Tucson Families Held Candlelighting for Childhood Cancer

The event at Banner Diamond Children's Hospital honored young patients during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy

Tucson Families Held Candlelighting for Childhood Cancer

Families gathered at Lainy's Garden on September 29, 2026, to hold a candlelighting ceremony for children battling cancer, sickle cell, and blood disorders. The event took place during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Why it matters

The ceremony serves as a community touchstone for families managing pediatric illnesses. It provides a space for support and recognition of the ongoing battles faced by children and their loved ones.

The candlelighting ceremony spanned from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Banner Diamond Children's Hospital. It honored patients including 11-year-old Katelynn Stenzel, who has been battling a brain tumor since 2023.

The players

Katelynn Stenzel

She is an 11-year-old currently battling a brain tumor.

Lainy's Light Foundation

This organization was established by Tony and Angelica Sharpe to support families affected by pediatric illnesses.

Banner Diamond Children's Hospital

This medical facility provides specialized pediatric care and houses the memorial garden used for the event.

The details

Established by Tony and Angelica Sharpe in memory of their daughter, Lainy Sharpe, who passed away in January 2025 at age 14, the Lainy's Light Foundation organized the gathering. The event offered families a communal moment of reflection and remembrance within the garden dedicated to Lainy's legacy.

Katelynn Stenzel began her battle with a brain tumor in 2023.
Lainy Sharpe passed away at age 14 in January 2025.
The candlelighting ceremony occurred on September 29, 2026.

Market Landscape

This event reflects a growing trend of foundations leveraging hospital spaces to foster community-led support networks. These initiatives mirror the broader effort to humanize long-term pediatric care environments through specialized memorial projects.

Local families affected by pediatric blood disorders can engage with the Lainy's Light Foundation for ongoing emotional and community support. The event highlights the hospital's available resources and garden spaces for families during difficult treatments.

The takeaway

Community-led memorial events provide critical emotional validation for families navigating pediatric illness. Implementing structured support systems within hospital settings can help reduce the isolation often felt during long-term medical journeys.