That 1 Family Shines News and 2 Scholarship Cancer Warrior Breakfast Recap
5k and Save the 3 SUPERHERO Date for 2017 Harvest of Hope Sponsor and 4 Candlelighters Partner Spotlights
Volunteer 5 Candlelighters and DIY Spotlights 6 Candlelighters Chapter News
For A Child 7 Ride and Slime Fundraising Life Brighter 8 Make For a Child with Cancer
CandlelightersConnections SUMMER 2017
Family That Shines: Burgess Family
E
mily Burgess is an 18-year-old who has plenty to be proud of. She has traveled to Chile, volunteered and given back to causes close to her heart, won scholarships, and beat cancer since her fight started at 22 months old. But she’s not stopping there. Looking towards the future, Emily is an aspiring counselor and fashion designer. She wants to work with kids who have been diagnosed with cancer; a career influenced by her own journey. She has mom and dad, Louis and David, Sister Zoey and Penny the pup in her corner. They have been through their share of struggles and hard times throughout their journey, but have remained an incredible family unit that is strong and thriving. It has been a long
Emily enjoying a day at the beach.
journey: Emily was diagnosed at 22 months with Pilocytic Astrocytoma in the 3rd ventricle of the brain. Mom writes of Emily’s diagnosis: “We didn’t have much time to react or even think when Emily was first diagnosed. We went to Emanuel Hospital to meet yet another doctor in my search to find out why Emily couldn’t walk without falling and why she kept throwing up every Tuesday or Wednesday. We didn’t leave the hospital until very late and were told we had one hour to gather our things for our hospital stay. If we didn’t return, someone would be sent to bring us back. Emily had her first surgery the next morning at 7 a.m.” Fourteen years later Emily got the news that she was in remission and at 16 years post-diagnosis, the Burgess Family received word that Emily’s tumor had shrunk for the first time ever. Emily is able to live the life she dreamed of and can take a deep breath knowing she beat cancer! Louise was able to offer some incredibly heartfelt words of advice for what their family wished others knew about their journey and involvement with Candlelighters:
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer publishes CandlelightersConnections four times a year to provide news and other information to our childhood cancer community in Oregon and SW Washington.
The Burgess Family: David, Emily, Zoey, and Louise.
“I wish there was a way to help educate those outside of cancer to please take a moment to think about some of the things they say. I can’t even count how many times Emily is asked ‘why are you so short’. Who wants to go into a long explanation of how she stopped growing after her second brain surgery? Another message would be to always hold on to hope. We raised Emily for a world beyond cancer. It wasn’t about being in denial of our situation as some may have seen it, but more about living as best as possible for whatever our future may be. It hasn’t been easy but I think it’s what helped all of us.
Candlelighters has more resources than most know. If you have a child with cancer please get to know them. Your child will be around people who understand and don’t judge and that is worth so much when you are helping them to just feel normal.” Today the Burgess Family is involved with Candlelighters for a different reason. Emily was a recipient of one of the Continuing Education Scholarships, and as part of her commitment to Candlelighters she will volunteer with us in the upcoming year. We are so thrilled to have Emily and her family be a part of Candlelighters in this whole new way!
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.
NEWS Candlelighters Scholarship Awards This year we selected five incredible young adults to be recipients of our Candlelighters Continuing Education Scholarship. We received many amazing applications and the choice was difficult. The five teens we chose are exemplary. Each candidate was asked to answer several essay questions and
have a letter of recommendation written on their behalf. The committee was truly amazed at the caliber, commitment, strength, and perseverance of these extraordinary recipients. We cannot wait to see what amazing futures there are in store for them!
Emily Burgess: Plans to go into Emma Aanderud: Plans to go into the medical or Chloe Staten: Studying nurscounseling or fashion design social work field to work with children undergoing ing with a possible option of for petite teens tragedy, cancer or other serious illness pediatric oncology nursing
Jimmy Li: Plans on studying business
Ty Whitmore: Studying nursing with plans to go into pediatric oncology nursing
First-Ever Cancer Warrior Breakfast Highlights Candlelighters 40 Years of Service to Families Battling Pediatric Cancer
Thanks to you we surpassed our goal and raised more than $50,000 for Candlelighters For Children With Cancer’s life-changing programs and services! When we decided to hold our first-ever breakfast event to educate the community about Candlelighters, our goal was to ensure that everyone who attended understood why Candlelighters is so needed: Candlelighters is the ONLY organization in Oregon and SW Washington that supports the WHOLE family
when a child is diagnosed and treated for cancer. This supportive care model which started 40 years ago is considered a clinical necessity. Candlelighters has helped 80,000 family members in Oregon and SW Washington since 1977. When we sent a follow-up survey, 100% of respondents said they understood why Candlelighters programs and services are so critical to hospitals, families and the community. We thank and salute
the trailblazers – our volunteers who started it all. Because of their hard work, dedication and passion, we continue to build and strengthen our community of healing to more than 2,000 family members annually. Thank you to KOIN Meteorologist Sally Showman, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, and our wonderful sponsors!
Callahan Law Office, PC
2
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
Save the Date! October 21, 2017
SUPERHERO 5k
battles and providing support for their families! Form a team or make an impact by fundraising to help support Candlelighters For Children With Cancer programs and services. Join us for a 5k Walk/Run, Kid’s 1 Mile Course, face painting, Costume
July 8, 2017 Cook Park, Tigard Bringing fun, fitness and purpose together in one AMAZING event honoring regular kids fighting extraordinary
Contest with prizes, hugs and kisses from therapy animals, Kid’s Obstacle Course, live music from Chuck Cheesman, fun vendor booths, and more!
Register Today:
https://superhero.itsyourrace.com
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors! Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Golf To Give Challenge Friday, August 18, 2017 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Stone Creek Golf Course Oregon City www.golftogive.com Grab your business colleagues, friends, and family and head out to the greens
for a great afternoon of golf benefitting Candlelighters For Children With Cancer! Sign up today to guarantee your spot in the tournament. 175 per player (or $650 per foursome) to play in this shotgun start 4-person scramble.
$
Registration includes: 18 holes of golf with a cart, welcome gift bag, many course contests including a $10k hole-in-one opportunity, refreshments, dinner and awards presentation. Don’t miss a great tournament with an even greater cause.
10% from the sale of each ‘shine’ will be donated to Candlelighters For Children With Cancer to help provide a community of healing, hope, and light throughout the lifelong journey of childhood cancer.
390 N State St, Suite 116, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 www.glassybaby.com
www.candlelightersoregon.org
3
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Kuzman Forest Products Kuzman Forest Products was founded in Portland by Gene Kuzman in 1956. Greg Thelen started to work for Kuzman in 1979 and later purchased the company in 1994. Kuzman Forest Products is now located in Hillsboro, OR where they have a wholesale distribution yard selling mostly Western Red Cedar products
to retail lumber yards and manufacturers. Greg became involved with Candlelighters after his very good friend Dick Hartung’s daughter Jill lost her battle with cancer. He decided that Candlelighters For Children With Cancer was an organization that he wanted
to support, and Greg believes that helping innocent children and their families deal with cancer is something we all should be involved with. Kuzman Forest Products has proudly been a Harvest of Hope Sponsor since 2007. Thank you Greg and Kuzman Forest Products for making a difference for families battling childhood cancer! Visit Kuzman at: http://kuzmanforestproducts.com/
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: Market of Choice Market of Choice CEO, Rick Wright, first encountered Candlelighters For Children With Cancer while his daughter was being treated for cancer at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. He was compelled by the generosity of the families who chose to spend their time providing a little relief for the children and their parents whose lives revolve around a little hospital room. Seeing that many of the former patients and their families were so willing to give back was inspirational. That experience has helped shape Market of Choice’s commitment to use their Rick Wright, Market of Choice CEO
4
resources to help make a significant impact on pediatric cancer through supporting pediatric cancer research, the Angel Hair Foundation, Nike Freestyle and Candlelighters. “Treating pediatric cancer has come so far and Doernbecher is a worldwide leader in research and treatment, but there is so much a family faces when their child is battling cancer. Candlelighters is the bridge that helps connect families with the support they need to endure their journey, and also the bridge that allows them escape,” Rick Wright.
Market of Choice strives for a relaxing and enjoyable shopping experience with truly friendly people who care about the communities where they live and work. They are a family-owned independent grocer and have been in business in Oregon for more than 35 years. Market of Choice has been proudly serving our annual Holiday Dinner to Doernbecher patients for over 10 years! Visit Market of Choice at: www.marketofchoice.com
Doernbecher Holiday Dinner, provided by Market of Choice
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Cory Connors Cory Connors had been looking for a local group that helps kids with cancer for a long time and was referred to Candlelighters For Children With Cancer by his friend Ann Hackman. She provided rave reviews of the services provided by Candlelighters as her son had gone through years of treatments and Candlelighters was a major help during those challenging years. What really sold him on Candlelighters is that over 83% of every dollar donated goes directly to the families that need it via direct cash or services. Other larger organizations cannot make that same statement. Cory serves on two committees: one for fundraising and another for larger scope finance. The committees meet monthly to discuss ideas and strategies for Candlelighters to make the biggest impact possible. “I’m blessed to be married to my wonderful wife Angela and have two great kids Mae (2) and Declan (5). Cancer has affected my family and friends my whole life and I cannot imagine how
Cory, Angela, Mae and Declan Connors
difficult it would be if one of my kids was sick, so I’m doing all I can to help other families going through this now. As a packaging consultant, I get to work with a lot of local businesses and know many people personally who have been helped by Candlelighters.” “The reward for service is paid back to you times 10. Please don’t hesitate to donate your
time or money or ideas as soon as possible. Hundreds of local families will be so thankful that you helped. We started by checking the “Wish List” on www.candlelightersoregon.org and found that to be an easy way to help right away. These are the people on the front lines doing the work and they need our help today.”
D.I.Y. FUNDRAISER SPOTLIGHT: Coins For Candlelighters Looking for a fun way to help increase awareness of the impact of childhood cancer and raise funds to help more families locally? KIDS HELPING KIDS is a part of our COINS FOR CANDLELIGHTERS program that teaches service learning, character education and charity in schools where students gain the unique experience of kids helping kids through a coin collection fundraiser.
www.candlelightersoregon.org
You make a connection with your local school and we’ll give you all the tools to implement a program. For additional details, contact the Candlelighters office at 503 719-4244 or visit the DIY page of the website at www.candlelightersoregon.org. 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.
5
CANDLELIGHTERS CHAPTERS’ NEWS Portland Chapter Fishing Day!
The sun was shining, the lake was shimmering, and the fish were biting! We had a great turnout of families who were all able to enjoy a fun day of fishing and friends. Our families met up at Lake Margaret in Beavercreek and had the whole day to fish a beautiful stocked lake with expert advice from volunteers! There was face painting, an incredible lunch to keep families fueled, and every kiddo went home with a fishing pole to keep! Thanks to our incredible partners: Rick Devlin and Environmental Controls Corp., Darien Loiselle, Fisherman’s Marine & Outdoor, Bob Jackson and Oregon Fishing Club for making this day possible. Seeing these families have a day full of laughter and fun is priceless. We appreciate you so much, and are SO excited for next year! Thanks for a “reel” fun day!
Mid-Willamette Chapter Survivors in the Woods
Survivors in the Woods was another great day spent in nature. Kids worked on their archery skills and the art of making fire without matches. We also enjoyed a wonderful bbq lunch. Thank you Sydney Wight and Robert Simpson for your help preparing lunch. And a huge thank you to the Cascadian Bowmen for having us and to Matt Bradley and crew from While Earth Nature School for spending your day with us and sharing your knowledge.
Family Barbecue
Everyone brought a dish to share and we enjoyed each other’s company over a barbecue lunch. Thank you Robert Simpson for being our barbecue master. Also a big thanks to the women of Delta Delta Delta sorority who came out and spent the afternoon with the kids. They provided face painting and even some balloon animals! There were games of Duck Duck Goose and Simon Says. We ended the day with a water balloon fight.
6
Easter Egg Hunt
Our families had so much fun at our annual Easter Egg Hunt. The day included an egg hunt with the search for the golden egg to win a prize, arts and crafts, cuddly therapy dogs, and a visit by the Easter Bunny and our very own Easter Rooster! Thank you to the amazing men & women from Eugene Active 20/30 Club who put in many hours stuffing hundreds of eggs and hiding them for our kiddos. What an amazing and generous organization!
Central Oregon Chapter Hello families, new Chair Darcy Davis wants to make sure the Central Oregon childhood cancer community stays connected. Please introduce yourself to Darcy Davis, she is looking for volunteers who want to help get families involved and organize community building events. Also, please check your email for a Google Questionnaire. Your participation will help Darcy learn more about you, stay in touch, and keep you informed. Thank you to the Mid-Willamette Valley Chapter and our regional snowmobile clubs for including families from Central Oregon, as well as giving a donation to our chapter! Our families had a blast and we are looking forward to next year! Contact Darcy at centraloregoncandlelighters@gmail.com.
Southern Oregon Chapter Thank you to our beautiful friends and sponsors at Rogue Snowmobilers who raised more than $9,500 this year at their annual pie auction - all for our Southern Oregon Candlelighters family activities! We have been partners since 2001 and we could not help our families WITHOUT you. Thank you so much!
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
RIDE FOR A CHILD RFAC Honored Kids & Support A Rider Ride For A Child cyclists are an extraordinary group of people. Not only do they commit to the training necessary to ride more than 400 miles across rural Oregon on the seven-day Cycle Oregon route, but they ride to honor children affected by cancer, telling the story of children who battle cancer in our local communities and the impacts on their families to help raise awareness and funding for Candlelighters For Children With Cancer.
Meet our 2017 Honored Children! RFAC cyclists will be riding in honor of these children who represent various diagnosis, stages of treatment, ages, and locations throughout Oregon and SW Washington. Along the way, each
THANK YOU TO OUR 2017 RIDE FOR A CHILD SPONSORS:
GOLD
honored child will receive postcards and letters from RFAC cyclists, participate in various events getting the cyclists and families together, and joining the cyclists for a day on their Cycle Oregon journey! SUPPORT A CYCLIST TODAY: For 15 years, Ride For A Child has formed a team to ride in Cycle Oregon and in 2017, 63 cyclists are joining the cause. The ride takes place September 9-16th and covers over 430 miles in Central Oregon. Each cyclist is committed to raising $2,500 or more to help Candlelighters provide access to programs and services for families battling cancer across Oregon and SW Washington. The impacts of childhood cancer in our area are staggering, please donate to a cyclist in supporting Candlelighters that provides hope, healing and light to families battling childhood cancer. You can support a cyclist by visiting: www.candlelighters.donorpages.com/RideForAChild2017/ SILVER
BRONZE Clackamas County Peace Officers' Benevolent Foundation Collier Arbor Care Endeavour Capital LHL Homes
Slime Raises Money Candlelighters For Children With Cancer was honored to accept a donation from Springville Elementary students and entrepreneurs: Ava, Chloe, Cadence, Cam, and Daisy!
The young cancer warriors created a business making slime and sold it to fellow students and donated all proceeds to support children with cancer and their families!
CANDLELIGHTERS STAFF
Mascord Design Associates
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 DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS & PARTNERSHIPS - 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 / robyn_thompson8035@gmail.com SOUTHERN OREGON CHAIR – Kimberly Bruhn 541.292.3058 / Kimberlybruhn@hotmail.com CENTRAL OREGON CHAIR – Darcy Davis 541.419.6426 / CentralOregonCandlelighters@gmail.com
www.candlelightersoregon.org
7
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.candlelightersoregon.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 $ _________
Please make checks payable to: Candlelighters For Children With Cancer. Send to: 5440 SW Westgate Drive, Suite 125, Portland, OR 97221 donate online at : www.candlelightersoregon.org
We have so many opportunities available, please reach out if you’re interested! Please email: Jennifer@candlelightersoregon.org or call: 503.719.4244
I’d like my donation to go to:
o Portland Chapter o Mid-Willamette Chapter o Central Oregon Chapter o Southern Oregon Chapter MASTERCARD and VISA accepted: CC#_____________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ______________________________________ Security code on back of card: _______________ In honor of: ________________________________________________________________________ In memory of: ______________________________________________________________________
GOOD NEWS
Do you have good news to share? Let us know! Please email: Phil@candlelightersoregon.org or call: 503.719.4244
Please notify: _______________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ 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. Join us on social media: