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Candlelighters
Family Connections
Newsletter
October/November 2021
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Dear Candlelighters Families,
Happy Fall! We are in the season of planning our fall and winter events.
If you’re new to our Candlelighters community, our fall and winter events provide holiday cheer for you and your family to enjoy. Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, post-treatment, or bereaved, we welcome you to our community of support. Typically, we get together in person to connect and enjoy the holidays together, but as we move into the colder season with the ever-changing Covid environment, we’ll continue to think outside the box to host our holiday activities.
Did you hear about our summer events?
We host year-round activities, and this summer offered an opportunity for some outdoor gatherings, and fun virtual activities. Our loving community of bereaved families honored their kids at Picnic on the Farm. The Luminaries, our Youth Group, connected in Lake Oswego at an outdoor pizza social. Families across Oregon and SW Washington exchanged funny pictures, silly videos, messages of support during Camp Outside the Box. We hope you can join us next year for these events.
We want to thank all of the families who submitted their stories for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! Read their stories and watch their videos on our website, and make sure to check out our families that were featured in the News!
We are blown away by the generosity of our community. Through the ups and downs of the cancer journey, we know one thing to be certain - we are stronger together.
-Candlelighters
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> Are You Currently In Treatment?
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If your child is currently in treatment, make sure to take advantage of our Emergency Financial Assistance Program where you qualify for up to $599 a year to cover any bills. Use the full $599 before the end of the year since the amount resets in January.
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For families in high financial need this holiday season, we are taking in applications for our gift sponsorship program. To learn more about Candy Cane Lane and access the application, please click here. Applications are due October 22nd.
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> Mid-Willamette Valley Activities
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Pumpkin Patch
October 10th
1pm-3pm
Families are invited to the pumpkin patch any time between from 1:00-3:00 to pick out pumpkins, and pick up goodie bags for the kids.
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Drive-Thru Christmas Party
December 5th
2pm
We're planning some fun interactive activities for the drive through. Plus a coloring contest and family photos taken by Tanya and Greg Stolt.
Shoutout to Eugene Downtown Lions Club for their generous donation to MWV Candlelighters Chapter to use for family activities!
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> Portland/Vancouver Activities
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Join us at Candlelighters!
October 23
11am-1pm
We will distribute pumpkins, painting kits, and other Halloween-ish goodies at this drive-thru outdoor event. Show up dressed up to trick or treat! Space may be limited, and priority is given to families whose child is in treatment or 3 years post-treatment or within 3 years of becoming bereaved. If you’re staying at the hospital, or cannot make the drive-through, let us know! We’ll arrange to get these goodies to you.
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November 28
12am-3pm
The annual Kruse Way Rotary Holiday Party is on! All Candlelighters families throughout Oregon and SW Washington are invited to join Saturday, November 28th for a drive-thru holiday celebration. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on site with welcoming smiles and a chance for photos. While we won't be able to offer a traditional holiday meal, Santa promises a present for every kid up to age 18.
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> Parent/caregiver Support Group
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Last month, our group talked about how our child’s cancer has changed us. Every month we cover a different topic and anything you’d like to bring into the meeting. If you feel like you need extra support, we will welcome you with open arms. Our next meeting is on:
Wednesday
October 6th
5:45pm via Zoom
Once you RSVP, we will email you the zoom link ahead of the meeting.
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The Luminaries is a social group for youth (aged 13-21) who have been diagnosed with cancer, and for their siblings. Luminaries have access to:
- Zoom link where we connect every week
- Luminaries Minecraft Server (PC-Java edition)
- An opportunity to grow leadership skills
- Holiday events and social activities
Most importantly, a chance to meet and connect with other people your age who get it. Email Lisa@candlelightersoregon.org to join.
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Key Bank is a proud supporter of the Luminaries, and is offering quarterly interactive Banking 101 workshops for all family members 13 and over. Join us for the first in a series of 4 workshops:
November 9th
4:30 pm
Zoom
Key Bank will cover the basics such as the difference between a debit and credit card, how to balance a check book and more. Parents are encouraged to attend with their teen or young adult. Attendance to all 4 the workshops is recommended, but we'll welcome newcomers at any time.
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Our bereavement committee is currently planning our Winter event, Time of Remembrance. Time of Remembrance is an event to honor our children who have passed away and in a supportive and welcoming environment, with other families who’ve walked in similar shoes.
Email Lisa to stay updated on the details of this event.
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Winter Holiday Activities |
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Watch for more information coming soon on our holiday festivities. We host state-wide chapter activities in Southern Oregon (Medford), Bend (Central Oregon), Eugene (Mid-Willamette Valley), and Portland. |
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Help Us Design a New Program |
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Candlelighters is a recipient of a grant to provide more support for caregivers of children with cancer. A survey will be available by the end of this year to collect information about your needs as a caregiver, and what you find the most helpful. Your survey responses will help inform the type of program we need to build. Stay tuned! |
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> Candlelighters Facebook Groups
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Do you have any questions or suggestions that could benefit other parents? Or any tips and tricks about navigating the hospital system? Share your wealth of information.
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Meeting and getting to know other families experiencing grief offers strength and courage as well as community knowing they’re not alone.
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Community Partner Opportunities |
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will be hosting their last monthly visit for families before the winter, and there's all kinds of fun happening:
October 9th
10:00AM-1PM
Pearl Street Urban Farm
Sherwood, OR
Cupcake Decorating
With Alex Wilson, winner of the Netflix “Sugar Rush” and owner of Hungry Hero
Costumes! Allison Hicks of Chelsea's Closet will be bringing costumes.
Families are welcome to bring their own picnic lunches.
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Candlelighters Family Connections
Family Activities are always FREE for Candlelighters families, and you are always welcome to join other Chapter activities as well.
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