In January 2020, 4-year-old Sawyer began experiencing high fevers. After several doctor visits and bloodwork, his family received the devastating diagnosis: Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on February 12, 2020.

Just weeks later, the COVID-19 pandemic brought even more isolation. Thankfully, Sawyer’s family learned about DC Candlelighters through their oncology social worker. Virtual programs gave Sawyer a chance to connect with other kids who understood what he was going through and brought some much-needed joy during an incredibly difficult time.

From virtual bingo and drive-through holiday parties to family fun days and game nights, DC Candlelighters has continued to provide children and families affected by childhood cancer with connection, support, and opportunities to simply be kids.

Today, Sawyer is 11, in 6th grade, and four years off treatment. He loves sports, video games, and playing electric guitar and is doing wonderfully!

His family is incredibly grateful to DC Candlelighters for being there when they needed it most.

Kinsley was diagnosed with Myxopapillary Ependymoma in June 2017 at just five years old. Her cancer began in her spine, and after multiple recurrences, surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy, her journey has continued for more than nine years.

In 2019, Kinsley underwent extensive brain and spine radiation after a brain tumor was discovered. After seven and a half weeks of radiation, she was able to ring the bell! She was able to return to school and enjoy life as a kid for several years before three additional brain tumors were found in 2021. After exhausting treatment options, her family continued to closely monitor her disease. In 2025, they pursued specialized tumor testing through brain surgery, which led to another round of oral chemotherapy. Unfortunately, treatment had to end after an allergic reaction.

Today, Kinsley continues to have several tumors that are slowly growing, along with a new tumor identified in 2026. Despite everything she has faced, Kinsley is doing GREAT! She is healthy, has no symptoms, and is thrilled to be a high schooler. She dreams of becoming a Child Life Specialist so she can help other children facing cancer.

"Kinsley loves music, singing, drawing, designing dresses, spending time with friends and family, and dyeing her hair every color of the rainbow. Most of all, she loves to laugh and live life to the fullest.

Kinsley’s family was introduced to DC Candlelighters in 2018. Throughout their journey, Meg and the entire DC Candlelighters family have been a tremendous source of support, providing resources, care packages, financial assistance, family adventures, and opportunities to connect with other families. They have been there during some of the hardest moments and have brought our family so much happiness along the way. We could not be more thankful."

- Brittney, Kinsley's mom

In the spring and summer of 2024, we began noticing changes in Michael. He was losing his color, often lethargic, and always seemed to be cold. In August, blood work showed that his hemoglobin level was extremely low. He was admitted to the hospital on August 8, 2024, and two days later we learned that he had Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

It was shocking and scary. At the same time, we finally understood what had been behind the symptoms we had been seeing for months. When we learned that Michael’s treatment would last more than two years, it was difficult to imagine the road ahead. Now, more than two years later, we are getting very close to the finish line.

We've had many hospital stays, countless doctor visits, and plenty of difficult days along the way. But there has also been an incredible amount of kindness. Our friends, family, and community rallied around Michael and our family. Cards, gifts, messages, and surprise packages in the mail helped raise his spirits and reminded all of us that we weren't going through this alone.

Candlelighters has been an important part of that support. They understand that kids going through cancer treatment still need opportunities to simply be kids. Michael loved their video game nights, where he could play Super Smash Bros. with other kids while enjoying pizza and snacks. At Christmas, Candlelighters provided donated toys, including an awesome remote-control car and, one of Michael’s favorites, Pokémon cards.

Those experiences may seem simple, but during a journey that can so often revolve around medications, appointments, procedures, and hospital visits, having something fun to look forward to matters. Candlelighters helped make some of the difficult days a little brighter, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they have done for Michael and for so many other families facing childhood cancer.

Today, we are less than four months away from the completion of Michael’s treatment. A finish line that once seemed impossibly far away is finally within sight. We are grateful to everyone who has traveled this road with us, and we are very excited for the day when Michael gets to ring that bell one last time.