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ABOUT CANDLELIGHTERS….
Candlelighters was formed by a group of 4
individuals whose lives were drastically
changed by the diagnosis of childhood
cancer. Having a child diagnosed with
cancer can be the most traumatic event in a
family’s life, surpassed in pain and
suffering only by losing the child to the
disease. Although there has been some
success in the isolation and treatment of
the disease, one in three people
nevertheless will be diagnosed with cancer
in their lifetime, and three of ten children
having he disease will eventually lose their
battle with it.
Cancer is second only to accidents as a
cause of death in children un the age of
15. The impact of such a diagnosis is
far-reaching and diffuse, affecting not only
the child, but their family members and
loved ones as well. The child diagnosed
with cancer must not only endure the normal
growing pains of youth, but must also suffer
both the treatment and the consequences of
the disease.
To complicate such trying times eve
further, there are no pediatric oncologists
in Brevard County. During this time of
severe distress, families of children with
cancer must travel hundreds of miles for
chemotherapy, radiation treatments,
surgeries and follow up appointments
Dedicated staff members who have
experienced the diagnosis of childhood
cancer offer emotional support and financial
assistance to our Candlelighters’ families
through our extensive programs and
services. Social gatherings and family
outings replace the traditional support
group meetings. Our amazing Candlelighters
families wholeheartedly participate in much
needed get-away trips to Disney Theme Parks
& Sea World, baseball games, family
retreats, our annual “Celebration of Life”
picnic and Christmas party.
Candlelighters of Brevard has long been
devoted to serving the needs and improving
the quality of life for children diagnosed
with cancer and their family members. The
many programs and services provided by
Candlelighters are all designed to fulfill
our mission.
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