Camp of the Tall Pines nestles quietly outside of Mayhill, New Mexico. The camp is known as a weekend getaway with cozy rental cabins, glamping tent sites, RV spots, horseback riding, a ropes course and much more, but this past weekend the camp became a haven for families with a child undergoing cancer treatment. These families experiencing childhood cancer first hand are known as candlelighters; the candlelighter families register with Candlelighters of West Texas/Southern New Mexico, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that serves families of children with cancer. It is the only no-cost provider in the region that supports children with cancer ages 0 to 25. Candlelighters formed in 1978 by a small group of parents brought together by their shared journey through cancer treatment. They serve approximately 300 children in treatment and provide extended services to over 1,500 registered families in the El Paso and surrounding areas.
