I’m 8 years old. I live in San Diego, California and I have a brother, Trevor (age 16). I love to play with “girly” LEGO toys and I love drawing and dancing. We are an artistic family. My dad is a full time musician so I get to perform with him often. One time Miley Cyrus visited the hospital and instead of entertaining me, I actually sang to her (it made her cry). I want to be an actress and a singer when I grow up.

At age 6, I was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma.

As a Candlelighters NYC kid, my favorite experiences include performing at the Hero Celebration and watching Beauty and the Beast at the movie theater. I’m also looking forward to the next 4th of July in NYC! My parents say they love that we get to feel like we have family in NYC. Barbara and the volunteers provide a special support that delivers smiles, hugs and much needed love and support.

…And my family uses these words to describe Candlelighters NYC: Resourceful, fun, helpful, comforting, family

Click here to donate to Candlelighters NYC in honor of Julia.

I’m 8 years old. I live in Kansas City, Missouri and I have two siblings – Desmond (age 1) and Jude (age 5). I enjoy playing on my iPad and doing math games and Pokemon GO! I love The Descendants, making art and dancing. In fact, my family has dance parties all the time. I want to be an oncologist and an artist when I grow up.

At age of 6, I was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma.

As a Candlelighters NYC kid, my favorite experiences include walking the runway in the 2016 NYC Bridal Week and the Halloween party at Sugar Factory. My parents say their favorite part of Candlelighters NYC is knowing that there is a community of support…a family always ready to celebrate kids.

…And my family uses these words to describe Candlelighters NYC: Generous, loving, village, support

Click here to donate to Candlelighters NYC in honor of Sophi.

I’m 7 years old and I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. I’m the youngest of six! My siblings names are Nate, Jack, Nick, Lauren and Clark. I love to play with American Girl dolls and I enjoy gymnastics, ballet, swimming and Disneyland. Some of my favorite movies are Moana and Tangled. My family has a tradition of doing Friday night movie night where we get take-out, watch a movie and snuggle (even when I was in the hospital, we would continue that tradition). When I grow up, I want to be a food taster for the Food Network and an artist.

At age 2,  I was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

My favorite experience with Candlelighters NYC? Where do I begin? The Rockettes, the Statue of Liberty with the FDNY, East Hampton, parties, toys, princess dresses, Sugar Factory, Secret Santa, Uno and our stroller! Candlelighters NYC has been a bright spot in the journey. I adore Barbara, Amy, Teddy and Ellie and I look forward to seeing them when I come to NYC! My parents say their favorite part of Candlelighters NYC is having someone there when things are hard…having the support and knowing that Candlelighters NYC is family.

…And my family uses these words to describe Candlelighters NYC: Volunteers bringing joy to cancer families far from home.

Click here to donate to Candlelighters NYC in honor of Ava.

I’m 19 months old. I live in Billings, Montana with my two siblings – Ian (age 6) and Hazel (age 3). I love to play outside with my brother and sister and do whatever they are doing. Lately, I also enjoy playing with golf balls, running and trying to ride a balance bike. Fun story about our family: When my older brother was a toddler, my family used to yell “ground beef” during hide-and-seek because that is is what he could say at the time. Now when I play with Ian and Hazel, we yell ‘ground beef’ at each other until we are all found.

When I was 11 months old, I was diagnosed with bilateral rentinoblastoma. At first, some doctors thought they needed to remove both my eyes.  Now we are being treated in NYC at Memorial Sloan and the doctors there believe they can save my beautiful, big blue eyes!

My favorite Candlelighters NYC experience was when the FDNY took us around the island of Manhattan on their fire boat – thanks to Captain Steve! I got to see all the sights and play with the firefighters. I also loved my time at the firehouse where Candlelighters NYC celebrated the children. I can’t talk yet but you could see by the joy on my face that I liked all this! My parents say they like Candlelighters NYC because you feel like you aren’t alone when you have to stay in NYC.

…And my family uses these words to describe Candlelighters NYC:  Huge blessing

Click here to donate to Candlelighters NYC in honor of Conor.

I’m 11 years old. I live in Cabool, Missouri with my 8 siblings (Jaylene 20, Titus 19, Joelle 17, Trevor 15, Josie 14, Jordanna 8, Trenton 5 and Jubilee 1)! Yes, a fun fact about us is that we are a really BIG family! When I grow up, I want to be a baseball player, a policeman or go into the military. I love to play sports, build forts, watch TV, play outside and play Xbox.

When I was turning one (10 years ago!), I was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma.

As a Candlelighters NYC kid, my favorite experiences include going to Barbara’s apartment, getting to to go the LEGO store and going to Disney. My parent’s favorite part of Candlelighters NYC is Barbara (!) and knowing if we ever needed anything, Candlelighters NYC would be there!

…And my family uses these words to describe Candlelighters NYC:  Amazing organization, helpful to families, home away from home

Click here to donate to Candlelighters NYC in honor of Trey.

I’m 5 years old. I live in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and I have two siblings – Eleanor (age 3) and Hadley (age 3 months). I love to learn and I enjoy putting on shows that include dancing, singing and acting! When I grow up, I want to be a doctor to help kids in the hospital feel better.

At age 3, I was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma.

Through everything, my parents say I always go to the hospital with a smile because I know the doctors and nurses are trying to help me. They say I do this without prompting or explaining – seems like I just know they are here to help.

My favorite Candlelighters NYC experience? I like the FDNY boat ride with Marine 1 and I like the princess showroom! My parents like Candlelighters NYC because they know there is someone there for us when we are far from home.

…And my family uses these words to describe Candlelighters NYC: A blessing!

Click here to donate to Candlelighters NYC in honor of Charlotte.

I’m 7 years old. I live in NYC and I have a 5 year old brother, Ryan. I like art supplies, American Girl dolls, Shopkins and LEGO. I also enjoy ballet and the movies. I want to be an artist and the owner of a doggy daycare when I grow up.

At age 3, I was diagnosed with ewings sarcoma.

My favorite Candlelighters NYC experience is the Sugar Factory Halloween party – every year! My parents would say their favorite part of Candlelighters NYC is that Barbara is always there whenever we need her to inject fun and happiness into the worst times of our lives.

…And my family uses these words to describe Candlelighters NYC: Fun, happy, love

Click here to donate to Candlelighters NYC in honor of Scarlett.

I’m 4 years old and I’m from North Collins, NY. I love to play with Lightening McQueen, Thomas the Train and planes. My Dad and I like to act out the Cars movie! Also, I enjoy Play-Doh, painting and cooking.

When I was 15 months old, I was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma.

When I’m in NYC, my favorite Candlelighters NYC experiences include getting ALL the presents. My parents say they love Candlelighters NYC because it provides support away from home.

….And my family uses these words to describe Candlelighters NYC:  Angels on earth

Click here to donate to Candlelighters NYC in honor of Jonah.

I’m 12 years old and I live in Atlanta, Georgia. I have a 14 year old brother, Scott. I enjoy photography, coding, robotics and playing with dogs. When I get older I want to be a pediatric robotics surgeon.

At age 5, I was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

My favorite Candlelighters NYC experience is being able to play with Barbara’s dog, Uno. My parents say their favorite parts include the special events such as the Halloween party, the LEGO store outing and going to the NYPD station in Central Park.

…And my family uses these words to describe Candlelighters NYC: Personal, uplifting

Click here to donate to Candlelighters NYC in honor of Audrey.

I’m 6 years old. I live in Ontario, California and I have two siblings – Jake (age 17) and Arden (age 2). I like Disneyland, Barbie dolls, playing with my sister, golf and all Disney movies. When I grow up, I want to be a pediatric doctor so that I can help other little kids. We come all the way from California to NY for treatment. One of the sliver linings about my NYC trips is we are able to reconnect with many family and friends since my dad grew up in NYC. These are friends and family that my parents have not seen in a long time since we live in California.

At age 4, I was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma (currently in remission).

As a Candlelighters NYC kid, my favorite experiences range from being at Barbara’s house (and playing with the other Candlelighters’ kids) to dressing up to checking out all the cool stuff in the famous closet! My parents would say their favorite part is getting to know other families going through the same thing.

…And my family uses these words to describe Candlelighters NYC: Compassionate, helpful, loving, fun and amazing

Click here to donate to Candlelighters NYC in honor of Monroe.