Connecting Families
Candlelighters was started in 1977 from a desire to connect families. Now, 45 years later, that passion is still at the heart of what we do and how we serve.
Our vision for fostering transformational, lifelong relationships begins with supporting the entire family as they face childhood cancer together—from diagnosis through treatment and beyond—and embracing them into a community that understands what they’re going through.
No matter where you are in your journey, we are here for and with you.
Candlelighters Family Camp
Candlelighters In-Person Family Camp – Back and Better Than Ever in 2022!
What is Candlelighters Family Camp? A three-day getaway at Camp Harlow for families facing pediatric cancer. Over the 2022 Labor Day weekend, 35 Candlelighters families gathered to connect with friends old and new. We enjoyed horseback riding, zip-lining, swimming, riding go-karts and bumper boats, campfire movies, getting creative in art workshops, and getting in-depth support in breakout sessions. The biggest complaint – so much to do and not enough time to do it in, or as one family said, when asked how camp could improve, “More time. But how is that possible?”
“The Candlelighters staff, volunteers, and camp staff were above and beyond amazing. We can’t thank you enough. Seeing my little girl that happy and free was everything. We all agreed it was the best weekend we’ve had since her diagnosis and can’t wait to come back. Thank you for all your hard work and time.” – Camp 2022 attendee
About Candlelighters Family Camp
Since 1995, every Labor Day weekend we have hosted Family Camp in Eugene, OR for all Candlelighters family members. These three incredible days are filled with laughter, play, connecting, love, and healing.
Our families come together and get the opportunity to experience the magic of Family Camp while horseback riding, zip-lining, swimming, riding go-karts and bumper boats, attending campfires, and so much more! This is a weekend for families to come together and create lifelong memories.
Candlelighters Family Camp is offered to children diagnosed with cancer and their families. Attendance is 100% free of charge, ensuring that all families who are interested in having the Family Camp experience can participate regardless of socioeconomic status or trying to balance medical bills during treatment.
What makes Candlelighters Family Camp unique is that the experience is for the entire family. Parents, siblings, and even the child living with cancer enjoy a weekend where the worries of treatments and associated struggles are left behind.
Family Camp 2022 Memories
Youth Programs
The Luminaries is Candlelighters’ youth and young adult program whose focus is on increasing positive social interactions among youth while building leadership skills. The Luminaries’ mission is to provide spaces for kids and young adults who have experienced cancer and their youth siblings to connect, grow, and support one another through social connections and projects.
Learn more about one of our Luminaries leaders, Garrett, and how joining The Luminaries opened up a new world for him after his diagnosis at 16. And watch Sierra’s dance to “Warrior”—a beautiful interpretation of her cancer journey. You can also check out the Luminaries playlist on YouTube.
The Luminaries program is open to anyone that has been diagnosed with cancer—or their sibling—and is aged 13–21. Due to the current environment of COVID-19, the Luminaries are currently meeting online to chat and discuss future projects. Email Lisa for information on how to join!
Luminaries Spotlight
Parent & Caregiver Support Group
Connecting with other parents and caregivers who understand having a child diagnosed with cancer can be incredibly helpful. Join our online support group meetings, facilitated by Dr. Marianne Kabour.
This will be a chance to meet other parents and caregivers so that you can share your thoughts, stories, and concerns related to childhood cancer. If there’s a specific topic you would like to address, please send it to Lisa ahead of time.
Next Meeting
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
6:45 p.m.
Parent & Caregiver Support Group Sign-Up
These online support groups are hosted by Candlelighters, and moderated by Dr. Marianne Kabour. We meet on Zoom the first Wednesday of each month at 6:45 p.m. We will email you the Zoom link in advance.
Candlelighters Community
Grupos de apoyo en español para parientes y cuidadores
Conéctate con otros parientes y cuidadores que entienden como es tener un hijo diagnosticado con cáncer.
Ofrecemos una serie de grupos de apoyo en español por Zoom el último viernes de cada mes a las 5:30 p.m. El grupo es facilitado por Maria Leija Briones, Asociado de LPC, de Barcelona Counseling.
El grupo es una oportunidad para conocer a otros padres y cuidadores para que puedan compartir sus pensamientos, historias y preocupaciones relacionadas con el cáncer infantil.
La próxima junta
Nuestra próxima junta es viernes, 31 de Marzo en Zoom.
5:30 p.m.
Inscríbete a los grupos de apoyo
Estos grupos de apoyo en línea están organizados por Candlelighters y moderados por Maria Leija Briones, Asociado de LPC, de Barcelona Counseling. Nos reunimos en Zoom el último viernes de cada mes a las 5:30 p.m. Le enviaremos por correo electrónico el enlace de Zoom después de recibir su información.
Bereavement
We understand that the pain and grief of losing a child are unimaginable. You are not alone.
Candlelighters offers two opportunities during the year for bereaved families to gather for a time of remembrance and to connect with others who are walking a similar path.
Bereaved families are always welcome to attend all Candlelighters family activities. Meeting and getting to know other families experiencing the same kind of grief offers strength and healing through community.
We also help with funeral costs. If you are newly bereaved, please ask your social worker for assistance requesting funds.
For additional information, please email Lisa or give her a call at 503-719-4244. You can also join our private Candlelighters Bereavement Community Group on Facebook.
Bereavement Events
Annual Bereavement Events
Candlelighters also offers two opportunities during the year for bereaved families to gather for a time of remembrance and to connect with others who are walking a similar path.
Time of Remembrance is our winter event for bereaved families. This year, we gathered at Edgefield on December 17.
Our next remembrance event will take place in the summer of 2023.
Please sign up for our Family Connections newsletter to be notified of upcoming bereavement events, or contact Lisa for more information.
Funeral Fund Assistance
We understand that when a child passes away, the focus should be on the family and not the bills associated with such a loss. Candlelighters offers a one time Emergency Funeral Financial Assistance, up to $500.00, to help ease the burden.
Please ask your social worker for assistance with requesting funds from Candlelighters.
Bereavement Resources
We have compiled the following resources—including support groups, bereavement camps, and educational materials—that we hope will be a help to your entire family during your journey with grief and bereavement:
Support in Grief
Your Family’s Story
Every childhood cancer story is unique, and we want to learn more about yours!
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Candlelighters Stories
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