No matter where you are in your cancer journey, we are here for you. Affinity groups are an essential part of Candlelighters’ programs, opening the door for genuine interaction between individuals with shared experiences and providing safe spaces to create new bonds and memories.

Learn more about our affinity groups and how to join below! If you have any questions or would like to learn more about a specific group, contact us.

Luminaries Teen Group (Ages 13-21)

The Luminaries is open to anyone from 13 to 21 years old residing in Oregon and SW Washington that has been diagnosed with cancer. The group also welcomes their siblings. The Luminaries Teen group provides a safe and judgement free space for teens, young adults, and their youth siblings to connect, grow, and support one another through fun social outings, projects and activities.

The Luminaries meet in person throughout the year for interactive activities like mini-golf, movies, and lake days. For additional information, please contact our Program Director, Nicole Ek: nicole@candlelightersoregon.org, 503-719-4244.

“Candlelighters is a place where families can laugh, share experiences but also know you have a common life experience in cancer.”

Luminaries Teen Group Member

Join the Luminaries

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Diagnosed Youth Name*
Parent or Guardian Name*

Familias Latinas

For Latino families going through a pediatric cancer diagnosis, Candlelighters offers specific support to better serve a range of needs in a culturally appropriate way. Throughout the year, we offer family activities such as bowling, a summer picnic, lunch and loteria, and other family activities as a way for Latino families to meet one another and form strong bonds as they deal with their pediatric cancer journey.

With this in mind, Candlelighters is collaborating with Oregon-based nonprofits that work specifically with Latino health such as the Oregon Latino Health Coalition and Familias en Acción. Our goal is to inform our Latino Candlelighters families on the various resources that are available and to continue to strengthen our programming and offerings.

Visit the Family Activities page to view and RSVP to upcoming Familias Latinas events and all family activities statewide.

Join Familias Latinas

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Parent or Caregiver Name*
Name of child diagnosed with cancer*

Survivorship (21+)

Our new Survivorship Group is tailor-made for adult survivors of pediatric cancer who are 21 and over. Our goal is to build a community in which all adult pediatric survivors feel supported and welcomed. We plan to host various events and activities throughout the year that are accessible to all. Join us!

Join Our Survivorship Group

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Mom’s Group

Our Mom’s Group is a great way to meet other moms who have a child diagnosed with pediatric cancer. We host various Mom’s Nights Out throughout the year as well as an exclusive, mom’s only day retreat. The goal of the group is to care for the caretaker and create community so that moms going through similar experiences can bond and help one another.

 

“I have only been to one Candlelighters event so far, Mom’s Night Out, but I felt great when coming home. It was the first time that I felt “normal” in a long time.”

Candlelighters Mom

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Bereavement Group

We understand that the pain and grief of losing a child are unimaginable. You are not alone. Candlelighters offers events specifically for bereaved families, financial assistance and a tailored resource guide. See below for more information.

Events for Bereaved Families

We provide two events during the year for bereaved families to gather – a Time of Remembrance luncheon at the beginning of the year and a picnic in the park in the summer. Both are wonderful opportunities for bereaved families to meet other families going through similar struggles and make connections. Meeting and getting to know other families experiencing the loss of a child offers strength and healing through community. In addition, bereaved families are always welcome to attend any Candlelighters family activities for as long as they choose.

Financial Assistance

Candlelighters has limited funding available for eligible families to help cover a portion of funeral expenses. If you are newly bereaved, please ask your social worker for assistance requesting funds.

Resources for Bereaved Families

We have compiled a list of resources including support groups, bereavement camps, and educational materials specifically for families struggling with the loss of a child. Download the list here.

For additional information, please contact our Program Director, Nicole Ek: nicole@candlelightersoregon.org, 503-719-4244.

Join Our Bereaved Family Group

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