When I retired from 25+ years of marketing and selling real estate, I was looking for a “thing†to give back for the wonderful life I have and to contribute to society.  I ran into a friend at the grocery store, and he suggested I check out Candlelighters.  He had just volunteered for a fishing day.
What is it about Candlelighters mission that you connect with?
I connect with Candlelighters because my little Grandson had Leukemia at a very young age. Â I babysit him several times a week, so I was very close to him; and his illness tore my heart in two. Â Before my sweet, little Sawyer became so ill, I never knew what those little, smiling, bald-headed babies we see on TV go through as they fight for their lives. Â I am so happy to say that Sawyer has been in remission now for 3 years.
What’s been your favorite experience as a volunteer so far?
I love the Candy Cane Lane party, where people sponsor children and/or families.  My 3 grandsons and I have made it our Christmas tradition to go shopping (Me?  Three boys in stores?  Recovery time is ?) for “our children.† It has been very special for me to watch them try to choose exactly what they think their children would really like.
What are you most excited about doing next?
I love interacting with the people—to try to bring a smile to their faces in such dark times.  I truly care about those little, bald babies—they have my heart.  I am so grateful to Candlelighters For Children With Cancer and all they do for the families struggling with pediatric cancer.