Volunteer Spotlight Spring 2022

Volunteer Name: Hillary Cruz

Volunteering Since: Summer 2021

Volunteer Projects This Spring Include: Hillary's generous heart found her stepping in for a wide variety of projects this spring. She started out by stepping up when we needed last minute Valentine's Day hospital goodie bags with only two days notice. It was her 4th time creating and donating goodie bags. As a donut delivery driver for Random Acts of Kindness Day we found Hillary stepping up once again-- as another volunteer was sick and she took on all his deliveries as well as her own. Hillary truly shines when she is working with kids which she got to do this Spring by volunteering with our Creative Expressions program and at the Bunny Hop when she had the opportunity to help our 5 and under diagnosed kiddos with Easter crafts and an egg hunt, and she'll be showcasing her organizational talents in May managing registration for Every Day Extraordinary breakfast, for a second time. We are lucky to have such a generous and versatile volunteer!

Volunteer Projects Prior to this Spring Include:  Hospital Goodie Bags, Birthday Club Card, Every Day Extraordinary Breakfast, 12 Days of Cheer

Share a meaningful memory from volunteering: One of many meaningful memories from volunteering with the Candlelighters that stands out for me is Christmas Eve of 2021! I stood on the front porch of a Candlelighter family's home after delivering the last gifts for 12 Days of Cheer and had the privilege of meeting the whole family! I witnessed the gratitude, smiles, and joy in their hearts that Candlelighters brought to them during the holidays!

Why did you choose Candlelighters as an organization to share your time with? I do not feel that I chose Candlelighters as an organization to volunteer for; I believe Candlelighters chose me. My family of seven moved to Las Vegas from Colorado when I was a young child for the resources available here to help my little sister fight brain cancer (Ependymoma). Sadly, she lost her battle a month shy of her fourth birthday. Candlelighters surrounded my family with love and support every step of the way. My dad still, to this day, says, "Candlelighters made us feel like we were not alone; they understood. They became our family during the hardest time of our life."

Anything else you want to add? Candlelighters have allowed my two kids and me to volunteer and be a part of something extraordinary. I am forever grateful for the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation!