Aid And Scholarship

Childhood cancer places a heavy financial burden on families. In many cases, one parent must reduce work hours or even give up employment completely to care for a critically ill child. At the same time, the family’s expenses skyrocket due to medical and pharmacy co-pays; costs for travel, parking and meals at hospitals; and increased daycare costs for siblings. To help meet these needs, DC Candlelighters offers financial assistance to families of children in treatment for cancer.

Financial Assistance 

In keeping with our mission, DC Candlelighters provides financial assistance to families facing the challenges of childhood cancer. Application available below, in DOWNLOADS section. 

Support is provided to families to cover expenses including:

• Basic living expenses such as rent/mortgage, utilities, or car repairs

• Transportation expenses related to treatment and doctor visits

• Funeral expenses

•  Eligible patients must be under 21 years old, in active treatment, receiving hospice care, or within one year post-transplant.

•  Families of children living in or receiving treatment within a 50 mile radius of Children's National Medical Center, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Georgetown University Hospital, the National Institutes of Health, or Walter Reed National Military Medical Center are eligible to apply.

•  Families are eligible for up to $500.00 in financial assistance per calendar year (January – December)

The Rachel Crossett Memorial  Scholarship

The Rachel Crossett Memorial  Scholarship is presented to a survivor of childhood cancer pursuing  post-secondary education (college or trade school). The Crossett family established the scholarship in honor of their beautiful, vibrant  daughter whose life was cut short by neuroblastoma in 2001, at only 6  years old.

The second youngest of six  children, Rachel was a girly girl who always knew what she wanted – and  one of the things she wanted was an end to childhood cancer. In 2000,  Rachel spoke before Congress with her mother, Meg, at the first  Childhood Cancer Awareness Day on Capitol Hill. Rachel was also the  inspiration for the National Gold Ribbon Awareness Tree.

Funded by a grant from  Teardrops to Rainbows, the Rachel Crossett Memorial Scholarship honors  the spirit and determination of a young girl who touched the lives of  all who knew her, and recognizes that for some survivors of childhood  cancer, the battle never really ends. Please contact us directly for more information. 

Survivor Scholarship

DC Candlelighters proudly offers $1000 scholarships to childhood cancer survivors (aged 17 to 30), to help with the costs of college, technical, or vocational school. Application available below, in DOWNLOADS section.