Candlelighters Psychosocial & Therapeutic Programs and Summer Oncology Camps
Candlelighters Program Center, 1840 Grandview Ave, El Paso, TX 79902
About
Candlelighters Psychosocial and Therapeutic Programs (including Summer Oncology Camps) offers summer oncology camps, equine assisted therapy, counseling, and caregiver workshops. The program also includes many other psycho-social services and therapeutic activities for children and their families.
• Ages: Birth–18 years old
Candlelighters of West Texas/Southern New Mexico is the sole provider in its region of free services from three pillars offering support, advocacy, and education to children diagnosed with cancer (ages birth to 25), their families, and the community at large. Its continuum of care begins immediately following diagnosis, continues through the treatment period, and extends up to 30 months after treatment. Financial support is provided for as long as a child is in treatment. Support and services are offered to every family without regard to income, race, religion, or choices of physician(s) and healthcare facilities. The organization’s mission is that no child will fight cancer alone and that it is beside the family every step of the way.
The program offers emergency financial assistance, transportation, scholarships, caregiver workshops, counseling, summer oncology camps, equine assisted therapy, and many other psycho-social services and therapeutic activities for children and their families. Candlelighters of West Texas/Southern New Mexico partners with Saver's Thrift Stores, and proceeds from this partnership benefit its various programs and events.
The leadership team includes Chief Executive Officer Melissa Atkins Wardy; Family Services Director Roberto Escobedo; Executive Assistant and Special Projects Manager Norma Reyes; Family Services Coordinator Toni Garcia; Grant Writer Hayley Lynch; Communications & Brand Coordinator Lorena Fierro; Business Office Coordinator Maria Aguirre; and Bookkeeper and Donation Center Manager Ray De La Fuente. The board leadership includes President Judy Peinado (Community Volunteer); Secretary Kelly Cortez (Destination El Paso); Treasurer Gabe Peña (Online Transport); and members Linda Alvarado (WestStar Bank), Natalie Eckberg (Hospice of El Paso), PJ Ferris (La Nube STEAM Discovery Center), Amanda French, DNP (El Paso Children's Hospital), Andrew Gomez (Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union), Andrea Macias (United Way of El Paso County), Barbara Powell (Mt. Franklin Foods), Gaby Rodriguez (El Paso University Medical Center), Aley Valdespino (El Paso Children's Hospital), and Tony Walker (First Light Credit Union).
Last updated July 22, 2026.
• Ages: Birth–18 years old
Candlelighters of West Texas/Southern New Mexico is the sole provider in its region of free services from three pillars offering support, advocacy, and education to children diagnosed with cancer (ages birth to 25), their families, and the community at large. Its continuum of care begins immediately following diagnosis, continues through the treatment period, and extends up to 30 months after treatment. Financial support is provided for as long as a child is in treatment. Support and services are offered to every family without regard to income, race, religion, or choices of physician(s) and healthcare facilities. The organization’s mission is that no child will fight cancer alone and that it is beside the family every step of the way.
The program offers emergency financial assistance, transportation, scholarships, caregiver workshops, counseling, summer oncology camps, equine assisted therapy, and many other psycho-social services and therapeutic activities for children and their families. Candlelighters of West Texas/Southern New Mexico partners with Saver's Thrift Stores, and proceeds from this partnership benefit its various programs and events.
The leadership team includes Chief Executive Officer Melissa Atkins Wardy; Family Services Director Roberto Escobedo; Executive Assistant and Special Projects Manager Norma Reyes; Family Services Coordinator Toni Garcia; Grant Writer Hayley Lynch; Communications & Brand Coordinator Lorena Fierro; Business Office Coordinator Maria Aguirre; and Bookkeeper and Donation Center Manager Ray De La Fuente. The board leadership includes President Judy Peinado (Community Volunteer); Secretary Kelly Cortez (Destination El Paso); Treasurer Gabe Peña (Online Transport); and members Linda Alvarado (WestStar Bank), Natalie Eckberg (Hospice of El Paso), PJ Ferris (La Nube STEAM Discovery Center), Amanda French, DNP (El Paso Children's Hospital), Andrew Gomez (Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union), Andrea Macias (United Way of El Paso County), Barbara Powell (Mt. Franklin Foods), Gaby Rodriguez (El Paso University Medical Center), Aley Valdespino (El Paso Children's Hospital), and Tony Walker (First Light Credit Union).
Last updated July 22, 2026.
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