Kindle the flames of hope for patients and families at Phoenix Children’s undergoing treatment for illness and injuries during the holidays.

Join thousands who will meet at North High School to walk with their candles to Phoenix Children’s Thomas Campus to shine lights for patients staying at the hospital. This annual tradition is providing a new way to make it personal: participants who fundraise can select the area of the hospital they want their donation to support.

This would include specific centers of excellence like the Barrow Neurological Institute, Behavioral and Mental Health, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Center for Cleft and Craniofacial, Center for Fetal and Neonatal Care or Center for Heart Care, along with other areas of impact fully funded by philanthropy like Therapeutic Arts, Volunteer Services and more.

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.

The 12th annual Ignite Hope starts with a festival at 3 p.m. followed by the candlelit walk at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. The walk begins at North High School, located at 1101 E. Thomas Road, and ends at Phoenix Children’s, 1919 E. Thomas Road.

By taking part in the Ignite Hope candlelight walk, participants can play an integral part in lighting the way to hope and healing for patients.

Visit PCHIgniteHope.org to register.