Candlelighters
Family Connections
Newsletter
Summer 2022
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"That we found Joey’s cancer was a bit of a miracle. He has chronic kidney disease and has been on meds his whole life. When he was 4, he suddenly got sick...
When a Doctor in the ER asked if Joey had been having headaches and we said yes, they did a full CT scan that showed a tumor the size of a golf ball in his cerebellum.
He was diagnosed with Anaplastic Medulloblastoma, an extremely aggressive type of brain cancer..."
Read the Poirier family's story here
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Dear Candlelighters Families,
September is childhood awareness month, time to spread the word that no matter what we are facing, hope can be kindled when we come together as a community!
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So, we want to know - how do you find hope?
We are collecting your stories, videos, pictures, pictures of artwork, and ways you spark hope during your journey. We'll share these during September with the rest of our Candlelighters community to uplift, inspire, and raise awareness. Together, we are stronger!
Tell us what brings you hope here
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Going forward, we will be featuring one of our Candlelighters families in our newsletter in our Families that Shine spotlight. Read more about and meet the
Much Love,
Candlelighters
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If your child is currently in treatment, make sure to take advantage of our Emergency Financial Assistance Program where you qualify for up to $599 a year to cover any bills. Your assigned Social Worker can help walk you through the EFA process. If you have not been assigned a social worker, please email Ruth.
For Holiday Financial Assistance, Candy Cane Lane applications open in October. Please check your email or refer to our website for updates.
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Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, post-treatment, bereaved, or at any stage of the pediatric cancer journey, our pediatric cancer community has programs and services that offer additional financial support, activities, and many other forms of support. Check out our list of resources to find out more.
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Congratulations to our three scholarship recipients for the 2022–2023 academic year: Grace Ujifasa, Samantha Mederos, and Saydee King, all childhood cancer survivors with big dreams. Each recipient’s experience as a childhood cancer survivor has helped shape their lives, values, and goals in unique ways.
Sign up to be the first to know when scholarship applications open for 2023.
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Chapter Family Activities |
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Watch the Central Oregon Candlelighters Facebook page for upcoming activities. To get plugged in to the Bend area Candlelighters, email Kimberly.
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September
Horseback Riding
Details TBD
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October
Pumpkin Patch
October 23 at 1:00
Thistledown Farms
91455 River Road
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We're going back to Pheasant Fields Farm in early October! Stay tuned for details coming soon.
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Fall Harvest Farm Experience
Details TBD
Look for more info soon from Lisa.
If you’re in the Portland/Vancouver area, take advantage of Candlelighters OMSI Membership. To get free tickets, check omsi.edu for available dates and times to visit. Then, email Lisa with the date, time, number of adults, and number of kiddos under 18. Please request tickets 2 business days in advance.
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Statewide & SW WA Family Opportunities |
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Picnic on the Farm
We had a beautiful day for Picnic on the Farm, a time for bereaved families to gather and honor their children. Terrariums were created, games were played, the chickens, and goats gave us some comic relief and cuddles, and most importantly, families shared memories of their kids. Thank you to Embrace Compassion for opening your beautiful space for this special gathering.
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Facebook Group
If you want to connect with other bereaved families, join our Bereaved Families Facebook Group, and follow us on social media for future news and events. Our next event will be Time of Remembrance in the Winter. Learn more about Bereavement Events on our website.
Bereavement Support Group
Our monthly bereavement support group meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 5:45 pm. For more information or to RSVP for our next group, click here.
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> Parent/Caregiver Support Groups
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Candlelighters offers monthly support groups for parents and caregivers of children with cancer, in English and in Spanish.
For English Speakers: Every first Wednesday of the month at 5:45 pm. For more information and to sign up, click here.
For Spanish Speakers: Every last Friday of the month at 5:30 pm. For more information, click here.
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The Luminaries
The Luminaries is a supportive social group for youth (aged 13-21) who have been diagnosed with cancer, and for their siblings. Join and get access to our weekly virtual meetups, Discord chat, Minecraft Server (PC-Java edition), and invites to our in-person fun activities.
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> Candlelighters Facebook Groups
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Community Partner Opportunities |
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> Embrace Compassion Brighter Box Farm Experience
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Located in Sherwood, OR, Embrace Compassion offers a unique Brighter Box farm experience for children in treatment and their siblings. Embrace Compassion is looking forward to May and the opening of the Farm for Guests! Here are the 2022 visit dates for kids and their families: September 10, October 8. Visit the Embrace Compassion website for more information or email Jen@embracecompassion.org.
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LTP Foundation plans fun outings for Families. Their next event is a Bullwinkle’s experience on August 27th, at 10 am. Space may be limited. Families will receive an email letting them know if they have a spot. Click here to sign up.
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Family Activities are always FREE for Candlelighters families.
View our current COVID-19 Safety Measures here.
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