Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona has launched a significant new partnership with Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona. The partnership will combine resources to better serve local families affected by childhood cancer and blood disorders. The collaboration has already begun making an impact through emergency financial assistance for families demonstrating need, with plans to develop structured parent support groups in the future.
“When a child is diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease, the entire family needs support,” says Carlos A. Hernández, president & CEO of JFCS. “By joining forces with Candlelighters, we’re already providing tangible assistance to families navigating these difficult journeys.”
Several families have already benefited from the emergency financial assistance program, which helps qualifying families manage unexpected costs associated with their child’s treatment. JFCS will continue to partner with Candlelighters to identify and support families facing financial hardship.
“Financial strain is one of the hidden burdens families face during a pediatric cancer journey,” explains Hernández. “Our goal is to alleviate some of these practical concerns so parents can focus more fully on their child’s well-being, and we’re pleased that we’ve already been able to help multiple families through this initiative.”
Looking ahead, the partnership also aims to develop parent support groups that will create safe spaces where caregivers can connect with others facing similar challenges, reducing isolation and fostering community during incredibly stressful times. These groups are currently in the planning stages.
Candlelighters, which has operated in Southern Arizona since 1985, currently serves approximately 350 families throughout the region and works closely with Banner Children’s hematology/oncology staff. The organization offers comprehensive support through summer camps, hospital visitation programs, sibling support initiatives, school re-entry assistance, and holiday gift programs—all at no cost to participants.
“Candlelighters looks forward to continuing our collaboration with JFCS as our missions cross paths by serving the whole family,” says Beverley Tidwell, program director at Candlelighters. “We’re already seeing how this partnership benefits families through emergency financial assistance, and we’re excited about expanding our joint efforts in the future.”
The initiative represents a significant advancement in the support ecosystem for families facing childhood cancer in Southern Arizona. Both organizations emphasize their commitment to treating the whole family system when a child is diagnosed, recognizing that parents, siblings, and extended family members all experience significant challenges during treatment and recovery.
About JFCS
Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona provides high-quality, affordable counseling, mental health services, and social services to the entire Tucson community, regardless of religion, ethnicity, age, gender, or ability to pay. For more information, visit jfcstucson.org.
About Candlelighters
The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona supports, serves, and advocates for children and adolescents with cancer, sickle cell, and other blood disorders, along with their families, long-term survivors, bereaved families, and the professionals who care for them. For more information, visit www.candlelightersaz.org.
