Ride for a Child began in 2002 with founder Dick Hartung’s pledge to honor his daughter Jill’s life by riding at Cycle Oregon’s annual rally event. Every year since then, Dick and a growing number of riders have participated in Ride for a Child in an effort to raise vital funds to support Candlelighters’s programs.
Today, the ride generates approximately 30% of Candlelighters’ operating budget, making it our largest annual fundraiser.
Ride for a Child takes place every year around September, Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and is hosted by Cycle Oregon. Riders sign up for Cycle Oregon’s rally and commit to raising $2500 or more in honor of children from the Candlelighters community that have been impacted by pediatric cancer.
This Year’s Ride
August 28 – September 2, 2026
In Southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley
Interested in signing up for this year’s ride? Visit our dedicated Ride for a Child 2026 website to learn more and join us!
Want to keep up to date on this year’s ride? Sign up for our Ride for a Child Newsletter.
Meet Our 2026 Honored Children
Azeena
Azeena is a six year old with lots of hobbies! She loves to dance, run, jumprope, rock climb, and just enjoys being active. Azeena also likes the colors pink and purple and is a fan of…
Cohen
Cohen is one and a half years old and our youngest ever honored child! He is a music fan and loves listening to Chappell Roan, Raffi, and Willie Nelson. His favorite book is…
Connor
Connor is fifteen years old and has one older sister, Tess. Connor has lots of hobbies that include PC gaming, digital art, cooking, baking, playing piano, and…
Joshua
Joshua is ten years old and has one older sister Emma. Joshua’s family also has three cats–Jason, Jack, and Sidney! In his free time, Joshua likes to play games like…
Katia
Katia is a ten year old who loves gaming and cats. One of her favorite TV shows would have to be Netflix’s Wednesday, and she is also a big fan of the movie…
Zeke
Zeke is two and a half years old and has three other siblings, Ben, Amelia, and Zach. He loves spending time with his family outdoors. A book Zeke likes right now is…
Photo Gallery
