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Miramont Pointe Residents, Staff and Community Partners Plan Fundraiser

CLACKAMAS, Ore. (May 1, 2015) – Throughout the month of May, Miramont Pointe senior living community will host a series of fundraising and special events in honor of Jacob Stoneking. Jacob was diagnosed with high risk medulloblastoma, a terminal brain cancer, at the age of 14 years old, and passed away in October 2014, at the age of 19. He is the son of Wendy Stoneking, business office director at Miramont Pointe and employee for the past eight years. The benefit event of note is the Candlelighters for Children with Cancer organization’s benefit event on May 13.

After undergoing extensive treatments and operations, his family hoped the cancer would go into remission. Jake and his family were then first introduced to the organization, Candlelighters for Children with Cancer. Candlelighters is a 503(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to support children and their families affected with cancer. Candlelighters offers support, education, advocacy and hope to those facing such difficult times.

In January 2014, Jake’s tests showed the cancer had returned and spread, making it terminal.

As a celebration of his life, Jake created his infamous bucket list, a list of things he wanted to do before passing. His list included getting a tattoo, going dirt biking, riding in a helicopter, driving a police car and helping other children fighting cancer by supporting Candlelighters. Miramont Pointe’s inaugural Candlelighters benefit began last year. Themed “Jake’s Favorites,” the fundraiser raised over $12,000 for Candlelighters.

“Candlelighters for Children with Cancer means so very much to my family and me,” said Wendy Stoneking, Jake’s mother and Miramont Pointe employee. “They touched our lives during some of the darkest days. They were there with a gift card for dinner or a cup of coffee. They were there with a snack, magazine or deck of cards during long hours at the hospital. It is so important to carry on Jake’s legacy and memory with this benefit. He would be pleased and happy to be helping other children with cancer. Jake loved the Kansas song, “Carry On Wayward Son.” It became his catchphrase that he would ‘carry on’ through cancer. The torch has been passed to us to support other children and their families through cancer.”

Schedule of events:

• Friday, May 6, Jeans day: “We Will Carry On” t-shirts on sale for $10. Those who purchase this t-shirt may wear their t-shirt and jeans this day.
• Week of May 11, “Wish List” week: collection of Wish List items. Wish List items are used in gift bags for children and their families who spend endless hours in the hospital. Wish list items include magazines, word search and crossword puzzle books, non perishable food items, small games, decks of cards, gum, DVDs, stuffed animals and small toys.
• Wednesday, May 13: 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Candlelighters for Children with Cancer benefit event. Open to the public, this fundraising event will feature live music, raffle prizes, beverages and a buffet prepared by Miramont Pointe’s Executive Chef Christopher Gayer. Guests will have the opportunity to honor Jake by supporting Candlelighters.
• Week of May 18: gift card donation week. Gift cards in any amount are welcomed. Most popular gift cards include restaurants, gas, Starbucks and iTunes. Gift cards not only offer families a small break during their day to enjoy a few moments outside of the hospital room, but children love the chance to purchase music, movies and games from iTunes.
• May 30: Private concert for the Stoneking family, Miramont Pointe employees and Miramont Pointe residents and their guests by renowned pianist Michael Allen Harrison. Event to start at 6:00 p.m., with Mr. Harrison to perform at 7:00 p.m.
• Miscellaneous items: Rosemont Ridge Middle School, West Linn, Ore., Jake’s middle school, to host “Change for Candlelighters” drive during the month.

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