Written by a parent, not a doctor. Nothing here is medical advice.

Childhood Cancer Lantern
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Get ready to apply

Lighthouse For Hope

Illuminate Retreat

What you get

A retreat experience for people affected by childhood cancer. Ask what expenses are covered. Applications are closed for now. Ask when they reopen.

Who starts it
You, with a document from your doctor
How it’s sent
Online, on their website
Your time
About 15 minutes, plus waiting for the document
Last checked
Aug 27, 2026

Before you start, check you fit

  • Your child is between 18 and 27.
  • Some programs may be seasonally closed, waitlisted, provider-gated, hospital-gated, or past for the current cycle.

  1. Ask your doctor for the documentStart here. This is the part that takes the longest.

    Lighthouse For Hope needs a signed confirmation of the diagnosis from your doctor. Copy this message, or say it in person at the next visit.

    Hi [doctor’s name],

We’d like to apply to Lighthouse For Hope’s Illuminate Retreat. They offer a retreat experience for people affected by childhood cancer, and we want to be ready when the next round opens.

They need a signed confirmation of the diagnosis from you. Their form and instructions are here: https://www.lighthouseforhope.org/illuminate

Could you do that when you have a chance? I can send you the link, or bring a printout to our next visit. Thank you for everything you do for us.

[your name] · [phone]
    Copying is the only thing this page does with your text. Nothing is saved.

  2. Fill in their applicationIt is on their website.

    Open their application ↗ Checked Aug 27, 2026

    What the form asks for

    Illuminate Retreat 2026 application
    Name; Email; Phone; Date Of Birth; City and State of Residence; InstagramDiagnosis; Age at diagnosis; Hospital; Social Worker Name & Contact; Treatment Status; dietary restrictions or food allergies; physical limitations or accessibility needs; Additional Medical InfoYour StoryWhere are you in your healing journey right nowWho or what inspires youWhat does community mean to you, and what are you hoping to find on IlluminateAre there any ongoing health or mental health challenges or late effects of treatment that continue to impact your daily lifeTotal household income for the most recent tax year; Occupation; Funding NeedsHow did you hear about Illuminate?; Additional Info; Applicant Acknowledgement

  3. Submit it on their websiteSend the document with your application, or the way they ask.

    • Do not submit after the published deadline; prepare for a future cycle and answer essays personally in your own voice.

After you send

For the 2026 cycle, applicants were told to watch email and spam for a status message at the beginning of July. If you have not heard back in two weeks, write and ask whether it arrived.

Full record, as published