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history of organization

  
 
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation was founded in 1970 by parents of children with cancer who believed that they could be of help to newly diagnosed families. This grassroots "families helping families" initiatives remains the foundation of many Candlelighters' programs. Today the Candlelighters organization consists of over 50 affiliate organizations and comprises over 43,000 members worldwide. 

The strength of Candlelighters lies in its many local, geographic chapters. Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Michigan was formed in 2001 when childhood cancer parents, Tom and Rhonda Diliberti, and St. John Hospital health care professionals recognized the need for a childhood cancer support organization for families in Michigan. Candlelighters of Michigan continues to grow and expand as word of our efforts continues to spread.		  
   
   
   
     
     
     
         
    2000    
   

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 Tom and Rhonda Diliberti established the JTD Foundation after the death of their four-year-old son, Jonathan Thomas Diliberti from neuroblastoma. (Dec)  
           
    2001    
   

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 Friends, family, health professionals, and community members agreed to help establish a local childhood cancer support organization.  
   

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 1st Annual JTD Foundation Golf Outing took place at Wolverine Country Club in Macomb Township, MI. (Sept)  
           
    2002    
    w Founding Board members discovered that goals of the JTD Foundation are very similar to the Candlelighters organization. Board decided to unify efforts by establishing a Candlelighters Chapter servicing families in Michigan.  
    w Established organizational bylaws and submitted Articles of Incorporation.  
    w Registered the name Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, Michigan (also known as Candlelighters of Michigan).  (8/8/02)  
    w 2nd Annual JTD Foundation/Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Michigan Golf Outing at Wolverine Country Club in Macomb Township, MI. (10/6/02)  
           
    2003    
    w Began gas card, grocery card, parking pass, and new diagnosis program at St. John Hospital, hospital needs grant program for area hospitals, and approve administrative start-up expenditures.  
    w 3rd Annual Candlelighters Golf Outing at Cherry Creek Golf Club in Shelby Township, MI. (9/28/03)  
           
    2004    
    w Began scrapbooking support program at St. John Hospital.  
    w Collected donations at Annie Lennox/Sting concert at The Palace of Auburn Hills. (Annie Lennox chooses Candlelighters as her "charity of choice.")  
    w Approved organizational bylaws.  
    w Applied for 501(c)3 tax-exempt status.  
    w Met with Child Life Specialists from Detroit Children's Hospital.  
    w Published website  
    w 4th Annual Candlelighters Golf Outing at Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Macomb Township, MI. (9/26/04)  
           
    2005    
    w Received retroactive 501(c)3 tax-exempt status.  
   

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 Formally organized according to bylaws. Added new Board members.  
    w Began bead/necklace program  
    w Funded support groups in conjunction with Gilda's Club of Metro Detroit  
   

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 1st Annual Family Picnic at Clinton Township Civic Center Park (7/17/05)  
    w 5th Annual Candlelighters Golf Outing at Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Macomb Township, MI  (9/25/05)  
         
           
           
           

Candlelighters of Michigan • 55527 Parkview • Shelby Twp, MI  48316 • (586) 484-9500
Contact us: info@candlelightersofmichigan.org