Sam Hiatt

My brother, Aden, was 20 when he was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2020 during the height of the Covid pandemic. He endured six rounds of chemotherapy which lasted four months. Childhood cancer is incredibly isolating - during a global pandemic it was that much more difficult. Unfortunately, where we lived, we did not have access to an organization like Candlelighters to help us get through the most difficult times. We did have our friends and family to help, which was amazing, but we did not have others around us who were going through similar experiences that we could count on and relate to.

When I moved to Portland in 2024 to be a defensive player for the Portland Thorns and learned about the wide variety of programs and support Candlelighters offers families battling pediatric cancer, I wanted to help as much as I could because I know how difficult it is to go through this terrible disease and the havoc it wreaks on the entire family. Candlelighters is there every step of the way and I am proud to be a mission ambassador for the organization to help shine a light on the important work that they do.

In 2026, more than 200 children in Oregon will hear the life-changing words, “you have cancer.” This Giving Day, please join me in standing with local families facing pediatric cancer. Your gift, at any level, supports Candlelighters’ vital programs and ensures families receive care, resources, and support throughout the childhood cancer journey. Please give today and help make sure no family faces this journey alone.