Spreading Hope
Join us in bringing comfort and joy to those facing medical challenges through our TinyTrees initiative.
About Our Mission
Our Story
Light Your Candle was born out of our own pediatric cancer journey with our oldest daughter. What began as a small effort to bring comfort to other families walking that same difficult path has, over the past 15 years, grown into something far greater than we ever imagined.
Each Christmas season, we share encouragement, comfort, and joy through decorated TinyTrees, bringing light to every patient at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. What started with just a handful of trees has now become a beloved tradition that touches countless families across our region. Through our partnership with the hospital’s Adopt-a-Family program, we also sponsor more than 70 individuals each year—reminding them that they are seen, loved, and not alone.
Our growth has been incredible. In our very first year, 80 trees were donated, covering oncology inpatients and a few long-term patients. By 2024, that number had grown to more than 1,500 trees—enough to reach every inpatient at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, oncology outpatients, the school next door, UT NICU patients, Alzheimer’s Tennessee, and several foster care groups in our community.
This year, our goal is 1,700 TinyTrees—allowing us to continue supporting all of these groups while expanding our reach to more children’s and senior organizations nearby. Each tree carries a message of love, joy, and belonging for those who might otherwise feel alone in their journey.
At the heart of our mission is a deep understanding of the struggles pediatric cancer families face. Treatment often lasts for years, relapses are common, and family finances are stretched thin by medical expenses. That’s why we also support the Pediatric Oncology Family Fund, which provides practical help with essentials like food, gas, utilities, housing, clothing, and other critical needs.
Light Your Candle is, above all, about community. It’s about people coming together with one heart and one purpose—to bring hope to families who are struggling financially, emotionally, and spiritually. Every tree, every gift, every act of kindness reflects our belief that even in the darkest seasons, light can shine through.
✨ Join us in spreading hope. Together, we can light candles of joy for families who need it most.
We are a non-profit organization (501c3) – We accept donations to serve the Pediatric Oncology Families of our area. We would love for you to join us.
Our efforts transform the lives of countless families and individuals through the simple gift of 1) a decorated Christmas tree, 2) sponsoring a family member with our Adopt-a-Family partnership with ETCH or 3) donations to the Pediatric Oncology Family Fund
We welcome donations and partnerships to expand our outreach and share the light of encouragement even further.
Our Vision
To create a world where every child and family facing challenges feels supported and uplifted during their difficult times.
Our Mission
To deliver encouragement, hope and joy through decorated TinyTrees, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their struggles.
