about us
The global pandemic made the already unimaginable experience of serious childhood illness even more difficult and isolating for kids and families. And even now that the world has "opened up" again, families who have a child with cancer will continue to "shelter in place" as they always have, in order to protect their immunocompromised child.
Our mission is to create a hope-oriented community where families who have a child with cancer can build resilience and share delight. We cultivate communities of light in the darkness by hosting safe and delightful experiences every month where families make memories together and connect to a larger community of families on a similar journey.
The Light Collective is supported by a community of expert professionals trained in health care, education, social work, human development, counseling, pastoral care, and organizational health. We are eager to provide services and experiences that are safe, developmentally appropriate, mutually encouraging, and delivered with excellence.
We work with a team of medical professionals to ensure our programs are safe and appropriate for families. This team includes:
Kristin Gard: Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Sue Ehling: Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Timothy Ehling: Director of Clinical Operations, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
OUR VALUES:
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FAMILY and all the unique and beautiful forms and structures it takes.
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MEMORY MAKING through silly, safe, thoughtful, and expert-led experiences.
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WHOLENESS, seeking to support the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of families.
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MUTUALITY, recognizing that each of us joins the Collective with different experiences of brokenness that can become a shared experience of healing.
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EQUITY, building a team of experts while working to dismantle oppressive systems and uncover problematic biases which could hinder our ability to create connection.
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STORIES, affirming each family’s story is sacred, unique, and worthy of utmost respect and care.
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RESEARCH, anchoring our work in proactive study of best practices.
We enthusiastically welcome and provide support for children and families without discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, cultural background, national origin, disability, sexuality, gender identity, gender expression, or socioeconomic status.