PARENTS & PATIENTS

Parent Connection –  for newly diagnosed families or families currently in treatment

The Parent Connection is a program which fosters parent-to-parent support and interaction.

Newly diagnosed families are contacted by a PC Volunteer whose own child was diagnosed with the same or similar cancer at approximately the same age.    Candlelighters’ wants families to know they are not alone.  Other parents who have experienced this life changing diagnosis have said, “You need to know somebody’s been there” and “You need to hear a real life success story right away.”

Teen Scene –  for adolescent patients and survivors

Teen Scene is a monthly social program that promotes peer interaction, socialization and support for adolescents who have or have had cancer.  Teen Scene began in January 2007 with 3 teens and has grown to an involved group of over 20 with an average of 15 teens attending each monthly activity.  The adolescents have developed close relationships with each other outside the monthly activities and call and visit each other, especially when one of them is hospitalized.

More info on Teen Scene

C-YA – for young adult patients and survivors

A group for young adults, ages 18 – 23 years who have been treated for cancer.  The group provides peer interaction and socialization as well as educational opportunities related to issues particular to this group such as transitioning from pediatric to adult care, insurance, late term effects, moving out and disclosure.

Camp Firefly - for patients, siblings, and survivors

Camp Firefly is a 4 day overnight summer camp program for up to 85 patients, siblings and survivors ages 7 – 17.  Camp Firefly is hosted at Torino Ranch in partnership with the Torino Foundation.

Parents Helping Parents – for bereaved parents

Parents Helping Parents is a program offering peer support for parents who have lost a child to cancer.  A monthly support group is held on the fourth Monday of the month at the Candlelighters office.  A monthly newsletter includes letters, poems, quotes and inspirational verses as well as commemorating birthdays and anniversaries of the children.  Additionally, PHP plans an annual Day of Remembrance during September (Childhood Cancer Awareness Month) to celebrate the lives of their special children.  The PHP members reach out to other families facing end of life situations to offer comfort and support.

RESOURCES