Skip to main content

Candlelighters Connections - Summer 2018

Page 1

That 1 Family Shines to be part of 2 Plan 2018 SUPERHERO 5K Buddy 3 Bedside Spotlight

and 4 Scholarship Teen Program News For A Child 5 Ride Honored Kids and 6 Sponsor Partner Spotlights

and 7 Volunteer DIY Spotlights Warrior 8 Cancer Breakfast Recap 9 Candlelighters Chapter News

DIY 10 Upcoming and more Chapter News from the Executive Director 11 Message Staff 12 Candlelighters

CandlelightersConnections SUMMER 2018

Family That Shines: Ek Family Meet Emme Ek, a recent high school graduate from Lake Oswego who’s smile brightens up any room! Emme was diagnosed with Medullablastoma in 2009, just days before she turned 10 years old. She suffered a stroke after her first of many brain surgeries to remove the tumor. She received both radiation and chemo. She is currently in remission! Emme lives with her mom, Nicole, and has one awesome big brother named Austin. “Candlelighters has always brought such joy to Emme with all the family activities. From meeting the pilots at an Army base with Star Wars characters, the awesome Christmas Party every

year, a day of fishing, Blazer games, Harlem Globetrotters, movies, family dinners, teen club ... the list goes on! Those moments of fun and Emme at Candlelighters laughter mean Christmas Party in 2017! so much to the entire family. It’s like you get a chance to forget about the struggle of cancer and just be happy. Those are precious times for us,” says Nicole.

Emme’s high school senior photo

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.

”... Those moments of fun and laughter mean so much to the entire family. It’s like you get a chance to forget about the struggle of cancer and just be happy. Those are precious times for us...” — Emme’s Mom, Nicole

Emme loves to sing and was in choir at school. To celebrate finishing her rounds of treatment, she went to see Taylor Swift in concert! Emme is a Trail Blazer and Winterhawk fan all the way! She is a big animal lover. Her favorite place to travel so far has been to New York City, but she has a huge love for our Oregon Coast. Emme loves to bake and is a big help in the kitchen! Someday she hopes to have a food cart with her mom where they can work side by

Ek Family

side and have fun working together! “Emme’s favorite Candlelighters activity by far is the Christmas Party. She loves the crafts, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the yummy foods, the dancers dancing to Holiday music and most definitely the Reptile Man! It starts our holidays off with such cheer and happiness! She’s always exhausted by the end and is asleep by the time I get on the road for home. It’s a wonderful day! Thank you for being there for our family for so many years. You bring joy to us and for that we are forever thankful.”

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.


2018 SUPERHERO 5K

Be A Hero. Help A Cause. Join Our Run. Join Candlelighters For Children With Cancer at our 6th Annual SUPERHERO 5K Run/ Walk. It’s a morning of fun for the whole family with a 5K Run/Walk, Kid’s Obstacle Challenge, themed family activities, therapy animals, and SUPERHEROES from throughout the community.

DATE:

Saturday, August 18, 2018 TIME:

5K Run/Walk at 8:30 am Kid’s Obstacle Challenge at 10:00 am

Suit up in your favorite superhero costume and recruit your friends, family and co-workers to join you in support of regular kids fighting extraordinarily tough battles!

YOU have the power. Sign up as an individual or take the next step and form a team, or take a giant LEAP and fundraise to support the 5,000+ family members Candlelighters supports annually. The Run: The run will be timed with a disposable timing chip attached to the bib. As you cross the finish line, the chip will record your time. The route winds through Cook Park toward Tigard, then loops through Durham Park before heading back through Cook Park to the finish line. REGISTER TODAY!: candlelighters.akaraisin.com/superhero5k

LOCATION:

Cook Park Tigard, Oregon

2

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer


8.18.18 Kid’s Obstacle Challenge: NEW this year, Candlelighters is working with Play.Fit.Fun to develop an obstacle course fun for kids aged 4-12. This may involve some age appropriate hurdling, crawling, high stepping, and weaving on a quarter mile course. Pricing: Adult 5K Timed Run/Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30 Youth 5K Timed Run/Walk (4-17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 Kid’s Obstacle Challenge (4+) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 Children under 4 are . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FREE T-shirts are an additional $7.50 per registrant Candlelighters families attend at no cost. When registering and selecting t-shirts, enter code: HEROFAMILY

Bedside Buddy Spotlight

A portion of Ferguson Employee’s Bedside Buddy drive.

Thank You Recent Donors! Each month Candlelighters delivers cuddly Bedside Buddies to children at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The Buddies are waiting on hospital beds to greet any newly admitted child. They help bring a smile and comfort on a tough day of treatment. Thank you to the amazing donors keeping us stocked with Bedside Buddies. Shout out to Heather Palmer and the employees at Ferguson, Tay’s Tribe, the Krasnogorov Family, and the Daymon Family! You are amazing! Visit www.candlelightersoregon.org to view our Bedside Buddies needs located on our Wish List.

THANK YOU

2018 SUPERHERO 5K SPONSORS ROUTE RANGERS

mediaworks MASTERS OF HYDRATION

The Krasnogorov Family dropping off their donation at our office. MEDIA SPONSOR

3


Scholarships and Teen News

The Luminaries CANDLELIGHTERS TEEN PROGRAM

T

he Candlelighters Teen Program reaches teens in the PDX area between 13-19 years old who have experienced a cancer diagnosis and their teen siblings. The goal of the Teen Program is to create safe spaces for teens to improve quality of life and help develop social-emotional and leadership skills through social connections and service learning. The Teen Program meets at least monthly for either service project meetings or fun social outings. In the meetings, teens expressed not only the value of forming critical social connections and having age appropriate activities that they can participate in, but also the desire to give back to their community and to help develop teenfriendly resources for others. The teens chose their group name as The Luminaries with the mission “to provide spaces for teens who have experienced cancer and teen siblings to connect, grow and support one another through social connections and service projects”. As this group continues to flourish and grow, so is their connection to one another.

4

Candlelighters Continuing Education Scholarship

C

andlelighters awarded 3 scholarships worth $2,500 each to Candlelighters teens: Emily Burgess, Elizabeth Lofurno and Jaylynn Melby-Tercero. This year’s scholarship selection process included a volunteer committee panel who reviewed and selected the 3 recipients. Those volunteer committee members were Kayla Bowker, Sue Sumptner, Dallen Ellestrom, Ruth Zuniga and Andy Soria. These volunteers have a diversity of backgrounds, including being parents of a child diagnosed with cancer, longtime volunteer with Candlelighters, a former nurse, a former principal, a teacher, and 2 professors.

Emily Burgess is a 19 year old college student at Portland State University where she is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. Emily was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2001, and describes her cancer experience as having “taught me many lessons I don’t think I could have learned otherwise, or at least not in such a meaningful way…I strive to be more empathetic to the situations of others”. Emily was recently accepted into Build Exito, a research program at PSU, where she will be mentored by people in the field of neuropsychology, and she volunteers with cancer organizations in her free time.

Elizabeth Lofurno is a graduating senior at West Linn High School who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma her sophomore year. Not to be deterred by her cancer diagnosis, Elizabeth says she approached her treatment like she would her classes at school: “every chemotherapy transfusion was like a lecture…. lingering side effects equivalent to homework…blood work appointments were like weekly quizzes… big unit exams: PET and CT scans”. She became so interested in the hospital procedures and various occupations of the people there, that she learned the protocol of chemo, how to read scans and blood work, and even how to draw her own blood. Elizabeth plans to go into the healthcare field and is an avid lacrosse player. Jaylynn Melby-Tercero attends Lane Community College where she is studying Communications. In 2016, while Jaylynn was away at college, she was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma. She underwent a nine hour brain surgery to remove the tumor four days after diagnosis, resulting in her having to withdrawal from school and move back in with her mother. Jaylynn describes her cancer journey as showing her “how to appreciate life, every person around me, and every day I am given”. Jaylynn finished treatment in December 2017, has organized a fundraiser for the Glenn Garcelon Foundation to raise funds for patients with brain tumors and their families and volunteers to help others who are experiencing cancer.

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer


Ride For A Child

September 8-15 2018 in beautiful Northeastern Oregon

FOR THE PAST 17 YEARS,

a group of dedicated cyclists has joined together to support Candlelighters For Children With Cancer through a fundraising event called Ride For A Child (RFAC). This extraordinary group of cyclists raises funds and awareness about the impacts of childhood cancer on the WHOLE family by riding in Cycle Oregon, a seven-day cycling journey through Oregon. Groups of riders are paired with an Honored Child who has recently battled cancer. These cyclists literally Ride For A Child - and raise awareness and support for Candlelighters along the way. Honored Children are the heart of Ride For A Child. These children help tell the story of the wide variety of diagnoses and ages of children who battle cancer in our local communities. Groups of riders are connected with these kids and their families. The riders keep contact with the children all summer by sending postcards, photos, and letters. We are honored to present this year’s group of Honored Children:

Jillie: Age: 7

McKayla: Age: 12

Otto: Age: 7

Diagnosed: October 2012, AML Leukemia Siblings: Oliver (11), Mikey (3), Maggie (9 months)

Diagnosed: April 2007, Rhabdoid Tumor of Kidney Stage IV Siblings: Quammie (10)

Diagnosed: January 2016, Stage IV Neuroblastoma

McKayla loves to read and wants to be a writer when she grows up. Her When Jillie was in the hospital, she favorite book series is Warriors and loved the Candlelighters Movie Library she collects Schleich animals. She and the holiday meals. When Jillie’s not looks up to her family because they painting ceramics or making clay art, she loves to participate in her favorite have always been there for her and she views them as her role models. McKayla has 2 rats and 1 cat and sport, swimming (she’s really good at the butterfly stroke!). Her favorite colors are turquoise, pink & black favorite color is blue. If she were a superhero, she and she loves shoes! She has 2 brothers, 1 sister and 2 would be Sift, an animal shapeshifter. Her favorite dogs. Jillie looks up to her papa, gram, mom and dad Candlelighters activities are Candlelighters Family Camp and the Pumpkin Patch. because they help her and love her a lot.

Maggie: Age: 10 Diagnosed: July 2012, T -cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia Siblings: Renna (13) Maggie loves to watch Youtube Kids hairstyle videos and once her hair grew back, she stated working on growing it long. She stays busy all the time helping others with jobs or projects and when she grows up, she wants to be a firefighter like her dad or a teacher like her mom. Her favorite color is teal and she’s happy to eat peaches, pizza and Thai food. She remembers the suckers from the snack cart and the people passing out snacks because they were always happy and kind.

Otto loves playing board games, video games, reading, cooking and telling jokes. His favorite color is scarlet, and his favorite foods are pizza, cheesy garlic bread and spaghetti! Otto looks up to his favorite teacher, Mrs. East because she’s a good teacher and helps him learn. He wants to be a veterinarian and travel to Japan, Africa and Ireland when he grows up. Otto’s favorite Candlelighters activities are the Christmas Party and the SUPERHERO 5K!

Sawyer: Age: 10 Diagnosed: August 2013 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Siblings: Owen (14), Ryder (12) Sawyer has 5 dogs and rat and loves the color blue, SpongeBob, eggs and Aaron Lewis. Super Sawyer (that’s his superhero name!) likes to play video games and guitar and when he grows up, he wants to be a paleontologist. He likes to take road trips with his family and looks up to his mom and dad. Sawyer’s favorite pick from the snack cart was Goldfish.

THANK YOU SPONSORS

Clackamas County Collier TREEConnelly Law Endeavour LHL Mascord ALAN MASCORD DESIGN ASSOCIATES, Arbor BARTLETT EXPERTS, CLACKAMAS COUNTY PEACE OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT FOUNDATION, Peace Officers' Care Offices Capital Homes Design LHL HOMES, PLUMBLINE DRYWALL  Benevolent Foundation Associates


SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Wilsonville Toyota Wilsonville Toyota has supported Candlelighters For Children With Cancer’s efforts since 2016, not only with SUPERHERO 5K sponsorship and financial contributions, but also with volunteerism at the 5K. “One of our employees was a Candlelighters kid. He worked through his illness with a strongly supportive family and the incredible help from Candlelighters. He’s a solid contributor for our team and also makes it a point to give back to Candlelighters as a

volunteer at the events that helped him so much. It’s clear that Candlelighters doesn’t just help kids and their families deal with their cancer, it helps them see a bright, grown-up future too. His support from and for Candlelighters led to our support and we want to see many more kids complete this circle,” says Jake Hachmeister, General Manager. Wilsonville Toyota has a long history of giving in their community, from sponsorships of local youth sports to feeding the hungry, and from caring for traumatized veterans to supporting a local police chaplain’s difficult work. “As a family-owned business serving the transportation needs of our customers’ families, we believe that the noblest of causes are those supporting the critical needs of families impacted by childhood illness.”

Thank you, Wilsonville Toyota for all you do for our families! Facebook.com/WilsonvilleToyotaScion Twitter @wilsonvilletoyo Youtube.com/WilsonvilleToyota Instagram Wilsonville-Toyota Website - www.wilsonvilletoyota.com/

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP) Candlelighters is excited to have CHAP partner with us at this year’s Family Camp and help us create art all weekend long, including the family art masterpiece presented annually for auction at Harvest of Hope. We began partnering with CHAP when our families made the introduction between our two organizations. “When Connor and Lyla’s family offered to make a connection, we knew we

6

12 hours of required training needed to jump on it! We love they receive at OHSU. CHAP what Candlelighters does and if we continues to work after families can serve as another way for your are discharged from the hospital organization to support children and families facing the life-long journey of childhood through their Art Club program too. “We LOVE to cancer, we’re on board” says Grace Littig, Operations spread joy, color, fun and mess!” & Outpatient Program Coordinator. CHAP has been hosting an annual Art Day for our families ever since! CHAP would love our Candlelighters children join them for their Inclusive Workshops this Summer! Visit chappdx.org/workshops to learn more. Since 2006, CHAP has been bringing the healing power of art to children and families facing medical Facebook: @ChildrensHealingArtProject challenges, at no charge to them. Their first and Instagram: @chappdx flagship program started at Doernbecher Children’s Pinterest: @chappdx Hospital, serving children being treated for cancer Twitter: @chappdx and blood diseases. CHAP’s volunteers are quite Website: chappdx.org committed and have completed a minimum of 20 hours of volunteering at the CHAP Studio, plus the

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer


VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Sally Showman Sally Showman has a long history of volunteering with pediatric cancer going back to her days living in Spokane. “When I moved to Portland, I started doing weather on the morning show at KOIN. I woke up at 2am and got off work at 12:30pm. I didn’t want to waste my afternoons napping, so I called Candlelighters and asked if there was anything I could do to help. I was so touched when I learned that Candlelighters work both inside and outside of the hospital. The way Candlelighters helps the whole and her company, Heartprint Productions, has family is unique and special,” says Sally. produced videos featured across our platforms that Sally’s first project with Candlelighters was helping help spread Candlelighters’ mission. plan the SUPERHERO 5K. “I’m a runner and it was a lot of fun coordinating the run and making it an Sally is married, a dog mom, journalist, meteorologist and now small business owner. exciting and unique experience for runners and walkers.” Since then she has helped serve dinner After 12 years in TV news, she started Heartprint Productions, a video storytelling company. “Giving at Doernbecher, back is something that I was born to do. I am emceed Harvest of involved in several non-profits around Portland Hope and Cancer and SW Washington. Volunteering feeds me. I Warrior Breakfast,

think it’s so important to get outside of ourselves and take care of others. I would tell other Candlelighters volunteers…keep up the great work! I feel like I take so much more away from my experience with Candlelighters than I could possibly give.” Facebook: @heartprintproductions Instagram: @heartprintproductions Website: heartprintproductions.com

D.I.Y. FUNDRAISER SPOTLIGHT: Tristan Stumpf Meet Tristan! This kid has a heart of GOLD! He wanted to help families with kids fighting cancer so he brought the KIDS HELPING KIDS campaign to Willamette Primary School. They raised $1,000 for Candlelighters in their coin fundraiser. “It makes me feel bad that any kid should have to fight cancer and I wanted to do something nice for them,” says Tristan. Tristan’s family has been supporting Candlelighters for a long time. In “last year’s SUPERHERO 5K with Team Overhead Door, I

helped my grandpa Jim fundraise for Ride For A Child while my mom and I were at a golf tournament for veterans. And this year I have started my own team for the SUPERHERO 5K!” A special thank you to Tristan’s teacher, Ms. Marcum, her students, principal Patrick Minor, the entire school, and especially Tristan

www.candlelightersoregon.org

for supporting our mission. Tristan says that Candlelighters is “definitely one of the coolest organizations that is helping kids and their families facing childhood cancer. It feels good to know that we can do something for others and not always just be on the receiving end of good deeds.” Congratulations on a job well done!

7


2018 Cancer Warrior Breakfast Candlelighters 2nd annual Cancer Warrior Breakfast is in the books. Thanks to our Cancer Warriors, we raised more than $67,000 for Candlelighters For Children With Cancer’s life-changing programs and services! Cancer Warrior Breakfast, held on April 19 at the Multnomah Athletic Club, focused on the Candlelighters Family Camp program that has touched more than 4,000 individuals since starting in 1999. Dr. Marianne Kabour, a clinical psychologist from Legacy Children’s Hospital explained why the camp experience can foster stronger family relationships and help build a community with other families dealing with the same issues. Parents Kalpana Krishnamurthy and Thomas Wheatley spoke about their own personal journey and how their son with cancer and his brother have dealt with the diagnosis and ongoing treatments. “Family Camp gave us a way to really connect more deeply with these families. To share a meal. To get into a real conversation. To reconnect with folks who are living similar challenges” says Kalpana. “We traded war stories. And talked about the feeling you get walking through Home Depot holding hands with your sick kid. That chip on your shoulder as you watch for the tiniest odd look or sideways glance from the other shoppers. Thank you Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund for the generous grant matching donations $500 and above. You really make a difference!

That feeling that you’d move heaven and earth to watch your kid get a spurt of energy and skip down the aisles. Family camp is full of these shared experiences, these personal connections, that remind you that you’re not alone in navigating your family’s cancer journey” says Thomas. Thanks to each and every one of you! Your support of Candlelighters’ mission to provide a community of healing, hope and light will enable Candlelighters to continue offering families transformative programming throughout the lifelong journey of childhood cancer. Thank you glassybaby for the beautiful centerpieces and giving back to Candlelighters a portion of your sales!

SAVE THE DATE! Harvest of Hope is Candlelighters For Children With Cancer’s annual gala and auction.

THANK YOU

2018 CANCER WARRIOR BREAKFAST SPONSORS

8

OCTOBER 6, 2018 6:00PM | DOUBLETREE HOTEL PORTLAND


CANDLELIGHTERS CHAPTERS’ NEWS Portland Chapter Snow Day

make it a wonderful fun-filled day. Thanks also go out to Ski Summit Area for the discounted tickets, and First Student Buses for taking all the families to and from the mountain.

We had a fun day in the snow in February when nearly 100 family members braved the cold temps to enjoy tubing at Ski Summit Area on Mt. Hood. Thanks to the volunteers that helped

Picnic In The Park

Candlelighters hosted our annual Picnic In The Park to help our bereaved families honor and celebrate the lives of their beloved children in April. Families gathered together for the afternoon to spread messages of

Teen Program

In May, the teens had a teambuilding activity at Portland Escape Rooms. Not only did our teens win (solving the puzzle in 51:05) but they also were described by the Escape Room staff as “extremely smart! This is the first group that solved the hardest clue as soon as they walked into the room. It takes most groups at least 20 minutes into the game to figure out the

hope and to build community. Gold balloons were passed around and peace flags were made with messages of hope, peace or memories of children. Thank you Wendy Kathryn Tucker for her expertise and facilitation of the activities and Joe McLaughlin for helping us set up.

hardest clue!” And afterwards, as we stood around the lobby waiting for parents to arrive, the teens began to chat about their hospital experiences, where they got poked the most (arms vs. hands) and their favorite nurses. Teens that have come in the past made new friends that night and went out of their way to be welcoming to each other. It validated the reason why Candlelighters needs its thriving teen program.

Family Camp Applications Are Open! www.candlelightersoregon.org Visit our www.candlelightersoregon.org

CHAP Art Day

In March, CHAP hosted an Art Day for our families. Thank you CHAP for giving us a day to remember! Our children worked on spring themed projects making art to take home and put on the fridge!

Fishing Day

Our families enjoyed a relaxing and fun day of fishing at Lake Margaret in Beavercreek in May. Families spent all morning and afternoon fishing for trout and sun fish. We also enjoyed a BBQ lunch prepared by our amazing volunteers! Kids got to take their fishing rods home as well! As always, we thank the volunteers, our generous partners at Kids Day, the Oregon Fishing Club, and Rick Devlin with Environmental Control Corp, who hosted and organized the 22nd Annual Kids Day!

9


CANDLELIGHTERS CHAPTERS’ NEWS McMenamins

Friends and Family Night

Southern Oregon Chapter Rogue Snowmobilers Day Mom & Daughter Day at Rogue Nursery

On July 24, bring everyone you know out for Friends And Family Night at the Kennedy School in the Courtyard Restaurant for burgers, beers, wine, cocktails, salads, sandwiches, tater tots, the day’s specials, to-go orders, growlers and more – because at the end of the night, 50% of the evening’s total sales are donated to Candlelighters! The more you order, the more is earned for a good cause and they have a great outdoor patio!

McMenamins Kennedy School Courtyard Restaurant 5736 NE 33rd Ave Portland, OR 97211

The Golf To Give Challenge It is officially summertime and we are excited for the second annual Golf To Give Challenge. The event will be held on Friday August 17 at Stone Creek Golf Club in Oregon City. The Golf To Give Challenge is a fundraising event that benefits Candlelighters For Children With Cancer. With your support, we are looking forward to building on the success of last year and having another phenomenal day of golf. Register today!!

Register or learn more by visiting www.golftogive.com Facebook: @golftogivechallenge Instagram: @golftogive

10

In March, the Southern Oregon Chapter treated their families to a fun-filled day of playing in the snow. A special thank you goes out to Rogue Snowmobilers

for giving our families a fun day on the mountain every year since 2006! Thank you for everything you do for our families!!

Mid-Willamette Valley Chapter

Easter Egg Hunt In April, the annual MidWillamette Valley Chapter Egg Hunt was a great success, and the weather was perfect!

The Southern Oregon Chapter had a blast at our Mother-Daughter Planter Party with the wonderful Sarah at Cascade Nursery’s Garden Garage in April. Huge THANKS to Rogue Snowmobilers and Southern Oregon Corvette Association for all your support!

Mini Golf The Mid-Willamette Valley Chapter gathered together for mini golf and pizza in April. Fun times were had by all at Putter’s Pizza & Family Entertainment Center as families played and shared a meal together. We also enjoyed welcoming 2 new families to our community!

Our kiddos scurried about finding 800 hidden eggs with help from the Easter Bunny and Easter Rooster! Another great Candlelighters event in the books!

Survivors In The Woods It was the perfect day in May for Survivors In The Woods at the Cascadian Bowmen. With the help of Whole Earth Nature School, the kids worked on their archery skills

and worked the bow drill to make fire. We took a nature walk and had a wonderful barbecue lunch. Thanks to Matt, Tim and Prince for sharing your knowledge with our kids!

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer


MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mekel Tarbet and his mom Timshel through the childhood cancer journey: diagnosis, treatment and life beyond.

BRAVERY,

Thank You Timshel Welcome Steve Hooker

courage, strength and resilience are just a few of the words that come to mind While Candlelighters says so long to a beloved member of the when I think about former Board President, Timshel Tarbet. Timshel Board, we say welcome to new Board Member, Steve Hooker. dedicated 6 years to the organization and like many of you, found Similarly, Steve and his family found themselves a member herself a part of the Candlelighters family when her son, Mekel, was of the childhood cancer community when his son, Scotty, diagnosed with Leukemia at age 4. At that time, Timshel was a single was diagnosed with Leukemia at age 3 in 1992. Sadly, Scotty Scotty Hooker parent, recently retired from military lost his battle, but Steve felt service and had just moved back to the compelled to give back and Portland area. It was the beginning of a serve this community through “When I was finally at a point where I felt scary time. board service. I was fully able to give back, I wanted to “I realized that the journey He was a long-time that we went on with Mekel was one do it with an organization that served Board Member for the Oregon that affected everyone in our house. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society the whole family and those specific to I had family helping me to take care Steve Hooker which led to an appointment this region. I also wanted to be in an of him, and then later Mekel’s little on the national board where he brother who felt some of the after organization that really kept family served 10 years. Now that he has joined the effects of what we all went through” Candlelighters Board he is excited to help an at its center in the decisions they says Timshel. organization that served his family shortly made and their mission.” Thankfully, Mekel is now after Scotty was diagnosed. “Candlelighters grown and is an Army combat — Timshel Tarbet provided my family emotional support and medic. He, like his mom, supports even some fun at a time when we really Candlelighters by donning superhero needed it” says Steve. costumes and participating in our events. As Candlelighters continues its mission to create a community “When I was finally at a point where I felt I was fully able of support for the WHOLE family, I am forever grateful to Timshel, Steve to give back, I wanted to do it with an organization that served the and the members of the Board who give their time, talent and financial whole family and those specific to this region. I also wanted to be in resources to ensure countless families find community during their an organization that really kept family at its center in the decisions pediatric cancer journey. they made and their mission.” As Timshel Tarbet steps away from Board Service, she can be proud of her legacy: an organization that continues to serve the Jackie Groah WHOLE family no matter where they are in their journey: diagnosis, Executive Director  treatment, remission and beyond.

www.candlelightersoregon.org

11


NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAID

PORTLAND, OR PERMIT 948

6600 SW 92nd Ave., Suite 160 Portland, OR 97223 (P) 503.719.4244 (F) 503.214.5567 www.candlelightersoregon.org Change Service Requested

CANDLELIGHTERS STAFF

Yes! I want to make life a little brighter for a child with cancer!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jackie Groah 503.719.4244 Jackie@candlelightersoregon.org

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization and donations are tax deductible to the extent 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: 6600 SW 92nd Ave., Suite 160, Portland, OR 97223 donate online at : www.candlelightersoregon.org 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: ______________________________________________________________________ Please notify: _______________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________ State: __________ Zip: _____________ Donor name: _______________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________ State: __________ Zip: _____________ Email: _______________________________________________ Phone:________________________

Thank You!

Please cut and mail completed form to: 6600 SW 92nd Ave, Suite 160, Portland, OR 97223

!

(email needed to process credit card gifts)

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PROGRAMMING AND EVALUATION Kristin Burgoyne, MSSW 503.719.4244 Kristin@candlelightersoregon.org DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS Philip Giles 503.719.4244 Phil@candlelightersoregon.org DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS & PARTNERSHIPS Jennifer Jones 503.719.4244 Jennifer@candlelightersoregon.org DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS Chris Kramer 503.719.4244 Chris@candlelightersoregon.org CHAPTER CHAIRS: MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY CO-CHAIRS – Mary Lou Bradley 541.687.0697 mloubradley@comcast.net Robyn Thompson 541.521.8035 robynthompson8035@gmail.com SOUTHERN OREGON CHAIR Kimberly Bruhn 541.292.3058 Kimberlybruhn@hotmail.com CENTRAL OREGON CHAIR Darcy Davis 541.419.6426 CentralOregonCandlelighters@gmail.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Candlelighters Connections - Summer 2018 by Candlelighters for Children with Cancer - Issuu