Mission: We provide emotional and financial support to families of children with cancer.
Programs: Financial assistance to families. This program provides direct financial aid to low-income families of a child with cancer, who have lost the ability to keep up with living expenses due to the cost of treatment and/or the loss of income resulting from caring for a sick child. Typical assistance provided is that of paying rent or utility bills.
annual weekend retreat for families of a child with cancer. This program provides an opportunity for the entire family to spend a long weekend in a rustic camping environment with other families in the same situation. The families both share their experiences with each other, and engage in structured activities designed to build camaraderie and self-confidence. This program serves approximately 100 family members. This retreat was held at no cost to the client families. Free transportation to the event was provided for several families in need.
provided 12 mutual support meetings for families with a child with cancer, both in hospital and at various venues in the city. Our dream night prom served 80 teenagers, and our holiday party gave specially-selected gifts to 120 children. We held a comprehensive childhood cancer conference for parents, caregivers and social workers in november.
Candlelighters became central to our lives after we were referred by the pediatric oncologist. Truly life-changing for us all the while my son was in treatment - we went to camp and rarely missed the monthly meetings with fun & games for him and MUCH needed support & information for me. The Christmas and Halloween parties were probably our favorite times. There is never a cost for families - everything is always free! There is absolutely NO ONE who can understand what you're going through except other families of a child with cancer. Even as a bereaved parent, Candlelighters has been an important part of my life. Through Candlelighters I've made precious friendships and treasured memories.
I had the privilege to host this great group of people at Huachuca Oaks Christian Camp in southern Arizona for 2 years. What a wonderful experience to see families and children relax and enjoy themselves here among the oaks for a long weekend. The staff are very caring and supportive of the children and families and really went out of their way to make it a memorable experience for everyone. Thank you for the opportunity to share in this ministry for a short time.
