelighters families and helping to grow this wonderful community.
Contact Angela
- Office: 503-719-4244, ext. 1
- Mobile: 971-275-2765
- angela@candlelightersoregon.org
Ruth Lorente
Administrative Business Manager
As a child, Ruth spent three months in the hospital with scoliosis, a difficult time for her and her parents. This personal connection to childhood illness fuels Ruth’s passion to support families battling pediatric cancer.
Contact Ruth
- Office: 503-719-4244, ext. 0
- Mobile: 559-908-9053
- ruth@candlelightersoregon.org
Camille Ogden
Director of Development
Camille is a skilled storyteller and nonprofit leader with experience ranging from higher education to start-up nonprofits. With a heart for mission-driven organizations, Camille is proud to serve Candlelighters families and believes that 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. As a Pacific Northwest girl, she is excited to help deepen local roots and share Candlelighters’ impact across the region as she builds relationships with donors, partners, volunteers, and families.
Along with her husband and kiddos, Camille lives in the country near Coburg and is thankful to be in the Mid-Willamette Valley near one of our Candlelighters chapters, within the natural beauty of her home state.
Contact Camille
- Office: 503-719-4244, ext. 1
- Mobile: 541-222-0840
- camille@candlelightersoregon.org
Melissa Rose
President
Legacy Foundations
Candlelighters Parent
Mollie Worcester
Past President
GBH
As a pediatric cancer survivor, Mollie felt it was time to give back to the community of families facing this insidious disease that knows no boundaries. Mollie came across Candlelighters in 2015 and knew immediately that this was the right organization to lend her story, passion, expertise, and more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising.
During her illness, Mollie’s own family did not have the type of support Candlelighters provides to the whole family. Mollie has made it her personal mission to ensure that families—those facing the same issues and choices that her family did when she was young—have a place to come for support, events, and programs to help them as they navigate through a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
Jeffrey K. Yandle
Treasurer
First Republic Investment Management
An active member of the nonprofit community, his past board affiliations include Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East, Metropolitan Family Service, Maybelle Center for Community, and La Salle Educational Foundation.
Jeanne Beacham
Delphon Industries LLC
A cancer survivor herself, Jeanne has been a committed supporter of Candlelighters for years, participating in fundraisers like Golf to Give and Cancer Ski Out, and now looks forward to providing leadership and insight as a board member.
Jackie Costello
Pacific West Bank
From the first Harvest of Hope event that Jackie attended, she knew this was the organization where she wanted to spend her time and efforts. Cancer has touched several of her family members, and Jackie herself is a breast cancer survivor. She is passionate about Candlelighters’ mission and the fact that Candlelighters supports children with cancer and their families. She will use her relationships in the communities she serves to provide support for the amazing mission of Candlelighters.
J.D. Godfrey
PavelComm
J.D. had been interested in joining a local charity where he could invest his time and professional experience. Connecting with his friend—and now fellow board member—provided an even better understanding of the good that continues to be accomplished by others involved and wanting the same. J.D. is excited for the opportunity to help Candlelighters achieve success with its current initiatives while working to identify new areas where J.D. and others can bring value.
Steve Drew
VP, Systems and Business Operations
CrowdStreet
Steve has spent the last 25+ years designing, defining and architecting software products and integrated solutions in the FinTech space, including a commercial real estate investment marketplace, several accounting/ERP systems and industry-specific point-of-sale solutions.
Steve was introduced to Candlelighters when his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of three and experienced first-hand the numerous acts of kindness and support of multiple organizations within the childhood cancer community during the dark days of treatment and beyond. Steve was especially touched by Candlelighters’ focus on the entire family and has felt compelled for years to give back to Candlelighters and other families like his who are battling cancer following his daughter’s recovery.
Amanda Garcia
Quality Improvement & Accreditation Manager for Benton County Public Health
Amanda has been a part of Candlelighters since 2019 when she began volunteering after seeing the tremendous support they provided her sister and family when her niece, Journey, was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of two.Â
Amanda has helped with many of the family events held with the Mid-Willamette Valley chapter including their Christmas party, Easter egg hunt and January freeze. Most recently, Amanda was able to help bring smiles to our families at Candy Cane Lane dressed as Anna from Frozen.Â
Candlelighters has touched her heart in more ways than one and she feels very honored to be a part of their board. She is excited to support our families, fundraise to ensure more families receive the support they need and to spread the word of the Candlelighters mission and vision with everyone she meets.Â
Amanda has two children ages 5 and 2 and lives with her husband, kids and dogs in Albany, Oregon. They are all avid Beaver fans and love to be outdoors spending time together.Â
Liz Kraus, JD
Secretary
Business Attorney, Immix Law
Candlelighters Parent
Now that Liz’s daughter is healthy and happy, Liz wanted to give back to the organization that connected them to the larger childhood cancer community and did so much for their family and others living with them in 10 South at Doernbecher. Liz looks forward to working with the current board to continue to grow and maintain the suite of Candlelighters’ services. Liz wants to make sure that any family facing the shock of a pediatric cancer diagnosis has the support, resources, and outlets that Candlelighters provided to their family and their greater pediatric cancer family.
Kelsie Storm, MD
Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel
Kelsie completed her residency in pediatrics, chief residency, and fellowship in pediatric hematology oncology at Oregon Health and Science University. During her fellowship, Kelsie was awarded the Neerhout Fellow Award for her commitment to patient care, research, and education. She also received a grant from the Oregon Medical Foundation to fund her research in Fanconi Anemia. Her clinical interests include brain tumors, solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and bone marrow failure syndromes.
In her free time, Kelsie enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughter, exploring the culinary scene in Portland, traveling, running, and cheering on the Oregon Ducks.
Mary Lou Bradley, Robyn Thompson, Sydney Wight
Mid-Willamette Valley Co-Chairs
Mary Lou Bradley has been involved with Candlelighters since 1996 when her son, Chris, was diagnosed with ALL when he was just nine years old. Robyn Thompson has been involved with Candlelighters since 1999 when her son, Jordan, was also diagnosed with ALL when he was just four years old. Both have been giving back to children with cancer and their families for more than 25 years.
As of April 2022, Sydney Wight is the newest co-chair of the now team of three. Sydney’s son, Robert, was diagnosed with T-cell ALL (leukemia) in 2014. She’s been lending her creativity, energy, and time to Candlelighters for years, and we’re happy to now call her an official chapter co-chair!
As co-chairs of the Mid-Willamette Valley Chapter, these three plan monthly events for families in their community to connect, forget the cancer diagnosis, and just have fun.
- 541-517-9315
- mloubradley@comcast.net
- 541-521-8035
- robynthompson8035@gmail.com
Contact Sydney
- 541-337-2856
- sydstar2@gmail.com
Kimberly Bruhn
Southern Oregon Chair
Kimberly Bruhn’s son Michael, who lost his six-year battle with ALL in 2013, was an Honored Child for Candlelighters’ Ride For A Child in 2009. Understanding the importance of keeping life as normal as possible even while fighting childhood cancer, Kimberly’s continued work as chair of the Southern Oregon Chapter carries on Michael’s legacy and his desire “for folks to help others in his memory.â€
- 541-292-3058
- kimberlybruhn@hotmail.com
Ruth Staten
Southern Oregon Co-Chair
Ruth is a native to Southern Oregon. She was the chapter chair from January 2011 until 2017, when Kimberly Bruhn took over. Ruth’s daughter was diagnosed with Rabdomyosarcoma the summer of 2008. She’s now 25, lives in GA, married and doing well.
Contact Ruth
- Phone: 541-301-8532
- Email: oopie525@yahoo.com
Kimberly Banner
Central Oregon Chair
Kimberly Banner first learned about Candlelighters in 2014, when her daughter was diagnosed with AML at the age of ten. While staying at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital throughout treatment, they met some of the Candlelighters staff and were thankful to learn of an organization that could help support families like theirs.
Kimberly became chair of the Central Oregon Chapter in 2020, which was a natural step after being part of Candlelighters activities as a family, connecting with others who had gone through similar journeys and could truly understand what their family had experienced. As chair, Kimberly looks forward to continuing to be part of the strong community of love and support that Candlelighters offered her own family when they needed it most.
- 541-788-2809
- kimberlys7mm@gmail.com