Candlelighters childhood cancer foundation
Encyclopedia
The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (originally the Candlelighters Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
charitable organization founded in Washington, D.C.
in 1970 by parents of children and adolescents with childhood cancer
to advocate for their needs, and to support research so every child survives and leads a long and healthy life. The Candlelighters name is derived from an old Chinese proverb "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." Two other Candlelighters organizations formed simultaneously in 1970, one in Florida, the other in California. The initial focus of the Washington D.C. group was legislative; to achieve congressional and administrative support for increased funding for childhood cancer research during the Nixon Administration and the writing of the National Cancer Act.
Parent to parent contact had such a profound impact on the parents and families of children with cancer in the initial three groups that they decided to form a national organization. It was mutually agreed upon that the metropolian Washington area group would assume the role of National Office of Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. From this initiative, local community organizations were established throughout the country. In 1976, the Candlelighters Foundation was incorporated as the communication link for groups and contacts throughout the country. In 1985, the name was officially changed to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. In 1997, the National Office assisted one of the local Candlelighters organizations with the development and promotion of the gold ribbon symbol as the universal awareness symbol of childhood cancer. In 2001, the National Office released a new logo, one that embraced both symbols - the candle and the gold ribbon. In 2002 Candlelighters formed legal agreements with local organizations across the nation in a binding Affiliation Agreement regarding the use of the trademark name/logo and mission statement. In 2006, the national Candlelighters board voted to expand its mission and support innovative research initiatives.
Today their membership of over 50,000 members of the national office and more than 100,000 members across the country, including Candlelighters affiliate groups, includes:
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
charitable organization founded in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
in 1970 by parents of children and adolescents with childhood cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
to advocate for their needs, and to support research so every child survives and leads a long and healthy life. The Candlelighters name is derived from an old Chinese proverb "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." Two other Candlelighters organizations formed simultaneously in 1970, one in Florida, the other in California. The initial focus of the Washington D.C. group was legislative; to achieve congressional and administrative support for increased funding for childhood cancer research during the Nixon Administration and the writing of the National Cancer Act.
Parent to parent contact had such a profound impact on the parents and families of children with cancer in the initial three groups that they decided to form a national organization. It was mutually agreed upon that the metropolian Washington area group would assume the role of National Office of Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. From this initiative, local community organizations were established throughout the country. In 1976, the Candlelighters Foundation was incorporated as the communication link for groups and contacts throughout the country. In 1985, the name was officially changed to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. In 1997, the National Office assisted one of the local Candlelighters organizations with the development and promotion of the gold ribbon symbol as the universal awareness symbol of childhood cancer. In 2001, the National Office released a new logo, one that embraced both symbols - the candle and the gold ribbon. In 2002 Candlelighters formed legal agreements with local organizations across the nation in a binding Affiliation Agreement regarding the use of the trademark name/logo and mission statement. In 2006, the national Candlelighters board voted to expand its mission and support innovative research initiatives.
Today their membership of over 50,000 members of the national office and more than 100,000 members across the country, including Candlelighters affiliate groups, includes:
- Parents of children who are being treated or have been treated for cancerCancerCancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
- Children with cancerCancerCancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
- Survivors of childhood cancerCancerCancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
- Immediate or extended family members
- Bereaved families
- Health care professionals
- Educators
Programs and Services
- Distribute books free to families within the U.S. on the treatment and late effects of childhood cancer.
- 1-800 phone line for patient navigation services, for referrals to local Candlelighters organizations and for treatment/referral information.
- On-line/email patient navigation information and referral services.
- Comprehensive childhood cancer website, providing information on childhood cancer treatment and services.
- Referral to Candlelighters Affiliates which (usually) provide peer support groups, in-hospital visits, and assistance programs for families of children with cancer.
- Long term survivor information on the late effects of childhood cancer treatment.
- Referral to Childhood Cancer Ombudsman Program for discrimination and health insurance problems (no website available).
- Maintenance of an up to date list of oncology treatment centers and comprehensive late effects clinics and associated referrals.
- Largest national childhood cancer awareness event, Light Up the Holidays with Hope, the National Childhood Cancer Awareness Tree held in Washington D.C. every December.
- Referrals to wish foundations, oncology camps, and financial aid organizations.
- Advocacy for childhood cancer patients, survivors and families within national and governmental committees including: C-Changehttp://www.c-changetogether.org; FDA's Patient Consultant for Oncology Drug Development; FDA's Pediatric Subcommittee of ODAC; National Coalition for Cancer Research http://www.cancercoalition.org; International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organizations http://www.icccpo.org; American Cancer Society (Children and Cancer Advisory Group); Alliance for Childhood Cancer http://www.allianceforchildhoodcancer.org/acc/Main/; International Union Against Cancer http://www.uicc.org.