That Shine: 1 Families The Beidler Family 2 Candlelighters Family Camp Recap Ride For A Child Recap and History 4 2016
of Hope Time of 6 Harvest 9 Zoolights, Gala 2016 a Success Remembrance and News for our Southern Thank you Foundations Oregon Chapter 8 and Grant funders News for Candlelighters You’re invited... Candlelighters Mid-Willamette Valley 10 8 SUPERHERO Holiday Party Chapter for Candlelighters 11 News Central Oregon Chapter
Spotlight and Partner 12 Sponsor Spotlight Spotlight and 13 D.I.Y. Volunteer Spotlight from Executive Director 14 Letter and Board Member Welcome of Events Across 15 Calendar Oregon and SW Washington
CandlelightersConnections NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2016
Families That Shine: The Beidler Family Ruby Beidler — fan of robots, baseball, sharks, outer space, and volcanoes. She is a little girl who aspires to be a scientist, teacher, mom, and lifelong learner. At 6 years old, she is observant, funny, smart, thoughtful, and extremely brave. Her sweet smile is one that will melt your heart. In December of 2015, Ruby was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma.
she underwent treatment that was 100% inpatient. It was incredibly hard and scary for the whole family to be apart for so long and have no She underwent emergency surgery concrete idea of what would happen followed by a lengthy stay at Doern- in the next day, week, or month.” becher Children’s Hospital. Mom and Now, we can celebrate Ruby Dad, Jill and Evertt, and little sister, being in remission. She is 6 months Mira, were all there to support her post treatment and doing well! through it, even though it was such Candlelighters staff have watched a difficult time. When thinking about her journey from picking one Startheir journey, the family writes: burst off the Snack Cart during her “Cancer turned everything up- inpatient stay, to running through side down. Jill lived at Doernbecher the finish line at our Superhero 5k with Ruby for three months while dressed as Spiderman with Mira right beside her, and splashing in the pool at Candlelighters Family Camp. The Beidler Family writes of their time with Candlelighters: “Our family has received support, smiles, positivity and love from Candlelighters from day one of this crazy journey. The services and supports they have put in place for families dealing with this incredibly horrible situation are so valuable,
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer publishes CandlelightersConnections three times a year to provide news and other information to families affected by cancer in Oregon and SW Washington.
Ruby and Mira at Superhero 5K 2016
appreciated, and necessary. We have been so moved by the support we have received (and continue to receive) that we plan to be involved with them as volunteers, donors, and wholehearted champion advocates forever.” Looking toward the future, we are thrilled to see all Ruby will accomplish. She’s truly one of a kind, and the type of kiddo that will do nothing short of amazing things. She never let cancer slow her down – and continues to be a hero to all of us. Here’s to you Miss Ruby – we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Our Mission:
To provide a community of healing, hope, and light throughout the life-long journey of childhood cancer. We advocate, we educate, we build partnerships, and we foster solidarity for all families experiencing cancer.
Candlelighters Family Camp
A place to play. A place to feel safe. A place to giggle. A place to escape. A place to share.
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ere words can’t describe Candlelighters Family Camp, because it’s more than a place; It’s more than a camp. Candlelighters Family Camp is one of our most popular and impactful programs that offers hope, healing, and light to children with cancer and their family. Since 1995, Candlelighters Family Camp in Eugene has brought nearly 4,000 people together during Labor Day weekend. The goal is to give families affected by childhood cancer a chance to enjoy
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activities that make camping so special, such as horseback riding, swimming, riding go karts, zip lining, attending camp fires and riding on bumper boats for three incredible days. Candlelighters Family Camp is offered to children diagnosed with cancer and their families. Attendance is 100% free of charge ensuring that all families who are interested in having the Family Camp experience can participate regardless of socioeconomic status or trying to balance medical bills during treatment.
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
Candlelighters Family Camp
“Having the opportunity to attend Candlelighters Family Camp made such a difference in our ability to cope with our son’s cancer and his years of treatment.” Candlelighters Family Camp is supported by The Kinnie Mae Foundation, Juan Young Trust Foundation, RE/MAX Foundation, Windermere Corporation, and many individual donors that make Family Camp possible year-after-year. This year’s Candlelighters Family Camp brought together more than 250 campers. As one family expressed, “Having the opportunity to attend Candlelighters Family Camp made such a difference in our ability to cope with our son’s cancer and his years of treatment. Having the opportunity to share our concerns about treatment with other families dealing with the same issues reduced our sense of isolation, calmed our fears and gave us valuable insights into coping with
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childhood cancer.” The family also said it gave them an opportunity to create memories and allowed them to “feel normal.” What makes Candlelighters Family Camp unique is that the experience is for the entire family. Parents, siblings and even the child living with cancer enjoy a weekend where the worries of treatments and associated struggles are left behind. Thanks to the leadership of Program Director Karsen O’Bryan and the more than 50 caring and compassionate volunteers who came together to handle the many little details of executing a three-day camp, Candlelighters Family Camp was a huge success.
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2016 Ride For A Child
S
A Very Special Ride.
tarting in April and throughout the summer, 45 to 55 cyclists join together for a great cause called Ride For A Child (RFAC). This unique fundraising event that’s in collaboration with Cycle Oregon celebrates the lives of children and families in Oregon and SW Washington affected by childhood cancer. This is how it works: every Spring, the RFAC cyclists sign up to ride in the annual weeklong Cycle Oregon event. Then, Candlelighters identifies seven children who live along the Cycle Oregon route and ask them to be one of the RFAC Honored Children. Once Honored Children are selected, the cyclists are partnered with one of the kids who then serve as inspiration for the cyclists to fundraise. As RFAC Committee
Chair Evelyn West says, “Whenever the hill is too high or the ride feels too hard, I think of my Honored Child and how hard they work to endure cancer treatments. It never fails to motivate me to try harder.” A really special part of being a RFAC Rider is getting to participate in the Ride Out, an opportunity for the Honored Children and their families to meet up with the cyclists during the week long ride. The Honored Children get a chance to support the riders that have been working so hard and cycling on their behalf. When they meet up, the kids and cyclists ride a short distance together. This is called the “Ride Out.” After the ride out, there’s a short awards ceremony and celebration.
Ride For A Child 2016 Honored Kids
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Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
2016 Ride For A Child Candlelighters wishes to thank our riders and support team. Ride For A Child was started by Dick Hartung 14 years ago as a way to honor his daughter Jill who passed away after a long battle with Sarcoma. He embarked on a journey to ride Cycle Oregon and asked a few of his friends to support him. He raised a few hundred dollars. The following year, friends wanted to ride with him and Dick’s passion compelled them to also raise funds for Candlelighters. Fast forward to today when hundreds of riders have joined the Jill and Dick Hartung cause raising $1.7 million dollars over 14 years enabling Candlelighters to fulfill its mission. This year, our 45 extraordinary cyclists rode along Oregon’s southern coastline and raised more than $150,000 for Candlelighters’ families!
Please join us in congratulating the following: Team Stepheni Maureen Casey, Renee Pype, Tom Leslie, Jim Ruble, Jeff Wannamaker, Steve Glenn, Eric Glenn Team Draven Tim & Kay Fleskes, Don Aaberg, Ra Antico, Jeff Leslie Team Anna Dick Hartung, Taylor Mathes, Rose Martin, Gary Spence, Cheryl Edwards, John Wingert Team Izzy Bryan Leslie, Jeff Yandle, John Williams, Gregg Holt, Bob Holt, Sheila Connelly Team Robert Rod Malone, Carol Crooke, Dave Mitchell, Ken Drury, Rob Burton Team Hailey Evelyn West, Eric Gross, Julie Matteson, Kevin Blow, Don & Suzy Jones Team Gautam Jim Stumpf, Theresa Atkinson, Brandon Johnson, David Leslie, Ron Hurner Support Staff – Denise Doyle, Dan Doyle, Terry Jordan, Ryan Gibbons, Sarah Gallagher, Mark Bennett, Jonathan Bohbot, Jake Handy, Andrew Heath
Interested in being a RFAC Rider for their 15th Year? Join the RFAC team and meet new riders, make life-long friends, and enjoy group training rides all summer long. During Cycle Oregon we’ll supply your tent, transport your luggage, set up a group camping area each day, offer a shaded hospitality area with refreshments and even provide massage therapists to ease sore muscles. Contact Candlelighters for more information. www.facebook.com/RideforaChild/
www.4kidswithcancer.org
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors: Alan Mascord Design Associates, Antico & Forbes, Clackamas County Peace Officers’ Benevolent Foundation, Collier Arbor Care/Bartlett Tree Experts, Harris WorkSystems, John L. Scott Foundation, Johnson RV, Norlift of Oregon, Overhead Door Company of Portland, Weston Kia Buick GMC, ZGF Architects, Parr Lumber, A Body of Wisdom Natural Family Medicine, First Republic Investment Management, and Pathfinder Logistics. Ride For A Child would not be possible without your support.
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2016 Harvest of Hope
H A R V E S T O F
C A N D L E L I G H T E R S F O R W
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T
C H I L D R E N H
C A N C
E
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HOPE
We did it! And, we couldn’t have done it without you!
THANK YOU
to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees for making Candlelighters For Children With Cancer’s 14th annual Harvest of Hope our biggest success to date. With your support, we raised over $170,000. More than 300 guests and 50+ volunteers, ranging from local philanthropists, childhood cancer advocates, cancer survivors and community leaders from Oregon and SW Washington joined together to support Candlelighters programs and services. With 100 silent auction packages ranging from coastal getaways, amazing concerts, beautiful art created by well-known artists and everything in between, there was something for everyone. Singer Lovey James, known for her outstanding performances around Portland and as a contestant on American Idol, added to our reception ambiance. Our live auction packages were something special too. Our Master of Ceremonies, KPTV’s Tony Martinez, and Auctioneer Justin Timm revved up the audience helping sell live auction
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packages such as Wine Tasting in Walla Walla and “Groundskeeper For A Day” for the Seattle Mariners. But it was our paddle raise for our Emergency Financial Assistance Program that compelled our guests to give. We profiled the Delos Reyes Family and their 13-year-old daughter Lexy who have been with Candlelighters since Lexy was diagnosed with cancer at 14 months. Eleven surgeries and many courses of cancer treatment have left her blind, semi-paralyzed and stunted her growth, but it hasn’t affected her spirit or sparkle. The Delos Reyes Family is the perfect example of how cancer can impact a family and why our EFA Program is so important. Because Lexy has needed so much care, her mother gave up her career and her father supports the entire family. Over $80,000 was raised to support this invaluable service to our families.
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
2016 Harvest of Hope
Candlelighters also recognized two amazing partnerships that have helped our organization continue to provide services to families. We presented our first-ever Harvest of Hope Partnership Award to T.J.Maxx for supporting our auction for the past 14 years. The T.J.Maxx staff throughout Oregon and SW Washington procure 70-75% of the silent auction packages that are on display at Harvest of Hope and it’s thanks to a team of store managers, most notably Jon Coy and Johnna Moore, who drive the excitement and procure items that help Candlelighters raise funds. Our second award was given to Dick Hartung. We presented a Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and passion for trailblazing Ride For A Child. Through his tireless efforts and passion, he recruited family, friends, and colleagues to support Candlelighters and collectively they have raised a total of $1.7 million. A heartfelt thank you to our Harvest of Hope Committee: Kirsten Carnese, Shawna Farrar, Heather Palmer, Maizy Tenner, John Williams and Ellen Worsham for their time and
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energy to ensure an amazing event. Moreover, we want to commend Jennifer Jones, Candlelighters Special Projects and Events guru, for her organization and countless late nights making the event a success.
THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS: Cambia Health Solutions, Cushman & Wakefield, Ferguson, JVNW, Norlift of Oregon, Washington Trust Bank, Genentech, GBD Architechs, Kuzman Forest Products, Metropolitan Pediatrics, SmithCFI, Owen Roe, and T.J.Maxx.
Harvest of Hope would not be possible without your support. We hope you’ll join us next year for Candlelighters For Children With Cancer’s 40th Anniversary!
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Candlelighters For Children With Cancer wants to thank our 2016 grant funders and foundations for their support of our organization and family-focused programs.
PORTLAND METRO Kruse Way Rotary and Embassy Suites Cordially Invites You to Attend Candlelighters Superhero Holiday Party!! Sunday, November 27 2 pm – 5 pm
THANK YOU Autzen Foundation
for supporting our Emergency Financial Assistance Program
Boyd Family Foundation
for supporting our Emergency Financial Assistance Program
Cancer Ski Out
A special day awaits you at this year’s Holiday Party hosted by our wonderful friends from the Kruse Way Rotary and Embassy Suites Washington Square! Superhero costumes are welcomed and encouraged. Join us for this festive fun packed afternoon. RSVP by November 18th and provide the following information: • Parent/Guardian’s first and last name • Name, age, and gender of each child who will be attending from your immediate family.
for supporting Candlelighters Family Programs
Clackamas County Small Grants
for supporting our Emergency Financial Assistance Program
Genentech
for supporting Family Programs
Juan Young Trust Foundation
for supporting Candlelighters Family Camp
Kinnie Mae Foundation
for supporting Candlelighters Family Camp
Marie Lamfrom Foundation
for supporting our Bereavement Program
Randall Charitable Trust
for supporting Candlelighters Family Camp
RE/MAX Foundation
for supporting Candlelighters Family Camp
Reser’s Family Foundation
for supporting our In-hospital Food Program
Windermere Corporation
for supporting Candlelighters Family Camp
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Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
To RSVP for events in the Portland Metro, please contact: Program Director– Karsen O’Bryan 503.719.4244 ext. 3 Karsen@CandlelightersOregon.org
ZooLights
Please provide the following information: • Parent/Guardian’s first and last name (spell last name if leaving a phone message) • Name, and age of each child attending from your immediate family • Contact number in case we need to reach you
Sunday, December 4th Check-In 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Oregon Zoo, Portland Bundle up and celebrate the Holiday Season amid the sparkling lights and brilliant hues of ZooLights. More than a million lights transform the Oregon Zoo into a luminous winter wonderland. Candlelighters will be stationed inside the plaza area as you go through the gates. Look for Candlelighters signs, staff and volunteers with glow sticks. DO NOT Stand in line at the ticket booth! You will receive your complimentary tickets for admission and train at the check in table. Candlelighters will be there until 5:30 pm. The Zoo Train should be running. If you would like train tickets, please specify the number of tickets you need when you register or we will
Time of Remembrance not secure tickets for you. Lines can be long for the train, so plan to wait. Please order train tickets only if you plan to use them. This event is open to Candlelighters families and their immediate family members, diagnosed within the last 10 years and bereaved families within the last 10 years. If you would like to bring guests you may purchase extra tickets for them from the zoo.
*Please come prepared to pay for parking. Parking meters accept credit or coin. Please RSVP no later than December 2nd and provide the following information: • First and last name of parents/ guardians, names of all children attending • Phone number • Ages of each family member attending. • Parents must accompany children when picking up tickets
SOUTHERN OREGON We want to thank the 1st Annual Light the Way Lantern Walk for their generous fundraising for Southern Oregon Candlelighters and their families.
Come join us for our Southern Oregon Annual Christmas Party
December 3rd from 1 to 3pm at the Ashland Elks Lodge. Parking is in the lodge gated parking lot and we will be on the first floor. Santa and Annie the Clown will visit. Crafts, Cookies, food and fun to be had.
Fundraisers and advocates joined together for a lantern walk down Roxy Ann Peak and over $600 was raised. A special thanks to Womens Fitness Company, Organicos, and Providence Please RSVP to: Ruth 541-301-8532 or Kimberly 541-292-3058 Health and Services for www.facebook.com/southernoregon.candlelighters sponsoring the walk!
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Sunday, December 11th Doubletree by Hilton Portland 1000 NE Multnomah St. Portland, OR 97232 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Join us for an early evening full of love and community. We will share a meal, listen to music, and create crafts in memory and celebration of the children we have lost. RSVP by December 5th. (please spell the last name, if leaving a phone message)
To RSVP for events in the Southern Oregon Chapter, please contact: Southern Oregon Chair – Ruth Staten 541.301.8532 SouthernOregonCandlelighters@ gmail.com Please provide the following information: • Parent/Guardian’s first and last name (please spell last name if leaving a phone message) • Name, age, and gender of each child attending from your immediate family • Contact number in case we need to reach you
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MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY Thank you Clean and Sober Motorcycle Club! The second annual fundraiser raised $3,500.00 for our local group! Thank you for all the time and effort to make this event so successful. Even the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of all that came to show support.
Thank you Pacific Equestrian Center! Our horseback riding event was a huge winner. The horses were busy all afternoon giving rides to the kids and a few kids even tried to see how many different horses they could ride! There was face painting, a photo
To RSVP for events in the Mid-Willamette Valley, please contact: Mid-Willamette Valley Co-Chairs – Mary Lou Bradley: 541.687.0697 email: mloubradley@comcast.net or Robyn Thompson: 541.343.4528 email: adome45@q.com www.facebook.com/candlelighters. midwillamettevalley Please provide the following information: • Parent/Guardian’s first and last name (please spell last name if leaving a phone message) • Name, age, and gender of each child who will be attending from your immediate family • Contact number in case we need to reach you
booth and roping and crafts to keep the kids occupied. A huge thank you to Berni Ogan for sharing your horses with us and organizing such a fun day! We were also joined by members of the U of O lacrosse team.
Mid-Willamette Valley Chapter families enjoying horseback riding and their favorite superheroes
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Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
To RSVP for events in the Central Oregon Chapter, please contact: Central Oregon Chair – Angie Jeppsen 541.233.8213 CentralOregonCandlelighters@ gmail.com
CENTRAL OREGON
Please provide the following information: • Parent/Guardian’s first and last name (please spell last name if leaving a phone message) • Name, age, and gender of each child who will be attending from your immediate family • Contact number in case we need to reach you
With Much Appreciation We want to thank our families and supporters for another fantastic year for Central Oregon Candlelighters! First we want to thank all of our local businesses who helped with the September
Scavenger Hunt Contents! This year was bigger and better than ever! Second, we had another amazing event, Civil War on Odell Lake. Thank you to The Lucky Duck for such a special weekend!
Another thank you goes out to the DD Ranch for hosting our families and giving us a fantastic pumpkin patch experience!
Scavenger Hunt Poster
Christmas Party We hope you’ll join us for our Annual Christmas Party on December 2nd. Hollinshead Barn 1235 NE Jones Rd Bend, OR 97701 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. It is sure to be a fantastic time! Please RSVP to Angie – 541.233.8213 CentralOregonCandlelighters@gmail.com www.facebook.com/centraloregon.candlelighters
Candlelighters children showing off their gifts from Santa
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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Norlift of Oregon Candlelighters wants to support the businesses in our community that give back to worthy causes. We encourage you to take notice of all our Tom Leslie sponsors and be sure to use their services when possible. Candlelighters salutes Norlift of Oregon
for setting the gold standard for sponsors who go above and beyond to ensure our programs continue to support our families. Every year for the past dozen years, Norlift of Oregon has sponsored both Ride For A Child and Harvest of Hope. Tom Leslie, owner of Norlift says it best, “It’s important that businesses support charitable endeavors that make a difference. We know firsthand the pain of childhood cancer and we vow to support Candlelighters in their quest to ensure every family impacted by this disease has
support for every member of the family.” The Leslie family also commits time and energy to fundraising.
The entire family: Tom, Jeff, Bryan and David all participate as cyclists in Ride For A Child and each raise a minimum of $2,500 each year through this event.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: Oregon Cancer Ski Out The Oregon Cancer Ski Out is a two-day event for skiers and snowboarders that combines fun, competition, and fundraising with a unique racing format designed to let even novice skiers or snowboarders participate in the fight against cancer. Since 1999, Cancer Ski Out has raised funds to support eight organizations dedicated to supporting cancer services and research. Candlelighters For Children With Cancer has been privileged to be one of their partners. Since the start of our partnership, Candlelighters has received more than $150,000. That contribution has enabled Candlelighters to service 200 families a year with Emergency Financial Assistance funds; provide scholarships to deserving cancer survivors and those who are still battling the disease but want to fulfill a dream and provide funding to deliver hot meals and snacks to families in the hospital who are unable to leave their child’s side.
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This year, Candlelighters is proud to announce that the staff, board and volunteers who make up Cancer Ski Out and Cancer Bike Out have pledged to support Candlelighters with a $40,000 gift in honor of Candlelighters 40th anniversary! They will give Candlelighters $10,000 a year for the next four years to ensure that our families continue to receive support when they need it. Candlelighters could not do the work we do without the collective support of the staff, board and volunteers who make up Cancer Ski Out and Cancer Bike Out! Cancer Ski Out occurs on March 12-13, 2017 and will be celebrating their 29th year!! Go to www.cancerskiout.org to register and learn more.
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
D.I.Y. FUNDRAISER SPOTLIGHT: Debra Jean Golf Tournament Candlelighters wants to give a giant thank you to The Debra Jean Golf Tournament and it’s golfers, donors and volunteers for their continued support of our Candlelighters families and to celebrate the life and memory of Debra Jean Strickler. DIY fundraisers like the Strickler Family are how Candlelighters has remained a valuable resource to families for over 39 years. “My brothers and I wanted to honor our sister Debbie, who succumbed to cancer when she was sixteen many years ago. Our family was in a similar circumstance as many of the families Candlelighters helps: low income, without a lot of resources. I was only a child but was well aware of the tremendous emotional strain on my parents as they tried to provide Debra Jean for our family while also providing and caring
for Debbie, who struggled mightily against cancer for two years. An organization like Candlelighters would have been a godsend for us, so we want to do what we can to raise money in support of Candlelighters so they can help families just like ours. This is our third year running The Debra Jean Golf Tournament, and I can tell you the staff at Candlelighters have been so wonderful, supportive and appreciative. I encourage anyone who’d like like to honor a loved one by helping families impacted by childhood cancer to work with them.” — Rob Strickler, on behalf of the Strickler family. If you want to start your own DIY Fundraiser for Candlelighters, it’s easy! Use your passion to raise funds through creating an event, special occasion, or to honor a loved one. We offer advice and support to our DIY Fundraisers, contact Candlelighters to learn more.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Candlelighters 2016 Volunteers Candlelighters would not exist without the tireless work of an amazing team of volunteers! We are so lucky to have a wonderful group of people who generously give their time and energy to help make Candlelighters the organization it is today.
2016 VOLUNTEER LIST: Mitchyl Ainslie Kellie Allen Pilar Alvarado Adrianne Alvarado Holly Anderson Paul Asis Jennifer Bell Gillian Bergman Carol Bianchini Sky Blaw Jim Boryska Kayla Bowker Luz Boyd Ashley Bryant Burning Bright - Willamette University Michael Butler Laurie Cameron Sherry Chen Glenda Costain Debbie Crandall Cassie & Zach Croissant
Sarie Crothers Emily Clawser Tyler & Courtney Cook Sarie Crothers Debbie Crandall Karsen Dailey Megan Daniels Veronika de la Rosa Justin Diem Meghan Duncan Elsie Dustin Farmer’s Insurance Employees Chris Faust Ferguson Employees Matt & Jody Filkins Sarah Florig Rosalind Fraser Sofia Fraser Caitlin Gartrell Carrie Gartrell Melody Gottman Sydney Green
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Amy Gupta Anita & Gautam Haeems Theresa Gonzales Barbara Hall Eyad & Brandie Hamad Catherine Hamad Chanel Hargrove Lynn Hatfield Kevin Henderson Diana Herbert Rich & Vicki Herrle Maya Holiman Jamie Howard Brett Hulstrom Tristen Hunt Ivivva Gwen Johnson Robyn Johnson Octavia Johnston Lauren Jones Julie Karambelas
Julia Kent Maria Kent Kassie Konikow Malerie Lawrence Tony Le Noel Maldonado Caitlin Masson Julie Matthiessen Metro Gymnastics Robert Mottice Mountain Peak Therapy Llamas Kristi Nash National Charity League - Blue Heron Chapter New Seasons Employees Beige & Matt Nelson Maggie Nice Kohl & Cami Nicoll Erin Nolan O’Bryan Family James Olson Cindy Orth
Natalie Outhaythip Nicole Owens Heather Palmer Pilar Pantoja-Alvarado Diane Parker Donna Peach Lois Peach Morgan Penning Sara Perlove Alexis Perry Kim Peterson James Redfern Shawntell Roth David Rozansky Rachel Rueschenberg Sharla Sanders Tyler Schmidt Hunter Shepersky Teagan Sheffield Julia Smith Rob & Gina Smith
Lisa Sorenson Russell Stanton Jim Stumpf Superhero Coalition Lauren Swart Ben Tallman Andie Taylor Tami Taylor Jenny Thompson Shirley & Stacey Tripp Tythcott Family Chandler Uslan Maria Valdez Emily Walters Ronda Ward Payton White Kristin Whitehead Angela Willner Dylan Yahna Bev Zimel
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Message from the Executive Director: Celebrating
40 years in 2017
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Dear Families, Friends and Supporters,
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here is much to celebrate as we approach our 40th anniversary. In 1977, five families who spent months living in Doernbecher caring for a child with cancer realized that there were few services that supported the entire family during this crisis. Through their shared experience they created an organization that would support the whole family. Through persistence, patience, passion and a lot of hard work, Candlelighters has served nearly 80,000 family members and is a fixture in the Oregon and SW Washington communities.
As we look toward our 40th anniversary, Candlelighters is STILL the only organization in Oregon and SW Washington that provides for the entire family when a child is diagnosed and treated for cancer. When we look back to the beginning, Candlelighters has an amazing story to tell and the impact of our work is measurable.
• Since 2002, Candlelighters has provided more than $1 million to more than 3,000 families with Emergency Financial Assistance between $300 to $450 annually to help with recurring bills when a family is grappling with childhood cancer. • Since 2002, Candlelighters has given nearly 4,000 people a weekend away from treatment through our annual Candlelighters Family Camp; a cost of $500,000.
• Since 1993, Candlelighters has given out more than $125,000 in college scholarships to more than 100 students who were either cancer survivors or still battling the disease so they could follow a dream.
• Since the beginning, Candlelighters has given nearly $200,000 to provide hot-catered meals and snacks
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Welcome Brian Maher to the Board of Directors!
for as many as 2,000 people annually who have children in the hospital so they don’t have to leave their child’s bedside.
• The program that started it all, Peer Support and Networking for all families who are dealing with the crisis of childhood cancer. Candlelighters coordinates monthly family activities so families have a supportive care community that many say is priceless. Through it all, Candlelighters never charges families a dime—ever! With a new strategic plan, Candlelighters For Children With Cancer is looking to the future. OUR PURPOSE:
We exist because childhood cancer affects all of us. OUR VISION:
We envision a world where every family affected by childhood cancer is a member of a supportive community and they live a beautiful life that is more than their cancer journey. OUR MISSION:
To provide a community of healing, hope, and light throughout the life-long journey of childhood cancer.
Please join us as we take the first step into our future, starting now. With warmest regards and gratitude, Jackie Groah Executive Director
As Simple’s Vice President of Operations, Brian Maher leads Simple’s team that simultaneously respects and cuts through red tape. In banking—an industry that’s known for antiquated policies, legalese, and a lack of innovation—Brian stands apart for his belief in creating opportunity with consumer-friendly financial innovation. While his role may require pragmatism, Brian brings a lot of heart to his work, helping Simple walk the line between innovation and violation. Brian is a member of our Candlelighters Family and shares his reasons for joining our Board. “My daughter, Tilly, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in June of 2014, a month after her 4th birthday. She wrapped up treatment in September of 2016 and that’s when I decided to join the Candlelighters Board. Tilly’s cancer diagnosis was truly a life changing event that had far-reaching impacts on our entire family. I am committed to helping Candlelighters continue to serve the local community the way they’ve served us during this incredibly challenging time.”
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR November 2nd Dinner at Doernbecher (inpatient families) Playroom 10S 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
November 8th Lunch at Randall Children’s Hospital (inpatient & clinic families) 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
December 4th Zoo Lights (4-5:30pm check-in) Oregon Zoo 4001 SW Canyon Rd. Portland, OR 97221
November 20th Bowling First Bowl 1950 River Rd. Eugene, OR 97404 2:00 p.m.
SOUTHERN OREGON
December 7th Dinner at Doernbecher (inpatient families) Playroom 10S 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
December 4th Christmas Party Elks Club 2470 W 11th Ave. Eugene, OR 97402 2:00 p.m.
December 4th Christmas Party Ashland Elks Lodge 255 E Main St. Ashland, OR 97520 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
November 16th Dinner at Doernbecher (inpatient families) Playroom 10S 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
December 11th Time of Remembrance Doubletree by Hilton Portland 1000 NE Multnomah St. Portland, OR 97232 4:00 p.m. –6:00 p.m.
November 22nd Lunch at Randall Children’s Hospital (inpatient & clinic families) 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
December 13th Lunch at Randall Children’s Hospital (inpatient & clinic families) 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
November 24th Doernbecher Thanksgiving Lunch Noon – 1:30 p.m.
December 21st Dinner at Doernbecher (inpatient families) Playroom 10S 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
November 27th Kruse Way Rotary Club Christmas Party Embassy Suite Hotel 9000 SW Washington Sq. Rd. Tigard, OR 97223 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. September 28th Lunch at Randall Children’s Hospital (inpatient & clinic families) 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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December 24th Doernbecher Christmas Eve Lunch Noon – 1:30 p.m.
MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY November 14th Dinner & Toy Shopping for the Christmas Party Hawaiian Time 2080 River Rd Eugene, OR 97404 5:00 p.m.
www.4kidswithcancer.org
December 3rd Christmas Party Setup Ashland Elks Lodge 255 E Main St. Ashland, OR 97520
CENTRAL OREGON December 2nd Christmas Party Hollinshead Barn 1235 NE Jones Rd Bend, OR 97701 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
CANDLELIGHTERS STAFF
PORTLAND METRO & SW WASHINGTON
For more information on these events, make sure to check our website: www.4kidswithcancer.org
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – Jackie Groah 503.719.4244 /Jackie@CandlelightersOregon.org PROGRAM DIRECTOR – Karsen O’Bryan 503.719.4244 ext. 3 / Karsen@CandlelightersOregon.org DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS – Philip Giles 503.719.4244 ext.9 / Phil@CandlelightersOregon.org SPECIAL PROJECTS - Jennifer Jones 503.719.4244 ext. 4 / Jennifer@CandlelightersOregon.org CHAPTER CHAIRS: MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY CO-CHAIRS – Mary Lou Bradley: 541.687.0697 / mloubradley@comcast.net Robyn Thompson: 541.343.4528 / adome45@q.com SOUTHERN OREGON CHAIR – Ruth Staten 541.301.8532 / SouthernOregonCandlelighters@gmail.com CENTRAL OREGON CHAIR – Angie Jeppsen 541.233.8213 / CentralOregonCandlelighters@gmail.com
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NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAID
PORTLAND, OR PERMIT 948
5440 SW Westgate Drive, Suite 125 Portland, OR 97221 (P) 503.719.4244 (F) 503.214.5567 www.4kidswithcancer.org Change Service Requested
Yes! I want to make life a little brighter for a child with cancer!
Volunteer With Us!
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization and donations are tax deductible to the extend allowed by law. o $500
o $200
Enclosed is my gift of: o $100 o $50 o $25
o Other $ _________
We have so many opportunities available, please reach out if you’re interested! Please email: Karsen@CandlelightersOregon.org or call: 503.719.4244
Please make checks payable to: Candlelighters For Children With Cancer. Send to: 5440 SW Westgate Drive, Suite 125, Portland, OR 97221 AmericanExpress, MASTERCARD and VISA accepted: CC#_____________________________________________Exp. Date: _____________ Security code on back of card: __________ In honor of: ________________________ ________________________ __________ In memory of: _________________________________________________________ Please notify: __________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________
GOOD NEWS
Do you have good news to share? Let us know! Please email: Phil@CandlelightersOregon.org or call: 503.719.4244
City:__________________________________ State:__________ Zip:_____________ Donor name: __________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________ City:__________________________________ State:__________ Zip:_____________ Email: ___________________________________ Phone:______________________
Thank You!
Please cut and mail completed form to: 5440 SW Westgate Drive, Suite 125, Portland, OR 97221
!
(email needed to process credit card gifts)
Remember to shop at Amazon Smile or credit your Fred Meyer Rewards to Candlelighters for an easy way to donate. Update your contact information: Send to: Phil@CandlelightersOregon.org if you have recently moved or changed email addresses.