DC Candlelighter’s hosted its annual Family Fun Day for 20 pediatric oncology families at Bull Run Regional Park on June 8, 2025. The rain couldn’t dampen our spirited fun! Kids, ages 2 to 18, on and off treatment, their siblings and parents enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch from Mission BBQ with Pulled Pork and Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Cole Slaw, and Corn Bread followed by Ice Cream Cones and Popsicles.
The party continued with Bingo allowing the winners to choose between gift cards and toys with a raffle at the end. Three lucky families won the raffles. A family being treated at Walter Reed won the Ice Cream Party Basket and a $50 gift card for Mission BBQ. Mike with Balloons by Mike provided giant bubbles and balloons for entertainment.
The rain stopped just in time to enjoy gunny sack races, mini basketball, soccer, football, and axe throwing, plus hula hoop relay races and a hula hoop contest between parents, kids, and volunteers. The event ended with our annual mega water blaster war with kids going after their parents and vice versa where everyone gets wet. Families went home with Candlelighter T-shirts, toys, gift cards, and smiles all around, having made new friends and most importantly, getting a few hours of respite and feelings of normalcy from the rigors of treatment.
Thanks to all of the Board members that attended, adult volunteers, and teen volunteers from Centreville High School Wildcats vs. Cancer and Young Hearts Cancer Foundation for helping to make the event a great day and memorable event.
Pictures can be found here.
We received this Thank You card from one of our warriors: “Myles and our entire family had such a great time at the summer picnic last weekend. We wanted to thank you and the entire Candlelighter’s family of volunteers. Myles made a THANK YOU card, with references to all the things he enjoyed (including) the water squirt gun he played with.”
