Organizations
Through our partnership with the American Childhood Cancer Organization, DC Candlelighters provides books to families at little or no cost, including age-specific books for preschoolers, children and teens with cancer, and books for siblings of cancer patients. Resource books for parents cover the various aspects of a childhood cancer diagnosis, including information on clinical trials, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, financial assistance, emotional and social issues, late term effects and educational issues.
DC Candlelighters strives to provide parents with access to the most current information available to help them make the best decisions for their children. The below list of websites dedicated to providing information about cancer and cancer treatment is not intended to be an exhaustive list of resources.
- ACOR –Offers cancer information and disease-specific listservs, including several for childhood cancers and survivors, that connect people fighting the same disease.
- Alex’s Army – Their mission is to raise awareness and funding for Childhood Cancer Research while providing Christian focused support to the Childhood Cancer Community.
- Alex’s Lemonade Stand – Raises awareness of childhood cancer and money for research, primarily into new treatments and cures; offers assistance to families who need to travel for childhood cancer treatment at select medical institutions across the U.S.
- Alliance for Childhood Cancer – Provides a forum of national patient advocacy groups and medical and scientific organizations which meets regularly, shares ideas and concerns, and works collaboratively to advance research and policies to prevent cancer, and improve public education, and the diagnosis, treatment, supportive care and survivorship of children and adolescents with cancer.
- American Brain Tumor Association – Engages with brain tumor patients and their families, collaborates with allied groups, and funds brain tumor research to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors and improve, extend and save the lives of people with brain tumors.
- American Childhood Cancer Organization – Works to improve the lives of children living with childhood cancer or its long-term impacts; provides free resource books about childhood cancer ACCO members (membership is free).
- Band of Parents – Funds therapies for neuroblastoma that have already been examined in the lab and are in need of assistance to move into a patient population within 12-24 months.
- Believe In Tomorrow – Provides exceptional hospital and respite housing services to critically ill children and their families. Our unique programs bring comfort, hope, and joy to children and their families, enabling them to renew their spirits mentally and physically.
- Camp Sunshine – Provides retreats combining respite, recreation and support, while enabling hope and promoting joy, for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through the various stages of a child’s illness.
- Caring Bridge – Free, personalized websites that support and connect loved ones during critical illness, treatment and recovery.
- Casey Cares – They help keep families’ spirits high by arranging programming – whether it’s a simple movie night and a fresh pair of pajamas or attending a major sporting event – Casey Cares makes life a lot better by adding a personal touch throughout the year and making lasting memories for families throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and portions of the Midwest.
- Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation – Dedicated to improving the treatment, quality of life and long term outlook for children with brain and spinal cord tumors through research, support, education and advocacy to families and survivors. CBTF programs include a monthly teen support group in DC, and sleep-away camps in Montana.
- Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation – Supports children diagnosed with neuroblastoma and their families by providing an online Neuroblastoma Parent Handbook, hosting an annual Neuroblastoma Conference for Families and Caregivers, and funding new and advanced research studies.
- Corporate Angel Network – Arranges free air transportation for cancer patients traveling to treatment using the empty seats on corporate jets. Children may be accompanied by two adult caregivers (parents of the child or other caregivers such as aunts, uncles, grandparents or family friends).
- CureSearch – Provides information related to specific cancer type, stages of treatment and age group, as well as tips on navigating the healthcare system and finding support.
- Ellie’s Hats – Provides hats to pediatric cancer patients and their siblings. ‘Whatever we can do to make these kids’ days a little brighter, we do it
- Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation – Provides international outreach, emotional support, and social and resource assistance programs for fire fighters and family members stricken by cancer.
- Flashes of Hope – Raises funds to accelerate a cure for children’s cancer while honoring the unique life and memories of every child fighting cancer by providing free, professional photos of children and families.
- Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation – Provides direct financial assistance to families of children fighting neuroblastoma and funds neuroblastoma research.
- Growing Hope – Provides supportive, non-medical care to Northern Virginia children with cancer and their families.
- Hopecam – Helps connect children undergoing cancer treatment with their friends at school using laptops, high speed internet connections and webcams.
- Joe Casskella Foundation – Provide financial assistance for medical expenses of children who are ill in Northern Virginia.
- Kate’s Cause – Raises awareness, raises funds for research, and gives back to the childhood cancer community.
- Leukemia-Lymphoma Society – Dedicated to finding cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improving the quality of life of patients and their families.
- *Life with Cancer – Enhances the quality of life for families affected by cancer in the Metro DC area by providing free seminars, support groups, individual and family educational meetings and workshops including programs tailored to families fighting childhood cancer and sibling support groups.
- Lotsa Helping Hands – Brings together caregivers and volunteers through online communities that organize chores and activities of daily life during times of medical crisis or caregiver exhaustion.
- Make A Wish Foundation – Grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
- National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) – Provide emotional, financial and educational support to children with cancer, their families and survivors.
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship – Works with legislators and policy makers to represent cancer patients and survivors in efforts to improve their quality of care and quality of life after diagnosis.
- Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Society – Provides support to children diagnosed with neuroblastoma and their families, and raises funds for neuroblastoma research.
- Oncolink – Provides general information and facts about the different types of childhood cancer and their treatment, with references to a variety of relevant topics.
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation – Funds research on pediatric brain tumors and provides information about brain tumors, college scholarships and other topics relevant to families dealing with brain tumors.
- Ped-onc Resource Center: College Scholarships – Lists information and links to scholarships available to teens fighting cancer and childhood cancer survivors.
- Special Love – Offers week-long camps for kids with cancer and their siblings, and weekend retreats for families, teens and young adults.
- Starlight Children’s Foundation – Creates and provides free interactive programs to help children, teens and families cope with the challenges of living with a serious illness.
- StillBrave – Their mission is to provide non-medical, supportive care to children with cancer and their families.
- Stupidcancer.org – Empowers those affected by young adult cancer by: building community, improving quality of life and providing meaningful survivorship.
- Teens Living with Cancer (13Thirty.org) – Provides an information and an online community for teenagers diagnosed with cancer.
- Wigs for Kids – A cooperative effort among Certified Cosmetic Therapists throughout North America that provides free Hair Replacement Systems and support for children who have lost their hair due to medical treatment or conditions.
