Families, caregivers, charities and research groups across the United States are observing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In the U.S., over 18,000 children under the age of 21 are diagnosed with cancer every year. Approximately 3,000 of them will not survive the disease.

To hear the word "cancer" strikes fear universally but just imagine how devastating it must be to be told, "Your child has cancer." With those words, normal life stops and a difficult new journey begins. This is a journey that will test families physically, emotionally, socially, and financially.

The children and families that we are so priveleged to serve come from all corners of our community and from all different backgrounds and circumstances, but they all have one thing in common: they have faced some incredible challenges in their short lives, and they need our comfort and support.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Help us spread the word abouit childhood cancer to your coworkers, friends, and neighbors through your company newsletter, linking Candlelighters to your Facebook, etc
• Join our families at the Walk of Hope on September 25th at Ascarate Park. Put together a team as a remembrance to loved ones who lost their battle to cancer, to honor and celebrate those who have fought and survived, and continue to battle.
• Volunteer your time and get to know these beautiful incredible heroes.
• Make a monetary contribution. Just $50 will help to purchase a food coupon to help feed a family for a week.
• Adopt a family, with your friends or social club, during the holidays and gather food and gifts items. We will turn these into gift baskets and help our families preserve the sense of connection and joy traditionally associated with the Holidays.
• Purchase Candlelighters' Holiday Cards this Holiday Season. You not only show your compassionate care for our kids and their families but you help our young artists experience the thrill and pride of having their artwork purchased by the public.
• Donate your new or used items to our Donation Center. Simply call 915-594-3349 to schedule a convenient home pick up.

For more information on how you can make a difference in the lives of children who have cancer, please call Candlelighters at 915-544-2222.

Counselors play a tremendous role in the success of our residence summer camps. They help make camp the exciting experience that the children look forward to. The major duties and responsibilities of a counselor include:

• Aiding program staff during activities.
• Being an active part of all camp activities.
• Knowing the location of their campers 24 hours a day.
• Promoting a positive, healthy environment for the camper.
• Developing and practicing personal leadership skills.
• Offering guidance in-group and camp-wide activities.
• Setting a positive example in exercise, food selection, personal habits, and attitude.
• Assuming responsibility for health and welfare of the campers entrusted to their charge.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Interest in working with yourth in a group living situation.

Interest in developing personal leadership skills.

Auditory and visual ability to respond to critical incidents.

Ability to communicate effectively with campers and staff.

Emotional maturity, good moral character, and integrity.

At least 19 years of age.

Camps will be held at the Camp of the Tall Pines in Weed, New Mexico as follows: 

Siblings Camp: July 11-17                    Survivors Camp: July 17-23

Applications must be submitted no later than June 25, 2010

Candlelighters will provide transportation to and from the camp.

Call Sarai at 915-544-2222 for more information or email to saraican@elp.rr.com

May 21st and 22nd were extremely busy days for the Candlelighters staff! We could not be happier with the success of both of our events.

Our Fifth Annual Golf Tournament took place at the Butterfield Trails with about 25 teams participating. Our winning team were the guys from Entravision. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Guns N Hoses Baseball Classic was also a huge success! El Paso County Sheriffs Office faced the El Paso Fire Department in a 9-inning baseball game. The Hoses won!! Congratulations to all the players for playing a GREAT GAME!!  It was a real nail biter!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our local heroes and Candlelighters. It was a hot day but still over 3,000 people showed up! THANK YOU!!!