When I was a kid I wanted to be a Child Life Specialist because they cheered up kids like me who were sick. I enjoyed it so much when they stopped by to play, even if it was only for a little while. It made me kind of forget that I was sick. Most people have their whole lives to think about things they want to do after high school, but I didn’t think much about my future, I tried my best to live in the moment. I didn’t even expect to graduate high school.  Even though I was young when I was diagnosed, I still understood that having cancer isn’t going to be easy.

As a kid the hospital was fun, at least my mom made it that way. Spending all day in bed playing board games with my mom made me forget that I was too weak to walk on my own. When I was in the hospital, volunteers would bring in their service dogs, and nothing in the whole world meant more to me than a dog did. The reason is simple: dogs are naturally happy no matter what. I admire that. Even when my dog Jesse was sick or had joint pain he was still happy, no one was happier to see me than Jesse. I got Jesse from a Make-A-Wish fundraiser event that I helped sell tickets for. I had him for 14 years, he was my best friend. The day he passed was when I started being interested in being a veterinarian.

When I go to Lane Community College I want to take an animal anatomy class, as well as a human psychology class. Oncology and anesthesiology interest me as well. The hospital shaped me into who I am today. I have so many core memories that I could talk about for hours. Beating cancer makes you have high hopes for yourself, I want to achieve a lot and I have a lot to learn. Candlelighters have given me a lot in my life. They gave me an environment that I felt normal in. Being surrounded by people who understand is what shined light on my dark cancer journey.

I have always loved all things mechanical, which led to my biggest hobby, working on my car – a 1990 Toyota Supra. I also enjoy building and flying model airplanes. Rounding out my mechanical hobbies, throughout high school I was a member of the robotics team, which was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed.

I am entering into my sophomore year of college at George Fox University this fall where I will be continuing in my pursuit of a degree in mechanical engineering.

My cancer diagnosis was a difficult blow for me as someone who has always been very active. When I was diagnosed, I had to undergo a serious surgery to remove a tumor embedded in my spinal column. The nerve damage this tumor caused made me unable to walk without assistance for months. This sudden lack of mobility was a huge change from the person who played varsity football as well as varsity golf throughout high school. However throughout all of this I had great friends and family supporting me and helping me to retain as much of a sense of normalcy as possible. For my battle with cancer, my biggest help has come from retaining a positive attitude and leaning on my friends and family.

Candlelighters have always been an encouragement to me as I’ve spent lots of time in hospitals and have received several care packages and gifts from Candlelighters. These gifts are always welcome distractions from treatments. 

I am a resilient individual who has been through a challenging journey with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoblastic Lymphoma of the T-cell from March 2020 to June 2022. Despite facing
such adversity, I have managed to maintain a positive outlook on life. In Lakeview High School, I was actively involved in several activities, including being a Future Farmers of America (FFA) member, where I developed a passion for agriculture and agribusiness. Additionally, I enjoyed playing golf, honing my skills on the course, and enjoying the actual ease of mind of the sport. Another significant part of my life was serving as a Make-A-Wish Oregon Ambassador in 2021-2022, where I had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children with critical illnesses by granting their heartfelt wishes
by raising money.

In the fall, I plan to attend the University of Idaho to study Operating System Management with a minor in entrepreneurship. I am excited to embark on this educational journey and gain a deep understanding of the manufacturing industry while exploring my interest in entrepreneurship.

During my battle with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoblastic Lymphoma of the T-cell, I faced numerous challenges further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dealing with cancer during a global health crisis brought its own set of difficulties. I had to navigate the complexities of accessing medical treatments and managing my health while taking precautions to protect myself from the virus while traveling to Doernbechers in Portland and Asante in Medford for treatment. The isolation caused by lockdowns and restrictionsmade finding support and maintaining a sense of normalcy even more challenging.
However, I learned to adapt and found strength with the help of my loved ones, medical professionals, and the community of Lakeview. Through my experience, I have developed a deep empathy for others facing similar challenges. I have become passionate about raising awareness and sharing my story to help others going through hardships of their own.

Candlelighters will always hold a special place in my heart for helping me further my education.

I love to play my violin, work out, and hang out with friends. I also love watching sports (baseball specifically) and cheering on the Mariners. I was involved in our school through the orchestra, mariachi ensemble, honor society, cross country, baseball, and HOSA club. I graduated in the top 5% of my class with a 4.0 and was a semifinalist for the United States Presidential Scholarship. I plan to attend Lower Columbia College in the fall to major in nursing. Afterward, I want to go into oncology and help those put in the same position I was in.

My cancer experience was one of gratitude and learning to appreciate every day. I was diagnosed when I was 4, almost 5 years old, and went through 3 and a half years of treatment. I had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and was fortunate enough to get my treatment done at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, where the medical professionals inspired me and gave me hope for my future. Finally, my favorite experiences with Candlelighters were all of the extra events including Camp Harlow Family camp and the Christmas party.  I looked forward to these events while I was going through treatment. It meant the world for my family and me to have a way to connect with other families going through the same thing. Candlelighters presented us with the opportunity to escape from all the hard parts of cancer treatment and instead gave my family and I hope. It was truly a blessing at some of our hardest times ever. I will be forever grateful for all Candlelighters has done in my life.

I am a recently tigard high school graduate and I love to play basketball, golf, go eat good food and shop with my girlfriend. I was involved with sports teams outside of my own sports through sports photography I took photos for the football team and volley ball team for social media and I as well ran the football social media and the track social media.

I am attending Linfield university in the fall to pursue and education in business snd marketing while getting a minor or certificate in wine studies. 

My cancer diagnosis came at a very young age of 2 and last till I was 5. While I do not remember much do to be so young and chemo brain I can still feel that pain neurologically logged inside of my body.

My name is Beau and I’m going to Southern Oregon University in the fall. I have been interested in art and drawing since I was little, and hope to study creative writing so I can incorporate storytelling into my work. I’ve lived in the forest my whole life and enjoy being in nature and doing recreational activities like hiking, paddleboarding, skiing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, etc. Throughout high school I have been in different ASB and class officer positions, and hope to continue a leadership role in college.

I was diagnosed with AML leukemia at age 10 which led to many other complications like GVHD, hemorrhage, thyroid cancer, kidney failure, and others. I plan on using experiences I struggled with as inspiration to share my story through art and help heal others going through the same situations. My favorite memory of Candlelighters is how they put stuffed animals on all the pillows at the children’s hospital, so my mom and I donated a bunch of plushies to a Candlelighter’s office so kids won’t have to go through it alone.