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!
Meet The Kessing Family
Connor was just 8 years old when he experienced an unexplained brain bleed. At 12, he had his second brain bleed, and this time he lost his short term memory, the ability to walk and the ability to feed himself. When tests revealed a brain tumor, Connor and his...
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...
Supporters Come in All Ages: Meet Vivian
Meet Vivian, a recent graduate from the Rachel Carson Middle School School of Environmental Science. As part of a school action project, students were asked to find a meaningful way to support an organization of their choice. After learning more about Candlelighters...
WCP Cares About Candlelighters!
Candlelighters is thrilled to announce that we've been selected by WCP Solutions as their charity partner for their new give back program, WCP Cares! Founded in the PNW in1930, WCP aims to give back to the communities that have supported them. For every case of...
The Stumpf family rides for Candlelighters
Candlelighters father and son duo were in the news! Jim and Ryan Stumpf are local business owners who both ride and sponsor Ride for a Child. KOIN 6 recently interviewed them about their family's involvement in both fundraising and event volunteering. Or read the...
Meet Ride for a Child Cyclist, John
Going into his third year as a Ride for a Child (Candlelighters biggest fundraiser), John Donnelly is leading the training ride schedule and part of the planning committee. We're happy to have him on the team, and wanted to learn more about him through a Q&A. Q:...
Welcome Jason Frankel
Welcome, Jason Frankel. Welcome our newest Candlelighters Board Member, Jason Frankel. Jason’s first encounter with Candlelighters was close to 7 years ago when a friend asked if he would donate an evening at his house for the silent auction. After that event, he...
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...
Thank You 2025 In-Kind Donors!
We are so honored to have almost 100 In-Kind donors who supported Candlelighters For Children With Cancer in 2025! Their contributions play a vital role in assisting Candlelighters, providing meals, gifts, raffle items, and more. Their kindness strengthens our...
Help Thorns’ Sam Hiatt Win 10K for Candlelighters!
Candlelighters, this is our chance to make a BIG impact—and we need your votes—every day from August 15-30 to make it happen! WHAT IS IT? Portland Thorns’ Sam Hiatt was nominated for the 2025 Lauren Holiday Impact Award and she chose Candlelighters as the Thorns’...
WCP Cares About Candlelighters!
Candlelighters is thrilled to announce that we've been selected by WCP Solutions as their charity partner for their new give back program, WCP Cares! Founded in the PNW in1930, WCP aims to give back to the communities that have supported them. For every case of...
The Stumpf family rides for Candlelighters
Candlelighters father and son duo were in the news! Jim and Ryan Stumpf are local business owners who both ride and sponsor Ride for a Child. KOIN 6 recently interviewed them about their family's involvement in both fundraising and event volunteering. Or read the...
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...