By Volunteer Patricia Griffiths
The soft, furry warmth of a stuffed animal relaxes a scared cancer-stricken child’s hand, inviting her to sleep. Her parents stay close by, and they, too, are comforted by the warmth of a catered meal and daily snacks brought to them.
Bringing comfort is part of the mission of Candlelighters for Children with Cancer, that helps seriously ill children and their families during and after cancer treatment with food, fellowship, financial support, and even stuffed animals. Since starting in 1977, Candlelighters has served more than 100,000 people in Oregon and southwest Washington.
“We look at childhood cancer as a lifelong journey. We look to support families through every stage, post treatment and bereavement. We build a community of hope so families going through this traumatic experience have others who will support,” said Daniela Meltzer, Executive Director.
Melzer explained that besides 40 social events annually for Candlelighters families, the organization goes into Oregon hospital pediatric cancer wards weekly to bring snacks, toys, and cheer, as well as catered meals monthly. Because childhood cancer can mean one parent forgoing work to stay by their sick child, families often experience financial hardships. Candelighters can help by paying for basic needs during these times. Once past treatment, Candlelighters kids seeking advanced degrees can apply for Candlelighters scholarships.
“It’s just important to support these families whatever way we can. It is literally the hardest thing to see your child suffer,” said Nicole Ek, Program Director. She understands the families’ plight, because she has been one of them. Sixteen years ago, her daughter Emme, then nine-years-old, was diagnosed with brain cancer. She survived, but is still dealing with the disease and treatment, which has impaired her in many ways, including her ability to walk and even to grow hair. Regardless, Emme, now 26, shines when she meets with Candlelighters children, encouraging them in their fight.
For Emme, the fight goes on. Ek explains that her daughter continues to need surgeries, and, along with that, blood transfusions.
“We never know when she might need blood. But when they tell you, ‘ohh she has that [rare] type of blood, give us a minute.’ It’s scary when it’s not easy to get,” said Ek. She added, “On several occasions it’s saved her life by getting red blood cells,”
Because red blood cells are vital to children undergoing cancer treatment, Candlelighters has expanded its program to include running blood drives with the Red Cross.
“We will try to do two annual blood drives in spring and October. I feel that that it’s a wonderful way for people to get involved in directly helping families that need blood,” said Meltzer. “The cancer patients may have leukemia or bone marrow cancer [which deplete blood supplies]. It’s a great way for the community to come together in a meaningful way by giving blood.”
Ek added her perspective to this program expansion. “It’s part of all of our families, needing blood for our kids to heal and live. Everyone is so grateful.”
Candlelighters blood drive will be held April 30, 9am-2pm at the Candlelighters headquarters, 10700 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy Ste 360 Beaverton, Oregon. Donations are only by reservation through the Red Cross. To sign up to donate blood for this or another blood drive, go to www.redcross.org or click on:
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