As we close out 2025, we’re taking a moment to look back with gratitude, celebrate the resilience of our Candlelighters community, and invite you into the journey ahead. This year has been full of meaningful milestones, heartfelt connections, and powerful growth. With your support, we’ve made real strides in helping families touched by childhood cancer.
Here’s a look at what we accomplished together, and why your continued involvement is more critical than ever.
2025 Highlights: A Year of Impact
Expanding Emotional Support
In June, we expanded our Emotional Support Services Program, a significant step forward for our mission. Through this new initiative, Candlelighters now offers Candlelighters Connect, a mentoring program designed by Candlelighters’ young adults and our Caregiver Circle.
Halloween Bash: A Night of Joy for 375 Kids
In October, Candlelighters hosted our annual Halloween Bash at the Grand Prix Plaza, home of the FORMULA ONE HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX, transforming the space into an unforgettable night of costumes, candy, and pure childhood magic. This year’s event brought together over 120 families and 375 kids, all enjoying trunk-or-treating, games, rides, and festive activities that offered a joyful, safe space for kids to be kids.
Camp Firefly & Camp Firefly Jr.: Growing Our Camp Community
This summer, 100 campers were welcomed to Camp Firefly, a beloved program that gives children diagnosed with cancer and their siblings a place to connect, recharge, and make memories that last.
In August, we reached an exciting milestone by launching Camp Firefly Jr. as an overnight camp for the first time, welcoming 34 campers ages eight and younger. This expansion allowed even our youngest campers to experience the magic, independence, and comfort of camp in a safe, nurturing environment.
Lifting Youth Voices & Mental Health Advocacy
On Childhood Mental Health Awareness Day, May 8, our Young Adult Advisory Council met with Nevada legislators to elevate the mental health needs of young people affected by cancer. Their stories and insights are helping guide meaningful systemic change. Because keeping families whole isn’t just about treating cancer, it’s about treating the trauma, the fear, and the long road to emotional healing that follows. It’s about creating a future where children not only survive but thrive.
Investing in the Future
Thanks to the generosity of our community, 38 scholarships totaling $45,500 were awarded to young adults who are childhood cancer survivors or siblings. These scholarships help springboard dreams, giving students the financial breathing room to pursue their education and goals.
Rallying Together Through Volunteerism
Our volunteers showed up in extraordinary ways this year. From virtual volunteering, such as creating coloring booklets and hospital goodie bags, to hands-on support at events, camps, and hospital outreach, 755 volunteers contributed 11,778 hours. This is the equivalent of 490 full days of support. Their dedication made every program, event, and moment of connection possible.
Looking Ahead: Why 2026 Needs You
As we reflect on the impact of 2025, one thing is clear: we couldn’t have done any of it without you. Whether you donated, volunteered, advocated, or shared our story, your role has been vital.
But our work is never done. Childhood cancer doesn’t pause, and neither does the need for support, care, and advocacy.
Here’s how you can help make 2026 a breakthrough year for Candlelighters:
- Join our volunteer team (in-person or virtual) to help with hospital outreach, birthday club, goodie bags, and more.
- Your individual giving fuels our year-round programs, from emotional support and financial assistance, such as counseling and co-pay help, to “No More Chemo” celebrations, birthday surprises, and quality-of-life events that bring comfort and connection to families throughout their childhood cancer journey.
- Share our stories, talk to your networks, or host a fundraiser. Helping children and families isn’t just about money — it’s about community.
Thank You — For Every Step, Every Heart, Every Light
2025 showed us what’s possible when a community stands together: more mental health care, more scholarship support, more connection, more healing. As we carry this energy into 2026, we’re believing in even more possibilities, with more kids supported, more families strengthened, more voices amplified.
We hope you’ll continue walking with us. Thank you for being part of the Candlelighters family. Let’s make 2026 a year of even more light.
