In the Spotlight
Candlelighters is nothing without the people who make up our community, from our families to our volunteers to our supporters.
Below, we shine a spotlight on some of those whose presence in and contributions to the Candlelighters community are a vital part of what keeps our work going.
Please honor them with us!
The Clifton Family
Meet the Cliffton Family Aaron (Dad) Melissa (Mom), Jerry (Big Brother), Addy Jo (Little Sister) and Mckinley (Littlest Sister) Tell us about your family, and Addy Jo’s cancer diagnosis. Our Story starts several years ago. Adaleah (Addy Jo) was diagnosed with Acute...
The Poirier Family
Meet the Mills-Poirier Family of Albany. They are right in between Portland and Mid-Willamette Valley, so we get to see them at both Portland and MWV activities, and Joey is an active member of the Luminaries, Candlelighters Teen/Youth group. We spoke to Melissa...
The Santillan Family
Three-year-old Tatiana and her mom, Juana, like to eat, cook, and watch movies together. Her favorite toys are Minnie Mouse, Frozen, and unicorns. She enjoys watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Minnie Mouse. Her favorite foods? Beans, all kinds of berries (black...
The Perkins Family
14 year old Alex is a die hard San Francisco 49r fan, whose favorite player is Jimmy Garoppolo. Alex loves anything Marvel. He watches all the movies, reads the comics, collects the figures, and even wrote Marvel and received an honorary avenger badge. Alex loves the...
Healing on the Farm
After her son Julian was diagnosed with childhood cancer in 2019 and died in 2020, Jennifer Bridges, founder of Embrace Compassion, decided to honor his memory by making life brighter for kids with cancer. She and her family opened their farm to local families...
McCormick Family
I had never heard of retinoblastoma until I was sitting with an ophthalmologist with Derek, then 1, while 36 weeks 5 days pregnant with my second child. The Dr. was so kind. He told me to drive to Portland and be the first person in the Casey Eye Institute parking lot...
Michael’s Story
Kimberly Bruhn is co-Chapter Chair of Southern Oregon Candlelighters. She and her family understand what it's like to go through childhood cancer, from the shock of diagnosis to the grief of loss of their son Michael. Below, she shares what it was like for the Bruhn...
Meet the Founders of Golf to Give
Meet the Founders of Golf to Give, Darren and Scott As we head into peak Golf season in the NW, one event we look forward to each year is the Golf to Give Challenge. In terms of fun and fundraising, it exceeds expectations each and every year. We talked to the...
Volunteer Spotlight: Natasha Strength
About Ride for a Child Ride for a Child (RFAC) is Candlelighters biggest, and longest running fundraiser. The cyclists who ride and fundraise are a super-dedicated group of volunteers. In this case, volunteering means miles of training to prepare for the weeklong...
Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Holt
About Ride for a Child Ride for a Child (RFAC) is Candlelighters biggest, and longest running fundraiser. The cyclists who ride and fundraise are a super-dedicated group of volunteers. In this case, volunteering means miles of training to prepare for the weeklong...
A Letter from Melissa Rose, Board President
Excitement is in the air at Candlelighters! From our board and staff, to our amazing volunteers and community partners, we eagerly greet the promise of this new year. I feel so honored to step into the role of board president at this time. As an organization,...
“Volunteering Empowered Me”
"I started volunteering with the Mid-Willamette Valley chapter in 2019 after my niece was diagnosed with ALL at the age of two. I helped as much as I was able but I felt very powerless to make any difference in all that was going on in their lives. Journey was...
Norlift Oregon and The Leslie Family
We talked with David Leslie, 2020 and 2021 Ride for a Child Chair about his family and family business, Norlift's long standing involvement in Ride for a Child. Q. How and when did Norlift get involved in RFAC? Norlift got involved thru Dick Hartung, founder of Ride...
First Republic and Jeff Yandle
Jeff (pictured at Ride For a Child 2019, far right) serves as Treasurer on the Candlelighters Executive Board, and Sr. Director of Wealth Management at First Republic Bank. It will be his 10th year riding for Ride for a Child - that's dedication! Thank you Jeff, and...
Partner Spotlight: Don Jones of John L. Scott
We know that Don Jones of John L Scott Real Estate has been a rider and that John L Scott has been a sponsor of Ride for a Child for years. But we wanted to learn more about the how and why he chose to give to Ride for a Child...Here's his story. Q How did you get...