In Loving Memory of Our Founder, Colonel Neal Lesher
In Loving Memory
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada was built on compassion, resilience, and the belief that no family should face childhood cancer alone. At the heart of our beginnings is Colonel Neal Lescher, Kathaleen (Kay) Lesher, and their daughters, Dana, Kathaleen, and Susie.
In 1976, Neal and his wife, Kay, along with Mike and Linda Dale, chose to turn their family’s devastating and life-changing experience with childhood cancer into a source of hope for others. In 1977, they helped establish Candlelighters in Las Vegas as a parent-led support group, and in 1978, the organization was officially incorporated. What began with a small group of families quickly grew into a strong and supportive community.
Neal and Kay recognized early on that families needed more than medical care—they needed practical, compassionate assistance. A generous gift received during their daughter Dana’s treatments helped inspire Candlelighters’ commitment to supporting travel, housing, communication, and everyday living expenses—needs that often go unseen but deeply impact families.
Neal served as Candlelighters’ first president and, alongside his wife, Kay, remained actively involved as a board member, fundraiser, and leader. Working with medical professionals, community partners, and volunteers, they helped shape an organization rooted in service, integrity, and empathy. Above all, Neal and Kay kept children at the center of every effort. They were his greatest inspiration and the reason behind every program, every fundraiser, and every act of support.
The Lesher family’s strength and perseverance laid the foundation for what Candlelighters is today. Their vision continues through each family we serve and every new parent who finds comfort, guidance, and community through our organization. We honor Colonel Neal and Kay Lescher as founders, visionaries, and compassionate leaders who transformed personal hardship into lasting hope. Their legacy lives on in the mission and heart of the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada.
