Help sought for families with cancer

Kris Hill

Saturday, Nov. 4, 2000 | 10:24 a.m.

To help

To get a form to help over the holidays a family that has been stricken by cancer, call Candlelighters at 737-1919.

Families with children who have cancer sometimes need help during the holidays, and a local group is stepping forward to raise awareness of that need.

The Southern Nevada chapter of Candlelighters for Children with Cancer want generous-hearted Las Vegans to participate in this year's holiday adopt-a-family program.

Landa York of Candlelighters said families dealing with cancer spend much of their time, money and energy dealing with treatment issues. Traditional holiday celebrations are often impossible for these families.

With the help of volunteers and donors, Candlelighters fills the void.

Each family involved in the program generates a wish list. Adopters are matched to families based on how much they can give.

Adopters can choose to adopt as many families as they like and can help the whole family or just the children. They may also depart from the wish list and donate other items.

They can select a family with a child in treatment, a youngster who has survived the battle with cancer or a family that has recently lost a son or daughter. If an adopter just wants to help, he can circle the "doesn't matter" option on the form.

Adopters may meet the family or remain anonymous.

Parents who have received help appreciate Candlelighters, officials say. Last year a mother told York that the person who adopted her family picked out things her children loved and did the things that the mother would have liked to have done.

Helping families have as normal a Thanksgiving as possible is also important to Candlelighters. Donations of nonperishable food, gift certificates and other supplies for the holiday table are appreciated, York said.

Candlelighters will accept cash donations that will be used by the staff to create a basket for a family in need.

The deadline to turn in adopter forms is Thursday. Adopters will be matched with families and notified around Nov. 27. Once adopters have been informed about the family, they have until Dec. 15 to purchase items and deliver them to the organization or the family.

Families have been receiving help around the holidays from the Candlelighters for nearly 20 years. It started out small, helping about a half dozen families. Five years ago that number jumped to 60, and last year more than 150 families received gifts and supplies for the holidays. The organization expects to help at least as many families this year.

To get an adopter form, call 737-1919.