About Us

The Candlelighters Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is a volunteer charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of directors, dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with cancer and their families since 1982.

 
The Association was originally formed by Dr. S.K. Ali. The first Candlelighters project was to launch a financial campaign to help raise funds to purchase a well-needed electron microscope to help in the diagnosis of childhood leukemia. The result of this campaign was a fund which was then used to purchase other needed hospital equipment used primarily in the detection of childhood cancer.

 
The primary aim of The Candlelighters Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is to be a support group whose goal is to provide the families of children diagnosed with cancer with information, emotional support and unique understanding. In keeping with that aim, Candlelighters provides emotional, peer support for our families as the need is identified – at diagnosis, before surgery, during hospitalization, upon relapse, in times of crisis, as death approaches, during bereavement; as well as when a child finishes their program of treatment and continue to progress with a normal life. Our parents care in the unique way only parents of other child cancer patients can.