For many families, August marks a return to routine—buying school supplies, packing lunches, and snapping first-day photos. But for families impacted by childhood cancer, the back-to-school season is anything but routine.
At Candlelighters, we’ve come to understand that for our kids, going back to school isn’t just a calendar event; it’s an emotional journey. After months (or even years) of treatment, isolation, and uncertainty, walking back into a classroom can bring a wave of fear, anxiety, and even grief. And it doesn’t just affect the diagnosed child—it touches the whole family.
That’s why our work during this season is focused on more than just school readiness. We’re here to help kids feel ready, emotionally, socially, and mentally.
When the Classroom Feels Like a World Away
Imagine being 8 years old and returning to school after a year of chemo. Your hair is still growing back. You’ve missed birthday parties, school plays, and playdates. You feel different, and maybe your classmates do too.
Or imagine being the sibling of a child with cancer. You’ve watched your family go through things most adults will never face. How do you concentrate on math when your brother’s next scan is tomorrow?
These are the silent realities many of our families face each fall.
A Home Base for Healing
That’s where our Forever Home comes in.
Our Forever Home isn’t just a place—it’s a lifeline. It serves as a safe, welcoming space where children and their families can begin to reacclimate to life outside of treatment. Before jumping back into the social and academic pressures of school, kids can ease into being around other children, rebuilding their confidence at their own pace.
Here, kids can play, connect, and receive support from staff and peers who understand what they’ve been through. For many, it’s the first time they’ve smiled in a group setting since their diagnosis. For others, it’s a stepping stone toward reclaiming their identity outside of being “the kid with cancer.”
Support That Goes Beyond Supplies
While most back-to-school programs focus on backpacks and notebooks, Candlelighters focuses on emotional readiness and support. Through group activities, counseling support, and peer connections, we help families navigate the emotional hurdles of reentry.
We also partner with therapists and school liaisons to support kids who may feel anxious, self-conscious, or overwhelmed because every child deserves to walk into the classroom feeling seen, supported, and strong.
Every Step Forward Matters
We often say that healing doesn’t end when treatment does—and back-to-school season is one of the clearest reminders of that truth. Our goal is to walk alongside families through every phase of the journey, helping them find stability, joy, and confidence along the way.
This work is only possible because of our incredible community of donors, volunteers, and partners. With your support, we’re helping kids step back into school and into the next chapter of their lives, with courage.
Because while their school year might look different, their potential is limitless.
