The 2024 Candlelighters NYC Childhood Cancer Foundation Christmas party brought together families and children in need of warmth and joy during a challenging season. With a special visit from Santa Claus, the event provided a beautiful escape for those facing the hardships of childhood cancer.
Held at the NYPD’s 86th Precinct, the space was transformed into a winter wonderland filled with festive decorations and the sounds of beloved Christmas carols. The atmosphere was lively and filled with laughter as motorcycle officers from the NYPD took excited children for exhilarating rides around Central Park in their sidecars. Additionally, firefighters dressed as superheroes added to the day’s excitement, delighting the kids in attendance.
For many families present, the Candlelighters foundation has been a beacon of hope. It offers essential support to those currently battling cancer, as well as to those who have successfully fought the disease. One inspiring attendee was 17-year-old Joseph Maroney, a leukemia survivor who has faced numerous challenges since his diagnosis at the age of six.
Joseph described his treatment journey as tough but ultimately successful. After a bone marrow transplant at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, he finally went into remission in 2014. Now an 11th grader at Wellington C. Mepham High School, Joseph has dreams of becoming a police officer. He emphasized the role that Candlelighters has played in his life, saying, “It’s like another family.”
His mother, Gemma Maroney, expressed gratitude for the foundation’s support. After Joseph’s diagnosis, they discovered Candlelighters online and have since found a sense of community and support. With Joseph now 11 years in remission, they feel it’s important to give back, especially during such an uplifting event.
Another family, Rachel and Ryan Wilson, attended the party with their daughters, Giuliana and Giovanna. Giovanna was only eight months old when she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a serious type of cancer. After several intense years of treatment, she has been in remission since 2019.
The Wilson family moved from Kansas City to the Upper East Side in search of better care and now, Rachel serves as the vice president of Candlelighters. She passionately coordinated the festivities of the day, showcasing how important this organization has become for them.
Rachel shared her experience of refusing to accept defeat when faced with dire news about Giovanna’s health. They quickly sought treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering, where they received the support they needed. Her husband Ryan reflected on how the Candlelighters community welcomed them during their darkest days, turning New York into a comforting home away from home.
Giovanna, now in third grade, enjoyed the party’s activities and mentioned how much she loved riding in the police motorcycle sidecar. “It was nice to be with kids like me,” she said with a smile, expressing her excitement for the holiday season.
As the day continued, families gathered outside to greet Santa, who made a grand entrance in an NYPD squad car, surrounded by a motorcade of motorcycle officers. For many, this joyous moment offered a distraction from their daily struggles, making the holiday season a bit brighter.
Community affairs officer Luis Moreira noted the importance of this event, stating, “What we want to do is give the kids the opportunity to have Christmas.” He understands the pain that many families are enduring and views the event as a chance to create cherished memories during a difficult time.
Barbara Zobian, the founder of Candlelighters, highlighted the mission of the organization. For the last 17 years, it has served as a crucial support system for families traveling to New York for cancer treatment. “We become their family,” she explained, emphasizing the bonds formed within the Candlelighters community.
This annual Christmas party not only brings joy to young cancer warriors and their families but also showcases the power of community support and the spirit of generosity that shines bright during the holiday season. It is a reminder that even in tough times, hope and joy can be found, especially when we come together as one.
