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Dozens light candles at Banner UMC to honor children diagnosed with cancer

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Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona hosted a candle lighting ceremony in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in front of Banner University Medical Center Tuesday evening.

Dozens of family, friends and volunteers participated to raise awareness of childhood cancer.

About 360 children in Arizona are diagnosed with cancer each year. 

Each family and friend lit a candle and honored a child battling cancer or memory of a child losing their battle. 

 

 

One mother was brought to tears as she talked about her 10-year-old daughter beating bone cancer. 

"I am proud of my daughter because she fight, " Gabriella Ruiz said. "She is done now and we are happy."

Her daughter says she is so happy to have energy again and go back to school. 

Cancer is the number one disease killer for children. 

About 76% of children diagnosed with cancer survive after five years.