What is the Candlelighters Young Adult Advisory Council?

The Candlelighters Young Adult Advisory Council (known as CYAAC), is a group of dedicated young adult survivors, siblings, and bereaved siblings who are focused on addressing gaps in services through the creation and implementation of new programs. CYAAC is a voluntary council that meets once a month at the Candlelighters office and regularly outside of the office to discuss and execute ideas.

CYAAC is open to survivors, siblings, and bereaved siblings age 18+ who want to make a difference in the cancer journey of a child who was just like them.

Candlelighters Connect

Created solely by the CYAAC team and overseen by Candlelighters, Candlelighters Connect pairs pediatric cancer patients, survivors, and siblings with mentors who understand. This one-on-one support offers encouragement, connection, and a reminder that you’re not alone in your journey. This program is not a substitute for professional counseling or mental health service.

Mentor Requirements:

  • A Survivor, Sibling, or Bereaved Sibling
  • Emotionally ready to talk about your cancer journey with a younger peer
  • Age 20+
  • Must undergo mentorship training

How do a mentor and mentee get matched?

Once a Mentee applies, we take into consideration their status (patient, sibling, bereaved), their personality, and concerns to match them with the most appropriate Mentor.

Mentors and Mentees will do an introductory meeting, including Caregivers, in order to determine a good fit. Once a good fit is determined, Mentors and Caregivers will coordinate meeting dates and times with their Mentee.

Young Adult Connections

The Candlelighters Young Adult Advisory Council (CYAAC) leads our Young Adult Connections Program (YAC), creating events and opportunities designed by young adult survivors and siblings for our YA community. If you have ideas for future activities and want to help shape the program, we'd love for you to join CYAAC!