Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
Ignite the spirit of hope for patients and families at Phoenix Children’s during the holidays at the 13th Annual Ignite Hope Candlelight Celebration.
Join hundreds of community members at North High School for a festive celebration followed by a candlelit walk to the Phoenix Children’s Thomas Campus to shine light outside the windows of the hospital, Ignite Hope organizers tell the Digital Free Press.
The event allows participants to fundraise for these organizations:
- Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI),
- Behavioral and Mental Health, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD),
- Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Care,
- Center for Fetal and Neonatal Care, or Center for Heart Care.
- Donations can also support other important programs fully funded by philanthropy, including Therapeutic Arts, Volunteer Services.
The Ignite Hope tradition was initiated in 2012 when friends and family of Katie Wagner, a 15-year-old patient at Phoenix Children’s who had been diagnosed with cancer, organized a candlelit vigil outside her hospital window. Katie herself took part in the inaugural Ignite Hope walk. She sadly passed away the following year in September 2013. Despite this loss, the candlelight tradition continues as a tribute to her memory, aiming to bring light and hope to the lives of patients while also rallying the community to raise funds for Phoenix Children’s.
Illuminate the path towards healing and community for Phoenix Children’s patients in 2024.
The 13th annual Ignite Hope candlelit walk and celebration takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14. The walk begins at North High School, located at 1101 E. Thomas Road, and ends at Phoenix Children’s, 1919 E. Thomas Road.
Registration and more information is available at PCHIgniteHope.org.
“Nothing compares to the magic of Ignite Hope, a truly special experience for both those participating and the patients and families watching from the windows of our Thomas campus,” said Steve Schnall, senior vice president and chief development officer at Phoenix Children’s Foundation. “This event spreads so much joy to our patients spending the holidays in the hospital.”
