Childhood cancer survivors, fighters gather on Mount Lemmon
Posted Jun 03, 2018
The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona is holding its 33rd Annual Family Camp June 1-3.
The camp is an opportunity for children who have beat or are battling cancer to spend time with family and friends outside of the hospital or doctors office.
Activities will include archery, a ropes course, and rock climbing.
“It’s really fun getting out of all of the medical, and the hospital stuff,” said Ruby Calderon, whose 6-year-old brother is battling Leukemia. “My mom has been really stressed because of my little brother, so it’s really fun just getting away from everything and having fun up here. Getting to see my little brother smiling and everything? I’m so excited to see him happy.”
Many local corporations and organizations send groups of volunteers up for the weekend. They express having become inspired by these strong children, teens and family members.
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern AZ, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a family-run support network. Currently serving over 400 families, they support, serve and advocate for children with cancer, their families, longtime survivors, bereaved families, and the professionals who care for them. Candlelighters programs are always free to the families.