Spring
Into
Hope


Candlelighters Families
Newsletter: March/April 2021
Dear Candlelighters Families,

Join us as we kick off sunnier, longer days, emerging bulbs, and brighter days of Spring ahead! In celebration of Spring and hope, you're invited to a two-part family activity open to all Candlelighters Families, in all stages of their childhood cancer journey, statewide and in SW Washington. Learn more about this statewide activity below...

We also have local chapter Spring activities happening! If you’re in Eugene, join in the socially distant scavenger hunt! In Southern Oregon? You have the opportunity to build a gnome garden. Read more below. If you’re in Portland, check out our OMSI Pass accessible to all Candlelighters Families. Please continue to read for other opportunities for all families. 

Whatever you are currently experiencing, whether newly diagnosed, in treatment, post-treatment, or bereavement, you are an important part of our community, and we value your participation and perspective at all family activities.

With much love,
Your Candlelighters Family
> Statewide Activity- Spring into Hope! An online event
Join us in this two part family activity, open to all Candlelighters families:
Spring into hope Part 1:
Rock painting kits will be mailed to your home. On April 28th you are invited to attend our rock painting session - let your creativity shine! You will have multiple rocks in your kit to choose from, or go wild with all of them. While we craft, we'll play a Spring themed trivia, with give-aways and crafty prizes! You have the option to paint a rock with an image symbolizing hope. Afterwards, post it in our Candlelighters Facebook group #springintohope hashtag with a message of hope. We will share your messages on social media and in our next newsletter.  
Spring into hope Part 2:
Continue paying it forward by creating encouraging cards for other families. Craft a message of hope & good thoughts, and we will randomly select another participating Candlelighters family whom you’ll be mailing your card to. 
> Mid Willamette Valley Chapter -Spring Fling!
Mid-Willamette Valley Families- Come out to a socially distanced scavenger hunt on April 17th.  You and your family will embark on an adventure in the Eugene area and get clues via text to each stop along your journey. At the end of scavenger hunt, you will get a surprise!
For more details or to sign up, email Mary Lou.
Safety and Covid Guidelines will be followed.
> Southern Oregon Chapter- Want to create a Gnome Garden?
Who’s ready to create a Gnome Garden? Kits for these creations will be available on Saturday, April 10, for Candlelighters families in Southern Oregon.  There will be three pickup spots: Medford, Grants Pass, and Klamath Falls. For more details, contact Kimberly.
> OMSI
OMSI has reopened! Take advantage of Candlelighter’s nonprofit membership to explore the world of science that OMSI has to offer. Nature World and Dinosaurs Revealed is free, while the Planetarium and Submarine are offered at a discounted price.  For more details on exhibitions and Covid guidelines, please visit omsi.edu. Email Lisa to reserve a date and use our membership!
> Family Camp Poll
It’s that time of year again, summer is just around the corner. We'll be honest, making decisions about our beloved family camp is on our mind a lot. The final call about how it takes place will need to take into account everchanging COVID safety best practices, our oncology experts in the hospitals, county guidelines, and of course our community...we want to know your thoughts on attending a summer camp with safety guidelines in place. Please answer our short poll:
> Candlelighters Annual Evaluation
In order to provide the best programming, we need to hear from you! We have an annual evaluation being emailed out to all families at the beginning of April and we appreciate all of your input. Your feedback will help us with key decision making on continuing or discontinuing any virtual programming once we can transition to in-person activities.
> The Luminaries
We are the Luminaries, a group of individuals aged 13-21 who understand what it’s like to have cancer. Whether you have been diagnosed, or are a sibling of someone who is diagnosed, we welcome you to our group! You will get access to our Discord chat and link to our weekly Zoom games. Email Lisa to join.
> Scholarships
Applications are due April 2 for Candlelighters Scholarships 2021/2022. We have 3 scholarships just for childhood cancer survivors in the OR/SW WA area, and you might know someone who qualifies. Spread the word!
> Financial Assistance
Is your child newly diagnosed or is your child in recurrence? Make sure to take advantage of our emergency financial assistance. Candlelighters provides up to $599 per year while your child is in treatment. Click here to review the guidelines.
> Family Game Nights
Family game nights hosted by the Luminaries are fun for all ages, and going strong every 4th Thursday of the month.
Next game Night: April 22, 5:00pm

Hope you can join!
> Parent/Caregiver Support Group - Monthly Online Meet Ups
Are you a parent or caregiver looking to connect with other parents? We host monthly parent/caregiver support groups where you have the opportunity to meet other parents who understand the cancer experience. Join us for our support group, facilitated by Dr. Marianne Kabour. 
> Candlelighters Families Facebook Group
Do you have any questions or suggestions that could benefit other parents? Or any tips and tricks about navigating the hospital system. We welcome you to share your wealth of information there. Join our Facebook Group just for Candlelighters families.
> Pearl Street Urban Farm
Embrace Compassion is hosting programming at Pearl Street Urban Farm in Sherwood, OR. Families through all walks of the cancer journey are encouraged to join: families in treatment, beyond treatment, and in bereavement.
Brighter Box Farm Experience
Pearl Street Urban Farm offers planned monthly visits for kids (aged 1-18) in active treatment and their families to feed the animals, harvest chicken eggs, seasonal vegetables, and fruits. Kids will leave with a take-home Brighter Box connected to what they are harvesting, with reading materials, stickers, a small gift for the family, and a recipe with the ingredients to making something from the farm.
Volunteer Farmhands
Families beyond treatment or in bereavement are welcome to come volunteer and learn from urban farmers and mentors about food sources, and cultivate a lifelong desire of harvesting home-grown items. Working together on garden tasks, our farmhands will engage in conversation, laughter, and learning. Most of the time, each family will be on-site at one time, maintaining familial pods.
.
> Spring Fundraiser: Light the Way!
We're excited to announce our Spring peer to peer online fundraiser (formerly Cancer Warrior Breakfast) will launch on April 1! You may be seeing emails and social media posts. We'll be sharing two videos that show how those served by Candlelighters are taking on leadership roles and giving back to our childhood cancer community.
Candlelighters families are never asked to pay or donate. You are invited to join us in sharing about Candlelighters on social media or email. You can even create your own personal fundraising page or team, and share it with friends and family. Look for more info coming soon! Or contact us if you want to help fundraise!
Candlelighters Family Connections

Family Activities are always FREE for Candlelighters families, and you are always welcome to join other Chapter activities as well.
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Chavez.