Chartered in 1978, CCCFN was founded by two families, each of whom had a child being treated for cancer. They believed that families could find strength, knowledge and comfort by banding together during their most difficult times. They wanted to use their experience to lessen the burden of those they knew would follow. Since that time, over 2,000 children in Nevada have been diagnosed with cancer.

In the beginning, Candlelighters handled the needs of families entirely through a dedicated group of volunteers. Experienced parents were on-call 24 hours a day to counsel newly diagnosed families and assist them with their concerns.

Today, CCCFN serves approximately 100 families monthly, and as many as 600 families throughout the year. Candlelighters maintains a full-time office with professional staff available at all times for family
support.

There are no membership requirements or fees for families.    A diagnosis of childhood cancer is the only requirement to become eligible for services. Referrals can come from any source as long as the family approves.