Sara has always had a soft spot in her heart for the Candlelighters, a group that focuses on childhood cancer. Because she beat stage 4 Wilms Tumor cancer when she was 3 years old (Sara-1, Cancer-0), she was invited to attend Camp Periwinkle (which appears now be called Camp Cliff), a week long, stay overnight extravaganza where they absolutely spoiled those little rug rats. Sara loved that camp! After her recent trials and tribulations with stage 4 breast cancer (Sara-2, Cancer-0), she wants to celebrate AND give something back to this wonderful organization that made possible such precious memories of Camp Periwinkle.

So, please join us for a little fund-raising, a little exercise the morning of Saturday September 10, then a few snacks and assorted beverages at Mom's house in the afternoon.

Cheers!

Mary (Sara's Mom)

The Fun Walk raises money for Candlelighters services and programs which are offered FREE to children with cancer and their families. 

Here's how you can help:

1. Register for the Fun Walk by clicking the blue button at the top of this page that says "Join Team" and partner with me to raise vital funds for Candlelighters and childhood cancer families
2. Make a donation – even $15 helps by paying for one day of parking for a Candlelighters family!
3. Share about the Fun Walk with your family and friends and ask that they join you on Walk Day – Saturday, September 10 – and walk with us at Terry Hershey Park, OR wherever you are in Houston, or beyond! We’ll all be walking together!

Here's what Fun Walk donations will be used toward this year:

1. Hospital Parking Assistance - this remains Candlelighters #1 request from childhood cancer families as it costs them $15 per day to park at the Texas Medical Center for treatment

2. Emotional Support - childhood cancer families are still restricted when it comes to gatherings, hospital visitation guidelines, school attendace and more. Over the last year it's become even more apparent just how important Candlelighters peer-to-peer support efforts are. Their weekly support group meetings have grown, and Candlelighters Parent Consultants (staff who are also parents of childhood cancer survivors) are working around the clock to touch base and check-in with families and their needs.

3. Gas Cards & Grocery Cards - daily out-of-pocket costs continue to be a financial burden for childhood cancer families and Candlelighters is dedicated to making life easier by providing support to families in these ways. 

4. Memorial Funds - cancer hasn't quit unfortunately. Children are still being diagnosed and gaining their angel wings. Candlelighters provides financial assistance for families to hold memorial services for their children.

5. Bell Ringing in a Box - Due to hospital restrictions, bell ringing celebrations (sygnifying the end of cancer treatment!) are not being allowed in the hospitals. Candlelighters is helping families celebrate their cancer survivor and this tremendous milestone with celebratory supplies for their bell ringing ceremony at home with their loved ones!

7. Camp CLIFF - Candlelighters has held their annual family camp, Camp CLIFF, virtually the past two years, providing a weekend full of fun for the whole family at home. They are still in discussion with our Board of Directors (including pediatric oncologists) over this year's camping decision. Stay tuned! But donations will allow Candlelighters to host whatever camp we can safely - whether in person or virtual camp is a lifechanging experience for our childhood cancer families.

Thank you for supporting my efforts for this amazing organization. Whatever you can give, thank you for helping all the children with cancer and their families that Candlelighters serves!