On March 28, 2026, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada hosted its first-ever Spring Fling, bringing together more than 200 children and their families at Sunset Park for an afternoon centered on connection, community, and joy.
For families navigating childhood cancer, opportunities like this are deeply meaningful. Spring Fling created space to step away from appointments, treatments, and uncertainty, and instead focus on time together. Families across every stage of the journey attended, from those in active treatment to survivorship and those honoring loved ones, reinforcing that no one has to navigate this experience alone.
A Space to Be Together
Spring Fling was created with a simple goal: to bring families together in a way that feels normal, supportive, and uplifting. Throughout the day, families experienced everything from an egg hunt and carnival-style games to face painting, music, and visits from superhero characters. More than anything, it created an environment where young people could simply be kids, surrounded by others who understand their experiences.
“Families navigating childhood cancer carry so much every day, and that experience can often feel isolating,” said Amy King, Chief Development Officer, Candlelighters. “Spring Fling is about creating a space where families can come together, connect, and experience joy alongside others who understand what they’re going through. Moments like this help strengthen the connections that carry families through every stage of their journey.”
The Power of Staying Connected
For some families, Spring Fling brought back memories decades in the making. During the event, the Candlelighters team connected with Helene and Lisa — one of the very first families supported by Candlelighters. Helene was diagnosed in 1978, the same year the organization was founded. Decades later, their family is still part of the Candlelighters community, continuing to show up and give back to children and families navigating their own journeys today.
Helene shared how Candlelighters helped support her family from the very beginning, creating a sense of connection and making an incredibly difficult time feel more manageable. Their story is a reminder that Candlelighters is a community that stays with families for years, and often generations.
Powered by a Community That Cares
Spring Fling was made possible through the collective support of the Las Vegas community, raising $77,500 to directly support Candlelighters programs and services for local families.
With support from partners including the Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas A’s, Small Business Growth Alliance and Caesars Entertainment, the event reinforced a shared commitment to ensuring families impacted by childhood cancer have access to critical resources, connection, and care.
Spring Fling marked the beginning of something both new and necessary. For 48 years, Candlelighters has supported families through every stage of the childhood cancer journey. Events like this build on that legacy, creating space not only for support but for moments of joy.
