This year I am walking in the Candlelighters Fun Walk and I would love for you to support me!  I am walking in honor of all the families who face childhood cancer.  I know that Candlelighters makes a difference in the lives of childhood cancer families each and every day. As most of you know, this is a charity that is near and dear to my heart.  I have served as a lead camp volunteer for many years and have gotten to personally know so many children with cancer and their families. 

The Fun Walk raises money for Candlelighters services and programs which are offered FREE to children with cancer and their families. This past year looked quite different than most for childhood cancer families, and while the world is slowly getting back to “normal” – Candlelighters must continue to put the immunosuppressed first and has continued to adapt their programs and services to reach families of children with cancer.

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. 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.

Whatever you can give, thank you for supporting me and for helping all the children with cancer and their families that Candlelighters serves!