ASK kids Grace, Mason and Hugo are all smiles with online tutoring at the Fredericksburg Afterschool Program.

Missed school days and cognitive late effects from treatment mean that our ASK kids often need to work harder than their peers to keep up and are at risk of not moving to the next grade level with their peers. That’s why one of ASK’s key focus areas is education.
 
This spring, ASK launched a pilot program to address this need with area start-up Trilogy Mentors. Trilogy was founded by recent University of Richmond graduate, John Failla. His goal was to create an online tutoring program that would be accessible to all students, not just those with financial resources. He considers his tutors to be mentors because they are encouraged to develop supportive relationships with their students.

“Our purpose is to empower students when it matters most, turning their most challenging moments into breakthroughs. Our personalized online learning platform supports students of any background, wherever they are” says John.
 
The pilot program was developed to supplement the educational assistance that our patients and survivors are getting in ASK’s afterschool program. It is also a resource to help ASK kids in outlying communities that can’t reach one of our afterschool enrichment program sites on a regular basis.  The results from the first six-week session are in and it was a resounding success.
 
Within the first 3 weeks, the pilot nearly doubled in size from the initial 6 students to 11 students. In addition to increasing student engagement for ASK, Trilogy was able to increase the parental engagement as well.

“The best thing about this program is, it caters to their individual levels and academic needs. It also give an opportunity for the kids on how to use long distance learning skills” says ASK parents Gaurang and Jigna Dave.

While academic improvement was the main focus, we have seen the students’ confidence and willingness to learn also increase which is why we're looking forward to continuing this partnership in the coming year. None of this would be possible though without our donors and sponsors who generously give to ensure all of our ASK kids have the educational support they need for thriving after cancer,

Pictured above: Molly decorating cupcakes with Sylvia, camp helper.

Meet Zinnia. She’s three years old and she loves circle time and playing with her friends at ASK’s First STEP (Socialization Through Enriched Play) preschool program. 

First STEP is one of only two preschool programs in the country specifically designed for young patients, survivors and their siblings. The program is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, which wouldn't be possible without the partnership support of First Baptist Preschool, who is also celebrating its 70th anniversary. 
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Zinnia’s brother, Wilson, went through cancer treatment for Stage 3 Neuroblastoma at age three. He attended First Step after finishing treatment and is now a third-grade honor roll student who loves to read.

“The preschool teachers are wonderful caregivers and [make] positive impacts on the children,” says their mom, Sarah. “Wilson and Zinnia both enjoy weekly ASK activities that help them to become confident, outgoing and caring individuals.” 

Teachers Ellen Kittrell and Jane Gordon help to make the program a safe environment so children with cancer (and their parents) can have some normalcy in having a place to go outside of clinic. 

"I have been a preschool teacher at First Baptist Preschool for 23 years and feel so privileged to be a part of the First Step program,” Ellen says. “We provide a unique preschool class for children with cancer and serious blood disorders with emphasis on socialization that is so lacking during treatment. While we focus on each child's individual needs, we provide a specialized program in a fun and nurturing environment.”

Our families don't have to worry when they're at First STEP. In addition to have having teachers who understand what a child with cancer has been through, the program is free. Our hearts are full this Valentine's Day thanks to our generous donors who are helping to make life better for children with cancer in our community!

Pictured below, Ms. Ellen mixes up fun with learning as the preschoolers make artificial snow.​

"I have volunteered for many organizations over the years and what has surprised me about ASK is that I wish I could do more. Not just the event where I am volunteering," shares Elizabeth Taylor, ASK volunteer. "I want to give as much time and energy as I can. I want to help as often as I can. I feel strongly tied to the organization even though I only  spend a few days there a year."

Elizabeth has been a loyal volunteer for ASK's fundraising and program events. She has been behind the scenes for 10 years making sure registrations go smoothly at the ASK 5K & Fun Walk, Dunkin' Donuts Munchkins Run and the ASK Gala and that ASK kids and families have a good time at the annual holiday party.

"She’s the calm, smiling face in the middle of the chaos that so often comes with special events. She shows up early and stays late to make sure it all gets done and we can always count on her," says Amy Godkin, Executive Director.  

Elizabeth doesn't look for recognition but rather where she can be most helpful.  For her, it's all about the kids. 

"I love seeing the faces of the kids as they see all the events are for them and that they are a part of them," Elizabeth notes. "ASK is an organization where everything goes back to the kids. The gala has items the kids painted as centerpieces. The walk has a Kourageous Kids lap to put a focus on the kids. There are events all the time just for the kids."

It's pretty easy to see why we think Elizabeth is a star volunteer. Such a star, that we recognized her dedication with the 2016 Payson Jones Outstanding Volunteer Award. Thank you, Elizabeth, for your kind support and helping hand!

Meet ASK kid Michaela. She was just twenty months old when she was diagnosed with Wilm's tumor. She endured surgery to remove her left kidney and six months of chemotherapy. 

Today, she is a happy, healthy ten year old who loves to cheer, dance, sing, and play piano. She is also quite active in Girl Scouts. 

For most kids with cancer, remission doesn't mean jumping right back into a healthy, normal life. Chemotherapy can wear a body down. Kids can experience weight loss, weakened muscles, and low self-esteem.

That's where ASK's Moving Forward partnership program with the YMCA of Greater Richmond steps in.

"My favorite part of Moving Forward is lifting weights," shares Michaela as she picks up  the battle ropes to pound out a few reps at the John Rolfe YMCA.

​Michaela is one of fifteen kids who is participating in the Moving Forward program this year. Thanks to your support, each child receives a year of personal training along with a YMCA membership for their family. 

"The Moving Forward program is wonderful," says Michaela's mom, Marna. "It has assisted Michaela by improving her stamina and endurance. She also feels a sense of accomplishment after completing her work-outs."

Your gifts are making a difference. You are helping kids like Michaela to get back on their feet and active again after cancer. Thank you!

Mac Church, with Atlantic Coast Mortgage, was first introduced to ASK by Victoria Levi, ASK Mom to Mackenzie.

"It’s overwhelming and frightening trying to decide where to take your child for treatment once a diagnosis has been made," Victoria shares. "Cancer treatment for a child is more than just finding the right surgeon, or the right oncologist, it’s about finding the place where you feel taken care of, respected, loved, and where you know your child is more than a number on a file... ASK took care of Mackenzie and took care of my family."

Hearing Mackenzie's story inspired Mac, and his financial support and countless volunteer hours are now a major driving force behind the success of ASK's Golf Classic Tournament in Fredericksburg since it began in 2013. All together, over $100,000 has been raised through the golf tournament - just this year alone, a record-breaking $55,000 was raised which covers programs like ASK summer enrichment camp - two weeks in Richmond and a week in Fredericksburg, where approximately 30% of ASK's kids and families reside.

"​I  believe in what the foundation stands for and want to be associated with a charity that ACTUALLY helps people and where the money raised goes back to the children and families," Mac stated. 

And, no task is too small or big for Mac. He helps secure raffle packages while raising national awareness for ASK with the help of his brother, Mike Church. Listeners from all over the country tune in as well as open their checkbooks to help our young cancer heroes.

On the day of the tournament though, you'll find Mac manning the putting contest where he greets players and thanks them for their support of ASK. 

"The thing that surprised me the most about working/volunteering with ASK is the amount of information I learned about the kids that go through treatment and how they are still affected years after remission," Mac recalls. "It is heartbreaking to hear the stories of the pain and suffering of the kids and families and how the kids deal with a lot of mental and physical disorders from the chemo. The strength that these kids have is simply amazing and inspiring."
 
Mac loves the challenge of putting on the golf tournament and seeing the community come together to make life better for children with cancer.

"Volunteering and donating makes me feel incredible. Knowing I can give back to the community and help kids and families out is very special to me. I love kids and I hate seeing any child go through pain and suffering. The relationships formed with other volunteers, and working behind the scenes and seeing it all come together is fulfilling and heart-warming and it means the world to me."

It means the world to us, too. Thank you, Mac, for your dedication. You're a hole-in-one on our scorecard.