Good News! Candlelighters for Children with Cancer

Share your good news. Please send your name and the good news to P.O. Box 2277, Portland, OR 97208-2277, or email Melissa Quandt-Holden.

Our daughter, Jordan Bergman, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Philadelphia Chromosome Positive in October 2005. In October 2008, she got her last dose of prescribed medicine and had her Port removed almost three years to the day after her diagnosis. Two cars, dozens of stays at Doernbechers, hundreds of visits to clinic, thousands of doses of meds, the chemos, the radiations, the pokes—all are slipping into the past; although still a vivid reality. There are so many Doctors, Nurses, cancer societies and associations, patients, parents, chemo-pals, music ladies, dinner hosts, chaplains, CNAs, room cleaners, E.D. staffers, Kid’s Fishing Day volunteers, fund raisers, church families, Prayer Partners, 10th floor volunteers, and so many more who have become our family these last three years. We love all
of you so much, and you are still in our prayers daily. Jordan skips as she trundles off to 1st grade singing as she plays; each sight that I get of her joy, I hold so precious. These last couple of months, we have been catching up: We
finally got off to Disneyland and Sea-world, Jordan’s Make-a-Wish trip. We also got to see her Grandfather’s air-craft carrier, the U.S.S. MIDWAY while in San Diego. We hold each day as precious and Thank our Heavenly Father for each new day, and we are very proud of our daughter’s courage and perseverance. ~ Dan, Brenda, Jordan Bergman

Kaela Lind (ALL) was diagnosed march 14, 2008 and currently is getting treatment at Doernbecher. We are getting ready to do a head shaving benefit in honor of Kaela and we are going to donate all proceeds to Candlelighters. Thank you for all you do.... ~ Crystal Lind

I have been terribly remiss in reporting the Good News from our household. So while we are still in the same year, I wish to report that Erin Carr (pineal blastoma, 1996) earned her Associate of Arts degree from Portland Community College this past June. The surgery, chemo and radiation all contributed to a much more difficult time with classes than she had ever had before, so she often took only one academic class a semester, slowing the
journey considerably. But she persevered and accomplished this cherished goal of hers. Erin, we are so very proud of you. ~ Mom, Dad & Sean

Kevin Henderson’s football team one the game today and are on to the championship game next weekend. We are so very proud of him and his team. They are the only team that is undefeated!!! ~ Kimberlee Henderson

On February 19, we celebrated Gabriel’s one year stem cell transplant anniversary! All the blood work, heart and lung tests and bone marrow biopsy came back with normal results - and no leukemia! We are so grateful to God for these awesome results! We are also very grateful to our friends, family and Candlelighters for the support in these last couple years.

We also want to say a huge thank you to Jenny Lambert for her wonderful support and to all the volunteers at Candlelighters who have made some very precious memories for our family this last year. We are very sadly moving from Oregon this spring and we will miss this group immensely. We are hoping to find another Candlelighters group when we move so that we can give back some of what you have given to us. Gratefully, Lisa, Steve, Seth, Julia and Gabriel Ward

I would like to announce that Christos Rehfeld has officially had his 5 year benchmark for being cancer free.

Christos was diagnosed with Adrenal Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer February 2002 when he was 7 months old. He went through a year of chemotherapy and had his last session the second week of March 2003. As we left Doernbecher, my heart clenched thinking about taking him home. It felt like when my husband and I took our first child home from the hospital. No security, we had to handle this all by ourselves. It was absolutely not true but it felt the same none-the-less. Each follow-up appointment was so scary. Thinking…" Oh God what if it came back!" That feeling never goes away, even after 5 years. Just the degree of anxiety during each exam.

Due to the Beckwith-Weidamenn Syndrome, Christos still gets monitored for wilm’s tumors every 4 months until he turns 9. Christos’ initial diagnosis was terminal, even with the chemotherapy. The doctor said we would have him with us for another 2 years before the cancer took him. Needless to say, resection and chemotherapy had a miraculous effect. Christos is almost 7 years old and cancer free, a celebration every day.

The Rehfeld Family would like to thank everyone on the 10th Floor of Doernbecher. From the Doctors, nurses, assistants, cleaning crew and volunteers, we appreciate what you have done for us and continue to need your very thoughtful support. Thank you, Ed, Lori, Elora, Chamene and Christos

Lisa Kuhnhausen (Wilm’s Tumor, 1985, age 18 months), graduated in June 2007 from University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in interior architecture and a minor in architectural history. She was a recipient of the Robert Neerhout scholarship in addition to many other scholarships in recognition of her academic achievements.

Lisa doesn’t remember a time before cancer but we know that being a survivor has helped shape the way she lives her life. Our family cherishes all the wonderful memories of many Candlelighters activities. Thank you to Dr. Timothy Campbell, Dr. Sarah Fryberger, Marcy Pfaffle, RN and the many Candlelighters families who supported us. Thank you, Marilyn and Neal Kuhnhausen

Our son Chris had ALL when he was almost 2 yrs old. And now he is 7 years old and cancer-free. He is a very good 2nd grade student at Riverside Elementary School. Chris wants to say that "I made 22 friends. Thanks to Dr. Diana Williams I feel fine now!" ~ Mom, Dad and twin sister Lydia Lopez

Khyla Anderson is not only turning 12 this week, but is also celebrating 8 years from diagnosis. She is healthy, happy, and earned straight A's on her first middle school report card! -Jennifer Anderson

Our son Kyle J. Erickson has been in treatment for ALL for 3 1/2 years. The great news is that he had his last chemo treatment on December 10th. Through all the good and bad times, our families and friends have been a great source of comfort to us. We are so thankful to Dr. Lamkin and all the nurses at Doernbecher Hospital for the time and care they put into making Kyle comfortable and explaining everything to us. We are also so pleased that our Chemo Pal Andy could come and make the visits easier and more fun for Kyle. Kyle is an active 7 year old who loves to read and play with friends. You are a very brave boy and we love you with all our hearts! Thanks, Eric, Molly, Brandon & Taylor Erickson

Chris Bradley, (ALL 96) is starting spring term of his junior year at the University of Oregon. He continues to love the UO as he also pursues his dream of becoming a writer. He has written several free lance articles for the school paper, The Daily Emerald and he is on the 20Below staff at the Register Guard (the local newspaper.) He has had 2 articles published in the paper. He also is publishing his second "zine" a magazine type publication in which he showcases some of his writings, but also invites others to contribute. Chris is a great writer and we are so proud of his accomplishments! Love, Mom and Dad

McKenna Paige Martin, 4 ½ years old will finish her 2 ½ year treatment for ALL on January 10^th 2008. Congratulations Kenna! Mommy is so proud of you. Despite all the little bumps you've had along the way, you still have the best personality and you' always making everyone around laugh. You truly are my hero and my little princess! Love your BFF- Mommy

Cheyanne Rudder, AML 2000, just saw her big brother James DiCarlo off to his 1^st year at Western Oregon Univerisity. James spent most of his 6^th grade year at Doernbecher doing his schoolwork where he would be with Cheyanne everyday. It seems like so long ago but it passed in a flash. Congratulations James, on your scholarship and your recent engagement to Carrie. We are so proud of you James. Chy says you are the “BEST BIG BROTHER IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD”. Love, Mom, Dad and Cheyanne.

The happiest of birthdays was wished for Melissa Zimel (Ewing's sarcoma '94) on November 1st as she celebrated her 26th birthday. Well into her 4th year at Northwestern Medical School in Chicago, her time has been filled with "away" rotations in San Francisco and Seattle, along with completing all those applications for her residency in orthopedics. On March 20, 2008, Match Day will tell her where that residency will be and on May 16, I'll certainly embrace the moment when she can say, "Just call me Dr. Z." Happy, happy birthday, Lissy. May all your wishes come true. Love always, mom

The Natalie Monti family. In April of 2003 I was honored to be a bone marrow match for an anonymous woman who had leukemia. Through all the initial testing I kept praying, “let it be me”. I was so thrilled when I received the call that I was THE match. Two years later my daughter Olivia and I traveled to Detroit to surprise Diane for her 40^th birthday and to finally meet. In August, Diane and her husband Bill adopted a daughter from Viet Nam. They finally have the baby they have been praying for. I know that had our family not been touched by Natalie’s illness and eventual death, I probably would not have been inspired to be registered on the Bone Marrow list. I am just so grateful to have had the opportunity to give another family hope and the miracle they were praying for. As a mother, I have been there. So in spite of our loss, a wonderful thing came out of it. All of our family is doing very. Olivia and Nick are together this year at Barlow H.S. and we are always so grateful for our gift from Natalie…Jake who has started 2^nd grade. ~ Jill Monti

Kimberlie Olson just celebrated her first anniversary off chemo in June, had surgery to remove her port this July, and continues to be an inspiration to us all each and every day!! Kimmie....we marvel at your outlook on life, your resilience and your compassion and heart for others. Your joy is contagious! Sister Stephanie, we thank you for being such a steadfast sister and daughter and for being such an inspirational, compassionate and joyful force yourself. You both make us so incredibly proud, and we thank God for the blessing and gift that you are in our lives. We are eternally grateful to all of the doctors, nurses, child life folks, friends, family and perfect strangers who have loved us through the most difficult time of our lives. We are constantly amazed as we travel this journey at the blessings God places around each and every corner.

Our 5 year old son Kellan English just had his final back poke last week and will have his last treatment next month! He was diagnosed at age 2 with ALL and is now ending his 3 1/2 year treatments! He is such a brave and compassionate little guy. He is wise beyond his years and always has an encouraging and loving smile for everyone he meets. The Lord has been faithful to us! He loves his new puppy, swinging, playing at the park and just being outdoors in general. He is all Boy! He also loves his wonderful doctor, Dr. Gregory Thomas at Doernbecher, who is an amazing doctor and compassionate and loving person! The name Kellan means Powerful and his middle name, Bayani, means Little Hero. He truly is our powerful little hero! We are so truly blessed to be part of the Candlelighter Family!

Hello I would like to share some good news about our son Matthew Shephard. Matt was diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma in June 1995 at age 6. After a year of chemo he has been in remission now for 11 years. In 2005 he was swimming in the Willamette River with his football buddies and cut his feet and had a staff infection called HSP. His kidneys completely shut down. We almost lost him but after a week in ICU and lots of trips to OHSU he is back in full force. He is a fighter all the way. He played football for North Eugene High School, graduated, and when those caps flew up in the air, we cried. Now he is on his way to college at Oregon State to study Pharmacy. Yes we are BEAVERS now. He said there isn't a med he hasn’t taken, so he is going to study medicine. He received a scholarship from the American Cancer Society for $2500. His courage and determination to overcome 2 life-threatening diseases is amazing. He is an amazing young man and we are so proud of him. He is our inspiration! He met a little girl named Faith at Doerbachers a few months ago and he was so touched by her smile that he included her in his life journey at school his senior year and there wasn't a dry eye in the class. His life motto is “live every day as if it were your last”. So live it up. Thank you Dr. Wolff, Dr. Rosansky and Dr. Al-Uzri. We Love You All.

Justin Lambert celebrated his 7^th anniversary on July 18^th of his bone marrow transplant! Over the past year, Justin enjoyed playing on his school soccer team & had a fun character part in the play The Magician’s Nephew, at CS Lewis Academy. On September 4^th, he’ll be turning 15, and eligible to begin driving! Justin, we continue to be inspired by your courage as you face many obstacles, your compassion toward others, and your enthusiasm for life! We thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Duke Medical Center, Doernbecher and Emanuel Children’s Hospitals, for their dedication & compassion to many kids like Justin. We also thank our family, and our friends at Candlelighters, for walking the long, hard journey with us. Most importantly, we thank our wonderful God who has carried us through and has continually shown us His mercy and love. – submitted by Jenny & Mark Lambert

Chris Bradley (ALL 96) returned from a school year in Italy in April. He had a fantastic time studying in Italy and saw much of the country. He impressed the Italians with his knowledge of the language! Chris is now getting excited to attend Camp Ukandu as a junior counselor this year. He says he wants to be a life time volunteer there. We are so proud of him!

The Good News for our family, was in January 2007. Alexa Naomi delos Reyes had her third brain surgery, in two states in two 1/2 years, & they successfully removed 99.9% of the larger of three tumors that have eluded us for 3 years now. Dr. Guilliaume up at Doernbecher was our angel. He and his staff preformed the Miracle surgery. We are so blessed. Alexa has been going to pre-school and will go into kindergarten the fall of 2008. She loves music and family. We love you little one... our (Princess Alexa). And to her brother Cameron, who NEVER misses a day of praying for his sister. We love you our dear (Prince Cameron). Thank you for taking such good care of your little sister. You truly are a "Supersib". Also we were asked for Alexa to become a "Ride For A Child" Kid. (WE are truly honored and accepted wholeheartedly). Thank you to Shelli and Candlelighters for everything they have done since we were first diagnosed.

You have helped us more than you will know, and more than we could ever repay. We love you Alexa....so much

Congratulations Andrew Sumpter who received his blue belt in karate recently. We are so proud of you.

Cheyanne Rudder just had her 6yr (past chemo) check-up. Everything is perfect!! She turned 8 yrs. old on April 20 and is a happy, healthy 2^nd grader. Her 2^nd donation of 12 inches of her hair is going to “Locks of Love” this month. Congrats to her brother James who will graduate high school in June. Then he’s going to Western Oregon University this fall. Also “State Champs” in football for our Vikings. James did a great job for the team. Thanx to all 10N Angels.

Kevin Henderson received his "Arrow of Light" Award from Cub Scouts on February 28, 2007. It is the highest honor you can receive as a Cub Scout. We are so proud of Kevin with this remarkable accomplishment. Love you bunches, Mom, Dad, and Katrina.

Katrina & Kevin Henderson both had their Brain MRI's on December 27. WE are so happy to report that their tumors are stable. We are so blessed with this great news.
Thanks for all the support we have received during their difficult times.
Kimberlee & George Henderson

Bryon Poli is now in REMISSION!!!!! Bryon was diagnosed at the young age of 17 months old with Rhabdomyosarcoma. He was put on an intensive chemo and radiation treatment. After many trials and mishaps, we are so pleased with how well Bryon is doing now. Through the grace of God and the support of so many friends and family and all of the Candlelighters and Children's Cancer Association and the Ronald McDonald House staff and volunteers. Thank you all so very much for all of your support. Bryon is truly a miracle and we are grateful to have gone through this journey with him and all of you. Thank you God and to all those that have been there for our family with prayers, warm heartfelt thoughts and your shares of your experience, strength and hope!

“Life is a precious gift, meant for a person to live the best life possible. So live your life to the fullest.” Cameron Ainslie

Cameron has been cancer free for 10 years! YaHoo! We had our 10^th Annual Swedish Meatball and Garlic Mashed Potato Open House, which originally began as a Thank You to everyone that helped us through those days of diagnosis and treatment.

Cameron was only 18 months when she began her journey of childhood cancer with Neuroblastoma. Through those days, she was comforted by visits from family, friends and new acquaintances that showered her with love. We were humbled and amazed with all of the caring people that took turns lifting us up even through our saddest moments.

In the beginning, we were lucky, as our first Candlelighter that we met was Sue Sumpter. What a great introduction in itself to an organization that was frightening to qualify as a member. We have shared so many wonderful activities, and met such special families whose sorrows and joys have filled our hearts, through Candlelighters. We cherish Candlelighters, the hope, inspiration, support, friendships and fond memories that have been given to us throughout this journey.

Way to go Cameron! We are all so proud of you! Mom, Dad, Bryce, Mitchyl, Gaige, all of our family and friends!

God's Promise....God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow or sun without rain, but God did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way and for all who believe in His kingdom above, He answers their faith with everlasting love....On Thanksgiving day Breona Lunday celebrated her 1 year anniversary of her BMT. She is doing great and after her 1 year check up the Docs said that everything was 100% donor. We hope that everything stays on the up side since your first year of life was filled with hurdles nobody thought you could jump. We love you.

Ryan Klockars-McCrary will be turning 18 on January 31st, 2007! He is a student at Portland Community College, and a volunteer with both OMSI and Free Geek. Grandma Sammi would like to thank all the folks at Doernbecher Children's Hospital for helping Ryan navigate the treacherous waters of chemotherapy and cranial radiation, and all of the children with cancer organizations who kept his Spirit buoyed during this time.

Beccy Grover was diagnosed in 1982 at age 3 1/2 with Optic Nerve Glioma, an astrocytoma along her left optic nerve and into the brain area. She was given 6 weeks to 6 months to live. She is blind in her left eye and has overcome short-term memory problems created by her surgery and radiation. Beccy is now 28 years old. Our family received wonderful support from other Candlelighters and gave in return during our early years of treatment. Beccy also gave back by serving on the Candlelighter's Board of Directors at age 19-21 years and led the teen group. In 2001-2 Beccy won the first scholarship from the Jovita Reyes Nursing Scholarship Fund. (Jovita died in 2000 at age 15 after an eight year on and off battle with leukemia and was unable to complete her own desire to become a nurse for children.) Beccy has now continued both her's and Jovita's dreams. Beccy graduated in 2002 from OHSU Nursing School on the Eastern Oregon University Campus and went to work at St. Vincent's Hospital in Portland. Recently St. Vincent's Hospital opened their first Pediatric Unit. Beccy was immediately hired to nurse children. If you are interested in the new Pediatric Unit, just say "Candlelighters" and Beccy will gladly arrange a visit for you. Submitted by Marilyn Grover

On September 13th Macen Kroll celebrated her 1 year anniversary after her bone marrow transplant. Macen was diagnosed with A.L.L. on September 3^rd, 2002 when she was 2 1/2 years old. Macen went through 2 1/2 years of treatment and relapsed on her final bone marrow test. She received her transplant in 2005 and is doing very well. We are so proud of her, she is so tough and has made the journey very easy on us. We all love her very much.
Love, Mom,Dad, bubba and sissy

On November 1st, Melissa Zimel (Ewing's sarcoma '94) will celebrate her 25th birthday! Living in Chicago, she is well into her third year at Northwestern Medical School where she is currently doing a 12-week rotation in surgery. Those 36-hour, on-call days have begun! In the treasured phone conversations with her, she sounds happy and that's the very best thing that a mom can hear. Happy birthday, Lissy!
(Get some sleep!)
Love from mom and Big bro Greg

Brittney Faith Norton (ALL 2003) is 7 years old now and just finished 2 ½ years of treatment. She is so brave! She has grown in confidence and empathy for others. As she quotes, “I’m getting rid of the shy & getting on with the nice.” We thank God daily for her life & future. Thank you doctors, nurses & peds staff at Emanuel. You’re the best! ~ Mom, Dad & Sis Nicole

Our son, Travis McClanahan, two time survivor of ALL, 1990 and 1999, has recently entered his 5th year off treatment. He just completed his 2nd year of art college at Cornish in Seattle and will be transferring to Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland this fall. He is happy, healthy and loving life! My heartfelt thoughts are always with those who were so significant in his recovery. ~ Dale and Kandice Watt

Chris Bradley will be a CIT at Camp Ukandu in August. After being a camper for 5-6 years he will be going back as a counselor. He is very excited to be going back after having so much fun there as a camper. He will make a great counselor! We are very proud of him! ~ Mom & Dad (Mary Lou and Larry Bradley)

Kate Sumpter, sister of Andrew (T cell ALL) has just graduated from West Linn High School with many honors. She also won the state acting competition and will be going to compete in the national championships this summer. Good luck Kate, we are so proud of you.

Kimmie Olson completed her ALL treatment on June 17th! We are thrilled beyond words and pray for her to be cured forever. Kimmie continues to be our hero and lights up our lives with her infectious smile and incredible spirit! We thank God for all of the incredible doctors, nurses and amazingly compassionate people that have lifted us up throughout this journey. May God bless you all as much as you have blessed us. ~ With eternal gratitude...The Olson Family, Jim, Sharon, Stephanie & Kimberlie

July 13th will be my daughter's, Lisa Patterson Dubish, 30th anniversary from diagnosis. 1976 brought us a Wilms Tumor diagnosis, which of course, changed us all. I just spent several days in the Denver area in March , celebrating my grandson's 2nd birthday with Lisa and husband, Steve.