In 2015, 8-year-old Holly Bruno was diagnosed with stage 3 soft tissue childhood cancer. A friend to many, it’s no surprise that Holly had a whiteboard full of love notes in her hospital room, including her own words, “Love is Everywhere,” a phrase that became her mantra, and her family’s as they seek to spread hope to other kids facing cancer.  Holly died in 2018, right before she started 6th grade at Twality Middle School. Her loving legacy has carried on through a group of students at Twality Middle School, and 6 years later, in 2024, they approached Candlelighters to donate in her name.

The student group, Twality Care Alliance, and their teacher wanted to “Find a way to keep her spirit in our group.” So they raised funds by doing crafts, and photo booths, and other activities around the school.  The students stopped by the office in December, and learned more about Holly from her mom, Heidi, who was there to be part of this special moment. Heidi is happy to see Holly’s light and love reflected in the actions and care of the teachers and students who remember her and donate in her name. The students raised $1,000, and each were presented with a certificate of fundraising excellence from Candlelighters, along with some hot cocoa and treats. Jenny Hansson of KOIN was there to film the occasion, and wrote a beautiful story and video. Watch the video below, or read the story here. 

The Bruno family attend Candlelighters events, and often show up wearing “Love is Everywhere” sweatshirts. Holly’s legacy of love remains an inspiration.