The Inland Northwest Candlelighters was founded in Spokane in 1977 by local parents of children with cancer. We began as Washington Candlelighters and were part of a statewide group. Due to an increase in membership it became necessary to reorganize the organization and form two groups to better serve families treated in Eastern Washington or Western Washington. In 1998 we incorporated as the Inland Northwest Candlelighters and created an independent 501(c)3. This better reflected the area of families we serve. Many families come to Spokane for treatment not only from throughout Eastern Washington but also from Northern Idaho and Western Montana. Our affiliate on the western half of the state became Western Washington Candlelighters.We remain a parent driven organization but have expanded to include caring community members who wish to make a difference in the lives of kids with cancer and their families.

The initial Washington Candlelighters helped to create many programs that are still in place today and were also instrumental in bringing the Ronald McDonald House to Spokane and Western Washington. In 2008, we changed our name from the Inland Northwest Candlelighters to Candlelighters of the Inland Northwest. As our name became more recognizable and commonly known as Candlelighters, we found it more convenient to be found in listings under Candlelighters rather than Inland.

Although we are affiliated with the National Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (www.candlelighters.org), we are an independent organization and responsible for all funds raised. Funds raised locally remain in our communities to help children with cancer in the Inland Northwest.

Local affiliates across the country, like Candlelighters of the Inland Northwest, provide direct support for kids with cancer and their families through very practical and hands on means. We remain committed to our founding principles of being a voice for parents and kids. We are there with new patient information, experience, emotional support, financial assistance, respite, toys, and  many other programs and services to ensure that kids don't fight cancer alone.