Family assistance
Support may include gas cards, cafeteria cards, basic care items, educational materials and other special requests identified by oncology social workers.
Lighting the Way for Families Since 1997
Comfort, support and hope for children facing cancer.
Candlelighters helps children receiving oncology care and the families walking beside them through practical assistance, family resources, hospital support and meaningful moments of comfort.
“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”
The name Candlelighters comes from this saying. For nearly 30 years, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Delaware has sought to be a source of light for children with cancer and their families through support, compassion and practical assistance.
1997Founded
Nearly 30 YearsLighting the Way for Families
DelawareLocal support, lasting impact
Our mission
Standing beside families throughout the childhood-cancer journey.
Candlelighters began when parents of children with cancer came together to support one another through a shared and difficult experience.
Our mission is to educate, support, serve and advocate for children with cancer, their families, childhood-cancer survivors, and the professionals who care for them.
What we do
Help that is practical, personal and close to home.
We work with oncology professionals to respond to the everyday needs of children and families during treatment.
Comfort during treatment
We support programs and amenities designed to make long and stressful hospital visits more comfortable for children and caregivers, including our weekly “Balloon Patrol,” where every hospitalized child receives a large balloon.
Family connection
Candlelighters has sponsored meals, activities and other opportunities that help children and their families feel less isolated during treatment.
Resources and awareness
We provide requested books and educational materials and promote childhood-cancer awareness throughout our community.
Our impact
A lasting legacy of care.
Over the years, Candlelighters and its supporters have funded projects that bring comfort, remembrance and practical support to oncology families.
Hope and Remembrance
A life-sized bronze sculpture by Delaware artist Charles Parks honors children lost to cancer, children in treatment and childhood-cancer survivors.
3C North Balcony
A parent-led capital campaign raised more than $100,000 to transform a previously closed balcony into a welcoming outdoor space for children and families.
Resources and calming spaces
Candlelighters has provided requested cancer-resource books and supported a saltwater aquarium in the hematology/oncology clinic.
Quiet, responsive support
Much of our work happens quietly—meeting immediate needs identified by oncology professionals and helping families navigate treatment with fewer practical burdens.
Give hope
Your support helps make a difficult journey more bearable.
Candlelighters is funded through individual gifts, foundation grants and corporate contributions. Every contribution helps us support children with cancer and their families.
Donate by mail
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of DelawareP.O. Box 7941
Wilmington, DE 19803
United Way
Candlelighters participates in workplace giving campaigns, including United Way. Please search for Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Delaware (EIN 51-0383851) or contact us for current designation information.
Donate NowContact us
Connect with Candlelighters.
Questions about our work, supporting a family, or making a gift? Please get in touch.
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Delaware
P.O. Box 7941
Wilmington, DE 19803