That 1 Family Shines Cancer 2 Childhood Awareness Month of Hope is 3 Harvest October 21st, 2017
SUPERHERO 5k 4 2017 Sets Record 5k 5 SUPERHERO Sponsors Spotlight 6 Sponsor & Partner Spotlight
For Candlelighters Spotlight & 7 Volunteer 10 Coins & Ride For A Child DIY Fundraiser Spotlight Board Metro Chapter & 8 Portland Members Southern Oregon Chapter 11 New Valley Chapter 9 Mid-Willamette 12 Volunteer Info & Central Oregon Chapter
CandlelightersConnections FALL 2017
M
Family That Shines: Haeems Family
eet Gautam ... 10-year-old
out how to
had a call button that I could press and
boy who is genuinely full
make Gautam
the nurses would bring me what I asked
of love and life. His smile
better. Sadness
for. I always asked for chocolate milk. It
fills the room and his jokes can make
and fear and
didn’t matter what time it was, I asked
anyone laugh. He’s great at talking
everything
for chocolate milk even at midnight.”
sports, and is the first to challenge you
else followed
to a little competition. He is brother
quickly in the
and laughing. He is a smart, upbeat,
to Kabir, son to Anita, and friend to
next breath that witty young man who offers his friend-
most in the Candlelighters community.
seemed impos-
ship to many. Anita is huge help in
Gautam dreams of becoming an NBA
sible to catch.”
networking and letting new families
superstar, and he certainly has the
That’s when
Kabir keeps all of us on our toes
know they are not alone. And of course,
drive to pull it off. He enjoys hanging
Candlelighters
Gautam is an example to all on how to
out with family and friends, playing
stepped in.
overcome obstacles with grace.
with Legos, eating Indian food, burgers
Gautam was
and fries, and pizza. If he could pick a
greeted by a
our family; for the humor, grace and
favorite movie it would be the Star Wars
Bedside Buddy
dignity you bring. Your companionship
series or Jurassic World.
stuffed animal
lifts us and gives us endless hope.”
In 2009, Gautam was diagnosed with High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic
on his bed when
“Candlelighters means so much to
Gautam is now off treatment and
he was checked doing well. To the entire Haeems Family
The Haeems Family - Kabir (Top), Anita, and Gautam
Leukemia. He was only two-years-old.
in for treatment. – you are not only a special part of this
Gatuam’s mom Anita writes: “On being relief. Relief that we finally had a diag-
Gautam remembers the ups and downs organization but in our hearts as well.
told that Gautam likely had some form
nosis and that I hadn’t been imagining
of being in the hospital: “Being in the
Here’s to many more memories and
of leukemia, my first emotion was
things. That we could finally figure
hospital was cool because the room
laughs along the way!
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer publishes CandlelightersConnections four times a year to provide news and other information to our childhood cancer community in Oregon and SW Washington.
Our Mission:
To provide a community of healing, hope, and light throughout the life-long journey of childhood cancer. We advocate, we educate, we build partnerships, and we foster solidarity for all families experiencing cancer.
NEWS Our 40th Anniversary and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month In 1977, President Jimmy Carter is sworn in as the 39th President. The Portland Trailblazers are the NBA National Champions. Neil Goldschmidt is the Portland Mayor. Dan Fouts, a University of Oregon Quarterback graduates and will become a football Hall Famer. George Lucas releases his iconic sci-fi trilogy Star Wars and Elvis Presley dies in his home at Graceland.
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To spotlight the great work Candlelighters and other organizations are doing to support families: September was named Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. One way we are raising
1977 CH
Here’s why Candlelighters and organization’s serving families battling childhood cancer are so needed: • In the U.S., 15,780 children under age 21 are diagnosed with cancer annually. • In Oregon and SW Washington, an average of 200 families will learn their child is battling cancer.
awareness is through our Coins For Candlelighters Here are some other activities driving awareness and attention: Program. It teaches service learning, character education and charity through a coin collection fundraiser organized by local schools. We want to • Urbantopia, a local spa in Portland is launching a similar program to highlight get 20 schools on board in recognition of Childhood Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The Cancer Awareness Month. Please join us in this owner is donating a % of all sales to our effort. Learn how to get involved on page 10. organization. • glassybaby, Fred Meyer and AmazonSmile LIG H T E R have all designed corporate giving programs LE S D so that your purchase can trigger a donation to Candlelighters. CA
Also in 1977, five families at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital battling pediatric cancer banded together for emotional support and created a community that would support the WHOLE family as they endured the childhood cancer journey called Candlelighters For Children With Cancer.
EN
W I TH
CA
40 years of providing a community of healing, hope and light for 80,000 family members
In 1977, Candlelighters was started to help a few families who needed personal connection and community. Like all journeys, Candlelighters endured many ups and downs, but it never changed its focus to serve every member of a family affected by childhood cancer. Today, we celebrate our 40th anniversary, and honor the 80,000 family members we have served.
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
Harvest of Hope 2017
Hilton Portland & Executive Tower, Portland, Oregon • October 21, 2017 Our 15th annual Harvest of Hope is also a celebration of our 40th anniversary! Join us as we spotlight the brilliance of our ruby anniversary and honor the past, present and future of Candlelighters For Children With Cancer.
Featuring local getaways, travel opportunities, one-of-a-kind outdoor excursions, and unique sporting experiences during silent and live auction bidding in support of Candlelighters mission.
Emcee: Sally Showman Auctioneer: Michael Faith, Marquam Auction Agency Individual tickets and tables of 10 can be purchased online at: www.candlelightersoregon.org.
Have an item for you want to contribute for the auction? We are still accepting donations for the silent & live auction. Call Jennifer at 503 719-4244 or email jennifer@candlelightersoregon.org for details.
GOLD SPONSORS:
Thank You Harvest of Hope 2017 Sponsors
SILVER SPONSORS:
BRONZE SPONSORS:
Cadet Heat • GBD Architects • Kuzman Forest Products • Washington Trust Bank
www.candlelightersoregon.org
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Candlelighters SUPERHERO 5k Sets Attendance Record 604 attendees! 65 Volunteers! 15 Activity Partners! 8 Sponsors! To date over $27,000 has been raised with donations still coming in from our fundraisers...way to go teams! On a beautiful Oregon summer morning, Saturday July 8th, over 600 masked, caped and superhero accessorized people, aged 0-70 descended on Cook Park in Tigard to participate in the 5th annual SUPERHERO 5k Run/Walk to benefit Candlelighters For Children With Cancer.
With 15 kid’s activity stations sponsored by ActiveEDGE Physical Therapy, Be The Match, Beth & Bethany Hope, music by Chuck Cheesman, an obstacle course by Play.Fit.Fun, therapy llamas and all sorts and sizes of therapy dogs from Mountain Peak Therapy Llamas and Columbia River Pet Partners, Creations For Cures, Lakeshore Learning Center, Orange Theory #0336, Road Runner Sports, Jamba Juice, Top Golf, Wilsonville Toyota, attendees snapped photos with Timber Joey, The Portland Superheroes Coalition and our own community superheroes, the City of Tigard Police Department before setting out on the course. Tony Martinez of KPTV Fox 12 emceed the event. A generous thank you to our in-kind donors Arctic Glacier, Barbur Rentals, Cosmos Creations, Einstein Bagels, Franz Bakery, Frito-Lay, Pen & Screen Printing, Muscle Milk, Sarah’s Cookies, Starbucks (Barnes & Skyline), The Old Spaghetti Factory, and United Salad for keeping our runners fed and hydrated! Batman and Wonder Woman getting ready for the 1-Mile Kid’s Run.
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Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
Joe Dudman was the 1st place adult male finisher with a time of 18.44, and Maya Barba was the 1st place adult female finisher with a time of 21:38. Logan Newman was the 1st first place teen male finisher with a time of 19:49, Devyn Kendrick was the 1st place teen female finisher with a time of 20:55.
Team Cameron honoring the life and memory of their loved one.
Rockstars, Team Cameron, Superwalkers, Mason is 2!, Road Warriors For Kids, and Team Lisa! You helped us raise our profile and gave our race meaning by honoring and remembering your loved ones! Thank you to our sponsors Genentech, Tripwire, Washington Trust, Wilsonville Toyota, ActiveEDGE Physical Therapy, The Children’s Clinic, Willner Properties, and MediaWorks for their commitment to the SUPERHERO 5k and for helping Candlelighters provide healing, hope and light to families in Oregon and SW Washington enduring the life-long journey of childhood cancer. Candlelighters For Children With Cancer holds the unique niche of being the ONLY organization in Oregon and SW Washington that supports the WHOLE family - patient, siblings and parents - for families when their child is diagnosed with cancer, offering programs that bring hope and comfort to families living in the midst - and the aftermath - of a childhood cancer diagnosis.
This year’s attendance grew 50% from 2015 and 100% since 2014. View full race results on www.candlelightersoregon.org. Thank you to our amazing teams for your fundraising and participation. Here are some of the top teams: Team Kavi - $5,685, Team Super Christopher - $2,235, Hitting Homers for Brenna Skye - $1,275, Team Mekel, Ramsey’s
A special thank you to Christina Venturini Photography!
Timber Joey and Sally Showman
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors! ActiveEDGE Physical Therapy The Children’s Clinic Willner Properties MediaWorks
www.candlelightersoregon.org
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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Cambia Health Solutions
Cambia Health Solutions believe in giving back to organizations that positively work to impact our community and provide support for those who need it. Cambia’s Director of Ethics and Corporate Performance Timshel Tarbet serves as Candlelighters Board Chair and is also a Candlelighters Parent. This creates a clear connection for Cambia, as they are able to support a great organization, and support an employee in her ability to give back.
“Supporting and enhancing the health of the communities we serve is a cornerstone of our corporate culture. At Cambia Health Solutions, we collaborate with nonprofit and civic organizations to make strategic and impactful investments that improve the overall health of our communities. Employees volunteer thousands of hours each year in a wide range of community service activities. Employees also strengthen our communities through financial contributions made through Cambia’s annual Employee Giving Campaign.”
Cambia has been a Harvest of Hope sponsor since 2014, and this year Cambia has agreed to be a Gold Sponsor! In addition, Cambia employees regularly attend Candlelighters events and provide volunteers and meeting spaces. Follow Cambia Health Solutions on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Google+ www.cambiahealth.com
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: MediaWorks If you have seen a Candlelighters publication in last few years, then you are familiar with MediaWorks. For 35 years, Tom Trussell and his company MediaWorks has provided marketing and visual communications for for-profit and non-profit companies. MediaWorks began working with
Candlelighters in 2015 to help us with our rebranding project. Tom has been key in developing our updated logos, newsletters, postcards, awards, letterhead, 40th anniversary materials, posters, and much more. Thank you MediaWorks! “I support Candlelighters because I want to do my small part to help local families who face the devastating news their child has cancer. My
wife and I are very fortunate to have 2 healthy children, now young adults, who also attend mediaworks Candlelighters’ events. I encourage everyone to get involved today, and help Candlelighters fulfill their mission.” For more info on MediaWorks, please visit www.mediaworksworks.com
Tom (left) and his family at Candlelighters 2017 SUPERHERO 5k
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Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Tony Le Our volunteers are incredible. And without their help and support, Candlelighters would not be able to do what it does for so many children and families. Amongst those rockstar volunteers, is Tony Le. Tony is not only a volunteer, but an advocate, and supporter of Candlelighters in all that we do. At first, Tony volunteered with us for Family Camp, and now, we see Tony in many aspects of our programming and events. We are beyond thankful for Tony, his
amazing heart, and the time that he dedicates to making this organization better. Here is a quick glimpse from Tony’s perspective: “To be honest, my parents prodded me into volunteering when I was much younger. I’m really glad they did, though, as I’ve been volunteering ever since and see how much of a difference a person can make with their time, when it’s focused on providing for others! And
volunteering at Candlelighters is especially rewarding, as its fun and tangible. Each year going back to camp has been amazing to see a mix of familiar and new faces. Everyone is incredibly welcoming, and I’ve met so many truly amazing people throughout the years. Thank you for everything Tony! Candlelighters is lucky to have you!!
D.I.Y. FUNDRAISER SPOTLIGHT: Oregon Cancer Bikeout The 5th annual Oregon Cancer Bike Out benefitting Candlelighters is a full day of mountain biking fun in Ashland and Bend! The Ashland Bikeout - September 16: New for 2017, The Ashland Bikeout is 4,600 feet of descent from Mt. Ashland to Lithia Park. This event requires strong intermediate mountain biking riding ability. Caldera Brewing will be hosting the reception and dinner for celebrating the success in raising money and having some serious fun in the process.
The Bend Bikeout - October 7th: Race your bike down the thrilling trails at Wanoga Sno-Park, one of Central Oregon’s best trail system outside of Bend. These single-track trails are “mostly” downhill. Each ride offers more than 1,400 vertical feet of descent. The recommended rider ability is intermediate, but for those who want to undergo more of a “hair-raising experience” there are a number of advanced options available. Dinner will be served at Elk Lake Resort. Visit www.cancerbikeout.org to register and learn more about these amazing events!
If you want to start your own DIY Fundraiser for Candlelighters, it’s easy! Use your passion to raise funds through creating an event, special occasion, or to honor a loved one. We offer advice and support to our DIY Fundraisers, contact Candlelighters to learn more.
www.candlelightersoregon.org
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CANDLELIGHTERS CHAPTERS’ NEWS Portland Chapter
Camp Agape This year, over 15 families ventured out to Camp Agape to spend a week being cared for, loved on, fed, and given an opportunity to relax in a community of other Candlelighters families. Camp Agape was full of fun activities for the kids and parents. Arts and crafts, jet boats, spa day, swimming in the river, archery, campfires, and so much more contributed to an amazing time had by all. Greek Night is always a favorite as well, where families get to have a
fancy, authentic Greek Dinner on the lawn, complete with Greek dancing and music! Candlelighters has partnered with The Philoptochos Society for over 20 years, and we are beyond grateful for their support and the love they show our families. Every year, Camp is offered free of cost to all of our families, and the love and appreciation we have for wonderful individuals that come together to make it happen is insurmountable. Thank you Camp Agape staff, committees, volunteers, and every individual there for giving our families an amazing week of memories!!
Southern Oregon Chapter
Thank You Southern Oregon Corvette Association and Rogue Snowmobilers A HUGE thank you to the Southern Oregon Corvette Association for their $11,771 donation to the Southern Oregon Candlelighters Chapter! Thank you for continuing to help support the local families with childhood cancer ... because kids can’t fight cancer alone! Thank you to the Rogue Snowmobilers for including our families with camping at Howard Prairie Lake. The fish were biting and weather was perfect!
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Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
Mid-Willamette Chapter Fishing on the McKenzie River Our 7th annual fishing trip on the McKenzie River was another huge success! The Northwest Steelheaders provided us with a warm breakfast before we got on the river. Many fishing guides from the McKenzie River Guides Assoc. and beyond, gave their day to take our kids fishing. The kids were also joined by athletes from the University of Oregon and Oregon State. It was a special day for all!
Relay For Life We enjoyed another fun Relay for Life where families came out and our kids walked the Survivors Lap together. Thank you again to Tri-Delta Alumnae group for providing us with a pizza dinner. Our photo board of our kids was proudly displayed right at the edge of the track. Our site was also part of the Survivors scavenger hunt. When they came by, they were handed a child’s handprint as we “gave them a hand.” They loved them!
Central Oregon Chapter Train Day
On August 5, Candlelighters families were treated to a day of riding 1:8 scale replica railroad cars, operating an indoor model railroad and a fantastic BBQ
www.candlelightersoregon.org
lunch on the High Desert. Thank you Rhonda Scheresky, Candlelighters Parent and Event Coordinator, and Eastern Cascades Model Railroad Club for an amazing day for our families!
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NEWS Coins for Candlelighters You make a connection with your local school and we give you all the tools to implement the program. For additional details contact the Candlelighters oďŹƒce at 503-719-4244 or email Jennifer Jones at jennifer@candlelightersoregon.org.
collection fundraiser organized by local schools. We want to get 20 schools on board in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!
September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Back to School! Help raise awareness and support for local families impacted by childhood cancer through our Coins For Candlelighters program. It teaches service learning, character education and charity through a coin
Ride For A Child cancer, telling the story of children who battle cancer in our local communities and the impacts on their families to help raise awareness and funding for Candlelighters For Children With Cancer.
Ride For A Child cyclists are an extraordinary group of people. They not only commit to the training necessary to ride more than 400 miles across rural Oregon on the seven-day Cycle Oregon route, but they ride to honor children affected by
Thank you 2017 RFAC Cyclists and Fundraisers! Marc Alexander Ra Antico David Aucsmith Lew Bank Mark Bennett Liz Birkmeyer Akin Blitz Kathy Collier Melissa Crest Carol Crooke
Renata Hahn Dick Hartung Brooke Henry Kathy Hermann Sandy Hicks Gregg Holt Janet Hudson Brandon Johnson Ruth Johnson Don Jones
Jeff Dickson Ken Drury Dan Dulley Tim Fleskes Allison Fox Muriel Garven Tom Gilberson Steve Glenn Joe Greulich Eric Gross
Jennifer Jones Suzy Jones Tony Jordan Micah LeBank Bryan Leslie David Leslie Jeffrey Leslie Tim Leslie Tom Leslie Rod Malone
Rose Martin Julie Matteson John McGuigan Suzanna McKirdie James Olson Kevin Pazaski Phil Reget Jim Ruble Julia Smith Gary Spencer
Craig Stack Sally Stack Steve Stirrett Jim Stumpf Jeff Wannamaker Garen Weitman Jay Weitman Evelyn West John Williams Jeff Yandle
Thank you 2017 RFAC Sponsors! GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Clackamas County Peace Officers' Benevolent Foundation
Collier Arbor Care
Connelly Law Offices
Endeavour Capital
LHL Homes
Mascord Design Associates
FUELED BY
Arctic Glacier, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Muscle Milk, and Rogue Brewing
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Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR New Board Members Recently I started looking at Candlelighters newsletters that went as far back as the early 1990s. What was amazing was the many volunteers’ names I recognized in those issues. And, many of those same volunteers are involved with Candlelighters today. Back then, many of them did the day-to-day work; today, they are our most ardent supporters and community ambassadors. Today, we honor their legacy and welcome five new Board Leaders who will ensure Candlelighters continues its mission to increase and enhance quality of life for all family members experiencing childhood cancer.
Cassie Mercer Prior to joining her law firm as a Trademark attorney, she worked at a national nonprofit and loves the mission of Candlelighters.
Cory Connors Learned about Candlelighters through a friend who’s child battled pediatric cancer. Candlelighters is the reason they made it through the diagnosis and treatment.
Kristi Nash Has served as a volunteer for 7 years in both programs and fundraising. Co-developed our new COINS FOR CANDLELIGHTERS program and chaired the successful 2015 Harvest of Hope gala.
Lissa Pocze, MSN, CPNP, CPON She is the co-creator and Director of KITE (Knowledge and Inspiration after Treatment Ends) at Randall Children’s Hospital and has served many of our families.
Mollie Worcester is a childhood cancer survivor; She is thankful that Candlelighters offers support to the WHOLE family.
They join 11 board members who have committed countless hours and passion to the mission: Timshel Tarbet, President, Matt Filkins, Treasurer, Danielle Sobel, Secretary, Mark Carnese, Meghan Duncan, Joe Farrar, Sarie Crothers, J.D., LLM, Lisa Sorenson, Ben Tallman, Brian Maher and Carol Crooke, RN. We are humbled by the passion of the many volunteers, community leaders and families who built a strong organizational foundation. We are grateful for the countless hours, months and years that many volunteers gave to serve others enduring a challenging journey. We are looking forward to the future, because of them, Candlelighters is a strong organization providing a community of healing, hope and light to all families battling childhood cancer. Gratefully,
CANDLELIGHTERS STAFF
Jackie Groah EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – Jackie Groah 503.719.4244 Jackie@candlelightersoregon.org PROGRAM DIRECTOR – Karsen O’Bryan 503.719.4244 ext. 3 Karsen@candlelightersoregon.org DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS – Philip Giles 503.719.4244 ext.9 Phil@candlelightersoregon.org
CHAPTER CHAIRS: MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY CO-CHAIRS – Mary Lou Bradley: 541.687.0697 / mloubradley@comcast.net Robyn Thompson: 541.343.4528 / robynthompson8035@gmail.com SOUTHERN OREGON CHAIR – Kimberly Bruhn 541.292.3058 / Kimberlybruhn@hotmail.com CENTRAL OREGON CHAIR – Darcy Davis 541.419.6426 / CentralOregonCandlelighters@gmail.com
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS & PARTNERSHIPS - Jennifer Jones 503.719.4244 ext. 4 Jennifer@candlelightersoregon.org
www.candlelightersoregon.org
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5440 SW Westgate Drive, Suite 125 Portland, OR 97221 (P) 503.719.4244 (F) 503.214.5567 www.candlelightersoregon.org Change Service Requested
Yes! I want to make life a little brighter for a child with cancer!
Volunteer With Us!
Candlelighters For Children With Cancer is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization and donations are tax deductible to the extend allowed by law. ❏ $500
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Enclosed is my gift of: ❏ $100 ❏ $50 ❏ $25
❏ Other $ _________
Please make checks payable to: Candlelighters For Children With Cancer. Send to: 5440 SW Westgate Drive, Suite 125, Portland, OR 97221 donate online at : www.candlelightersoregon.org
We have so many opportunities available, please reach out if you’re interested! Please email: Jennifer@candlelightersoregon.org or call: 503.719.4244
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