A Surprise Visit, and Announcement from Sam Hiatt of the Portland Thorns
Candlelighters staff were in for a big surprise last Wednesday after the staff meeting when videographers arrived to shoot some footage of our Family Day Event planning session. It turned out, Family Day was about to get a celebrity guest…and Candlelighters a new community partner. Shortly after filming began, Sam Hiatt, Thorns Defender showed up with some exciting news; Sam was nominated by her team to choose this year’s partner for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award, and Sam selected Candlelighters! We are thrilled to be able to partner with Sam and the Thorns. Sam will be part of Family Day on June 21, with more events and news of Candlelighters partnership with Portland Thorns to come.
“As athletes, we have a unique platform—even if it doesn’t always feel that way when we’re just showing up to play soccer. But it truly is more than that, especially when we have the chance to make an impact on the community that supports us. Portland shows up for the Thorns time and time again, and it’s important that we give back and support the people around us—not just on game days, but every day. I am so excited to be able to tell Candlelighters that they are our community partner for this year’s Lauren Holiday Impact Award and to be able to work with the amazing people behind this incredible organization.” – Sam Hiatt, Portland Thorns FC Defender, #16
Lauren Holiday Award Honors Thorns’ Sam Hiatt
Created to spotlight players driving meaningful change beyond the game, the Lauren Holiday Impact Award celebrates the legacy of two-time Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Lauren Holiday, whose example of purpose-driven impact continues to inspire athletes around the world. Portland Thorns FC announced that defender Sam Hiatt has been named the club’s nominee for the 2025 Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide, which honors one National Women’s Soccer League player each year for outstanding service and character off the pitch.
Sam’s Personal Experience With Childhood Cancer
Sam announced her decision to partner with Candlelighters on May 14.
Hiatt’s dedication to service is rooted in personal experience. In 2020, just days before her professional debut, Sam’s younger brother was diagnosed with a rare lymphoma. That life-altering moment shaped her career and her outlook. As her family navigated the emotional and practical challenges of his treatment, Sam experienced firsthand the power of community, connection, and care.
Candlelighters Partners with Portland Thorns
Now in her fifth professional season and back home in the Pacific Northwest, Hiatt has chosen to support Candlelighters Oregon, a local organization that walks with families through every stage of childhood cancer. Candlelighters provides families across Oregon and SW Washington with practical assistance and ways to connect, offering not just resources—but lasting relationships and hope.
Thorns FC will recognize Hiatt and the club’s community partnership with Candlelighters For Children With Cancer during the team’s match on October 4, 2025.