Information on Candlelighters of Western Pennsylvania

What is Candlelighters About?

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Network is a nonprofit, tax-exempt group of volunteers whose mission is to support families of children with cancer. Our members include:

• children with cancer
• their extended families
• survivors
• bereaved families
• health-care professionals
• interested community members

Our group has been active since 1987, when founded by concerned parents who felt the need for such support. It is affiliated nationally with the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation in Bethesda, Md., whose resources are a complement to ours.

Helping Others

• Support Services
  • Telephone support
  • Monthly meetings around the area
  • Hospital visits upon request
  • Bereavement support
• Information Services
  • Local and national newsletters
  • Annual conference with guest speakers
• Family Activities
  • Annual family picnics
  • Annual holiday parties

Over the years, Candlelighters has had many special projects in addition to our usual programs. These have included a family getaway weekend, sibling support, an Appreciation Party for the staff at Children's Hospital, library books donated to the hospital for parents, initiation of legislation declaring September as Childhood Cancer Month in Pennsylvania, and a fund for families in financial distress.

Some pictures of the Candlelighters' families and events appear below.

The services of Candlelighters are made possible by the generosity of the community, through donations and some fund-raising activities.

Our Motto:

"It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness."

If you would like more information on how you can become involved with the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Network of western Pennsylvania, email can be sent to:

The national office of Candlelighters can also be reached through their web site at: