The 2024 Candlelighters NYC Childhood Cancer Foundation Christmas party brought a wave of holiday cheer to dozens of families grappling with the challenges of childhood cancer. The NYPD’s 86th Precinct, transformed into a winter wonderland complete with festive decorations and Christmas carols, provided a much-needed respite from the harsh realities of battling the disease. Children’s laughter filled the air as they experienced the thrill of riding in NYPD motorcycle sidecars around Central Park and interacted with FDNY members dressed as superheroes. This annual event, more than just a party, served as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of these families and the unwavering support they receive from the Candlelighters organization.
For many families, Candlelighters has been a lifeline, offering support and resources both during and after cancer treatment. One such family is the Maroneys. Seventeen-year-old Joseph Maroney, a cancer survivor diagnosed with leukemia at the tender age of six, shared his arduous journey. His treatment, a grueling process, significantly impacted his mobility, requiring him to use a walker and then a wheelchair before painstakingly learning to walk again. After receiving a bone marrow transplant at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2014, Joseph finally entered remission. Now an 11th grader aspiring to become a police officer, he expressed profound gratitude for Candlelighters, describing the organization as a “second family.” His parents echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the crucial role Candlelighters played in their lives after Joseph’s diagnosis. They now view the Christmas party as a chance to give back and support other families navigating similar challenges.
Another family touched by Candlelighters’ support is the Wilsons. Giovanna Wilson, diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just eight-and-a-half months old, fought bravely and entered remission in 2019. Her family, originally from Kansas City, relocated to the Upper East Side of Manhattan to be closer to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center after their initial treatment in Kansas City reached its limits. Rachel Wilson, Giovanna’s mother, refused to accept the grim prognosis and sought further treatment at MSK, a decision that ultimately led to Giovanna’s remission. Now a vital member of Candlelighters, serving as the organization’s vice president, Rachel orchestrated the Christmas party activities, demonstrating her commitment to supporting other families facing childhood cancer.
The Christmas party offered a multitude of delights for the children, including a magic show, access to an ambulance, and the highlight of the day: a visit from Santa Claus. Santa, escorted by a motorcade of NYPD highway patrol motorcycles, arrived in style in an NYPD squad car, creating a memorable experience for the children. The event offered a brief escape from the difficulties these families face, allowing them to embrace the joy and magic of the holiday season. Giovanna, excitedly anticipating the holiday break and hoping for a pug for Christmas, shared her delight in spending time with other children who understand her experiences. The motorcycle sidecar ride through Central Park and the festive atmosphere clearly left a lasting impression.
For the NYPD, hosting the Christmas party represents an opportunity to extend holiday cheer to families experiencing hardship. Officer Luis Moreira emphasized the importance of providing these children with a sense of normalcy and joy during a time often associated with happiness and celebration. The event aims to give these children a genuine Christmas experience, a moment of respite from the pain and challenges they face. The partnership between the NYPD and Candlelighters showcases the power of community collaboration in providing support and hope to those in need.
Barbara Zobian, the founder of Candlelighters, established the organization 17 years ago with the mission of supporting families across the country who travel to New York City for cancer treatment. Candlelighters fills a crucial void, becoming a source of comfort and support for these families far from home. By creating a sense of community and belonging, Candlelighters helps families navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of childhood cancer treatment. The Christmas party embodies the organization’s core values of compassion, resilience, and hope, providing a vibrant celebration of life and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. This event underscores the vital role Candlelighters plays in the lives of these families, offering not just practical support but a sense of belonging and shared experience during a challenging journey.
