"We just couldn't bear the idea of leaving our daughter's side. And that's when the Candlelighters Food Pantry really became our lifeline." 

 - Liz Kraus

“I wouldn’t eat because I was too worried about our financial situation with my child having a brain tumor and surgery. What awesome resources for families."

 -Candlelighters Parent 

Liz and her family's story - arriving at the hospital with nothing, and staying for days, or weeks - is common. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, no family is prepared. A simple scan can turn into weeks or months of living at the hospital. For parents, one missed meal becomes many when it means leaving their frightened, sick child's bedside for food. Growing hospital bills and missed paychecks add to the stress, and often, parents and caregivers end up going without.

Your generous gift provides critical funding for Candlelighters in-hospital food program, the only food options for parents and caregivers on Doernbecher's pediatric wing.

The Candlelighters pantry is stocked with free snacks and quick meals. The snack cart brings food and toys for kids and families alike. Plus, with your gift, we will bring back a family favorite in 2025 - hot, catered dinners for families on the pediatric wing every other month. Candlelighters understands that when a child is diagnosed with cancer, it affects the entire family. Meeting the urgent need for quick, free food just steps from their sick child is critical to whole-family support. Thank you for standing with Candlelighters to feed families.

Why Give to Candlelighters?

Each year, hundreds of families in Oregon and Washington receive a childhood cancer diagnosis. Families fighting childhood cancer can feel isolated and afraid, as the financial and emotional impact are enormous:

• 2 out of 4 families report considerable-to-severe household debt as a result of their child’s cancer care.

• 33% of families state that one adult in their household has to stop working completely.

But there is hope for kids and families with childhood cancer in our community.

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer is there, every step of the way, to support the whole family. We offer families diagnosed with childhood cancer in Oregon and SW Washington practical assistance, and ways to connect. Above all, families create lifelong bonds with others experiencing pediatric cancer.  

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer is a tax-exempt 501c3 non profit organization. Our tax ID is 93-0682416.