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ASK BLOG

STORIES OF  MAKING LIFE BETTER FOR KIDS WITH CANCER

Meet Game Changers: Kevin and Emily Williamson

2/23/2021

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When Kevin Williamson attended the ASK Above & Beyond Gala in March 2018, he had no idea how inspired he would be by the children he met that night. He had first learned of ASK when participating in M4K Richmond but the night of the gala is when his heart changed forever.

Kevin was so moved that he agreed to serve on the ASK Development Committee and be part of the charge helping to raise the level of care for children with cancer and their families.

"My wife, Emily, and I have always made philanthropy part of our lives, but the more I learned about ASK, the more I wanted to be a dedicated volunteer," explains Kevin. "I have so many connections to ASK, both professionally and personally, which made all of the events fun, but the talented staff and the overall mission of ASK - to go above and beyond for these amazing families - inspires me. I want to be part of the upward trajectory of this phenomenal organization." 

Kevin's enthusiasm is infectious and he's always willing to do whatever it takes to help ASK dream big for making life better for children with cancer and serious blood disorders. From generously sponsoring events to introducing family and friends to the mission to helping plan ASK's Above & Beyond 20/20 Gala when it turned virtual, Kevin shows up with a big smile and is ready to crush any fundraising goal.

Currently, Kevin is part of the charge fundraising for the new ASK Family Center, scheduled to open in June 2021.

"This is our chance to make a huge difference for families right here in Central Virginia. The ASK clinical and administrative staff step into the unknown every day for these families. That's the hard work, done with so much genuine love and caring. However, from my perspective, it's very clear what needs to be done to better serve these precious children and how we can support that effort. While the $275,000 goal is lofty, it's our turn to 'level-up' for ASK!"
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Meet Hearts of Gold Sponsor: Connected Solutions Group

2/15/2021

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Michael Pittman has a big heart for children so when a friend invited him and his wife, Luci, to the ASK Above & Beyond Gala in 2018, Michael was happy to attend and make a contribution. Michael and Luci's support didn't stop that night though. They later attended the ASK Fall Bash and then stepped as a gala sponsor through their company, Connected Solutions Group (CSG) and have brought CSG employees to the event to learn more about ASK's mission.

All of this has led to the CSG team making the new ASK Family Center a priority. "This new facility will impact kids with cancer right here in our community. I'm a native Richmonder and I love that I can help my neighbors and friends," shares Michael.

Little did Michael know how close to home ASK services would hit. Just a few months after being introduced to ASK, the child of one of his groomsmen in his wedding was diagnosed with a rare blood disease and another close friend's child was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer.

"I've held both of those kids since they were born and their diagnoses rocked me. With childhood cancer diagnoses on the rise, you just never know when it's going to happen to someone you love," reflects Michael. "We're so fortunate that I have a company that's growing and we can help. It's important for us to be involved in ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation because this organization is clearly making lives better for children with cancer and reaching families in ways you can't imagine until you go through it." 

The new ASK Family Center is just one more way ASK is serving their kids and families. The new space will help expand resources for the special social, educational and psychological needs of pediatric cancer patients. Additional financial resources are needed to meet the $275,000 goal. Michael, his wife Luci and all of the employees of the Lucent Group are excited to be a part of the effort.

"I've spoken to parents of kids impacted by ASK and as a donor, it's incredibly satisfying to hear how a gift from the heart can enhance their traumatic experience. This organization is so well managed and they are doing great work. I'm honored to say I'm an ASK supporter!"
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Meet ASK kid Campbell

2/10/2021

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ASK is an organization that truly makes life better for kids with cancer. Just spend five minutes with ASK kid Campbell who is one of ASK's biggest fans and an ASK kid now in her teens. Campbell was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with the positive Philadelphia chromosome, a rare leukemia for children, when she was six years old. 
Now 15, Campbell still remembers the first time she was introduced to ASK's special events and programs for kids with cancer. "It was so comforting to talk with other kids just like me, who knew what I was going through and to go to a place where I wasn't the only bald kid," recalls Campbell. "I enjoyed getting together with them, especially when we were at the ASK Summer Camp."

A week-long summer camp is just one of the programs that ASK provides for pediatric oncology children, held at the ASK administrative offices. When it began, campers could attend multiple weeks. However, as the number of children diagnosed with cancer or rare blood diseases increased each year, campers could only attend one week due to space limitations. That's just one reason why the new ASK Family Center is so critical for children with cancer and their families.
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Campbell and Valentin at ASK Summer Camp
"It's going to be so awesome," squealed Campbell when speaking of the new facility. "We can have after-school events, tutoring, parties and cook in the kitchen. Now I get to be a counselor at summer camp so I'm super excited to see the kids and hear about their progress. The new space is going to provide us a safe place for us to talk and have fun and just be kids. It's going to make so many more things possible for us."

​Campbell's right. The new ASK Family Center will more than double areas for social and educational opportunities for children with specific medical and social needs. Now in a capital campaign to raise the $275,000 necessary to renovate the space, ASK kids need your help.
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Campbell and fellow ASK kids at the ASK 5K & Fun Walk
"I can't imagine my cancer experience without the help and guidance of ASK staff and the programs they provide for kids," gushes Campbell. "Actually, my entire family is involved in the ASK 5K (Team Soup!) and other special events and we have benefited so much from all that ASK has to offer. Even with my older brother, Parker, has attended programs for siblings. The new Family Center will allow us to do even more fun activities, reach even more kids and most importantly, help create more joy for all of us. That's amazing!"
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Meet ASK Educational Coordinator: Alma Morgan

2/8/2021

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​It's my job to make sure that all ASK kids know that they can be functional, contributing members of society regardless of their diagnosis or disability," lovingly states Alma Morgan, ASK's educational consultant and education team member at the Children's Hospital of Richmond. "I help them become advocates for themselves and tell their brave, courageous stories. It's vitally important that they be able to express themselves." Alma's position is just one of the professional positions supported by ASK funding and a key member of the administrative team that keeps ASK kids on track academically, while in-patient or in clinic. 
"The kids love spending time with one another, sharing stories, studying together or just hanging out. ASK events and programs are a home away from home and a space where they can be themselves and accepted for exactly who they are and what they are experiencing," says Alma. That's why she's so excited about the new ASK Family Center, which will provide additional space for programs and events. Soon, ASK will have enough space to expand programs to include college counseling, vocational training, independent-living skills and other educational opportunities that will address the unique needs of long-term survivors.
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ASK started in the late 1970's as a support group for parents with children who had cancer. In the last almost fifty years, it has grown to touch thousands of pediatric oncology patients socially, spiritually, educationally and psychologically through special programming and family services. Alma was the president of the Board of Directors in the mid-1990's and remembers when ASK dreamed of being able to offer the kids of programming and services that exist today. "Now we have bigger dreams of more classes, activities, social events and spiritual support. This new, beautiful space will allow us to be more innovative than ever!"

"The possibilities are endless and the new Center will give us space to dream bigger for these kids," continues Alma hopefully. "It's a different world when we're all together, where everyone is accepted for exactly who they are. The kids dream together, support and love one another. Don't you wish it could be like that everywhere?"
Miss Alma with ASK kids at ASK Summer Enrichment
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Miss Katie and Miss Alma at ASK Summer Enrichment
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Meet Game Changers: Doug & Sharon Keefer

2/1/2021

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Doug Keefer attended a small fundraiser with his son, Ben, while visiting from California. Ben, one of the founders of Mustaches 4 Kids - Richmond, wanted his dad to hear about one of M4K's primary partners, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. After five minutes of listening about the purpose, programs and services in which ASK provides to pediatric cancer children and their families, Doug was "all in for ASK."

"I was so overwhelmed by the caring and targeted way ASK is able to touch families as they go through the unimaginable. I wanted to learn more and I knew I had to become part of their team," said Doug. He attended an ASK summer camp and that's when he decided to be a part of the ASK team and become a game-changing member for ASK children, families and staff. 

Doug and his wife, Sharon, have committed a matching gift of $50,000 toward the new ASK Family Center where children diagnosed with cancer in our community and their families can gather for education, emotional and social support.

 "I've been so impressed with the leadership of the ASK administrative team," continued Doug and "I know that ASK will manage my gift well. But I've been most impressed with the kids themselves. As I listened to them talk about their diagnosis, treatments, progress and realities of having cancer - some only five years old - I was inspired and humbled by their courage and positive attitudes. It was one of the most emotional afternoons of my life. They are my heroes and helping ASK is now part of my DNA."

Doug and Sharon's game-changing gift is the first toward the $275,000 goal to help double ASK's physical space and grow programming space. Until February 14th, the Keefers will match all donations, up to $50,000. "These kids are fighting and they need our help to keep fighting," says Doug passionately. "Resources are so necessary and I say to everyone that is reading this, "how can you not help?"

"Caring for these children is a passion that I now share with the ASK clinical and administrative staff and my son. Ben's dedication has exposed me to a whole new opportunity for giving. This is one of the greatest bonds a father can have with his son and I want all ASK parents to have that opportunity with their children."
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Meet ASK kid Grady

1/5/2021

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Just six months ago, Grady was a very different little boy, always complaining of leg and stomach aches and sleeping much of the day away. 

Today, Grady is a typical four-year-old boy who loves long nature walks, summers at the pool, and lots and lots of running outside. His mom, Daniele is abundantly grateful for his energy and enthusiasm for life. "Looking back at his short life, I realize he's always been kind of sickly, with several ear and strep infections, and flu and stomach issues," says Daniele. 

When Grady and his family flew to Texas for Thanksgiving in 2019, his health took a turn for the worse and he was uncontrollably sick the entire flight back to Virginia. He never fully recovered from this episode and was eventually diagnosed in April 2020 with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, the most common type of pediatric leukemia. 
Grady immediately began six months of intensive chemotherapy to get his leukemia under control. He will spend the next 2.5 years on daily liquid chemotherapy from home as maintenance. His parents already have a celebration plain in place for July 2, 2022, the day when Grady takes his last chemo treatment. 

​"ASK helps us celebrate every day with Grady and I'm sure they'll be a part of his last treatment day celebration as well" exclaims Daniele. "ASK has been a beacon of hope throughout this journey and we couldn't have done this without them. Truly, I can't imagine our lives right now without ASK."

Daniele describes the ASK staff as their "firm foundation from the moment of diagnosis. Katie Barber, ASK child life specialist, is an amazing soul. We had no clue what we were about to experience in clinic but there was Katie to help us navigate the complexities of treatment and provide fun for Grady while we were confined to a treatment room."
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Grady building with magnetic tiles in the waiting room of the ASK Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
"Katie Barber, ASK child life specialist, is an amazing soul. We had no clue what we were about to experience in clinic but there was Katie to help us navigate the complexities of treatment and provide fun for Grady while we were confined to a treatment room."

"ASK continues to anticipate our needs before we even realize what we're needing," continues Daniele. "Whether it's paying for unexpected medical bills or Christmas gifts for the whole family, ASK is always one step ahead of us. I'm so grateful that ASK will be with us through treatment and beyond." 

ASK continues to support families and patients beyond diagnosis and treatment through school tutoring, a survivorship clinic and camp, programming for emotional, social and wellness support into young adulthood, as well as additional resources for those experiencing cognitive delays as a result of treatment. 
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Grady is working on his next masterpiece at home. 
"Most people don't realize that ASK is with every family, every step of the way. They aren't just here for the frontline diagnosis, but for years and years after treatment. All of us are so blessed to have ASK in our lives."
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Meet ASK kid Emmett

12/31/2020

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"Your baby has Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome," heard Malia Gregory. She was familiar with the rare gene mutation because her cousin passed away from the syndrome 25 years prior. Caused by a genetic mutation in the Wiskott-Aldrich gene and carried by the mother, one in one million boys are born with the abnormal immune deficiency disorder. Small and only a few weeks old when diagnosed, Emmett was going to show everyone how mighty he could be. 

​When Emmett experienced abnormal bleeding after his circumcision, and then again when he had a simple procedure on his tongue, doctors knew that something was wrong. Tests proved to be negative for leukemia, a natural assumption for Emmett's symptoms, but then Malia remembered her cousin, who had similar symptoms when he was born. Malia and her husband, Michael, had genetic testing, which showed Malia was the carrier for the mutated Wiskott-Aldrich gene.
Emmett immediately began aggressive chemotherapy to kill his existing bone marrow to prepare a bone marrow transplant. His then five-year-old sister, Eden, was the perfect match and at six months old, Emmett had his transplant. Today, Emmett is thriving with no presence of the mutated gene and his family is looking forward to his first birthday. 

ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation has been with the Gregorys from the first day of diagnosis. "ASK has been a true God-send," says Malia. "Over and over again, ASK anticipates our needs as fast as they change. They know what we need before we have a chance to process what's happening and that's a God thing."
The Gregory family was introduced to ASK when Rich Catlett, the pediatric hematology/oncology chaplain, asked if he could pray with them. "Rich is so loving and such a Godly presence amid the chaos," continued Malia. "He's been our advocate and our liaison with hospital staff and he constantly reminds us that we can find peace rather than giving into fatigue and confusion. He represents Jesus for us in everything he does." ASK financially supports the chaplain as a child life specialist and child psychologist positions in the clinic.
As part of ASK's Adopt-a-Family program, Michael, Malia, Breyanna (age 14), Eden (age 6) and Emmett received gifts that filled the space under their tree. "We opened the door and ASK volunteers delivered giant gift bags - bigger than anything I'd ever seen - into our home. We thought this was going to be a sad and mopey Christmas, but ASK made it amazing. Instead, it was our mega-Christmas." Even Eden was overwhelmed by the generous support and said Santa didn't need to come this year because ASK took care of them. "Mommy, did they do this because I was brave and helped Emmett? We don't deserve this. I would have done it any way!" exclaimed Eden. "You can call Santa and tell him he doesn't need to come this year."
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Emmett's sisters, Breyanna and Eden playing in the delivery bags. 
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Miss Katie, child life specialist and Miss Joyce, Adopt-a-Family coordinator drop off presents to Emmett and his family. 
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Meet ASK kid Skylar

11/19/2020

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Leroy Reed is an adult survivor of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a diagnosis typically reserved for children.  When his newborn baby, Skylar, began running a fever which spiked to 103.7, he knew from experience that something was wrong.
 
“We spent three days in another hospital’s pediatric ICU before we were transferred to VCU Health System.  My wife, Traci, was completely overwhelmed.  Having a cancer diagnosis for your child is a parent’s worst nightmare, but I knew once we were at VCU, everything would be OK” recalled Leroy.
 
At six weeks of age, Skylar was diagnosed with HLH, rare immune disease, in which the immune system no longer works properly by producing too many antibodies.  In Skylar’s case, her body didn’t have an infection to fight, so her body started attacking itself. Leroy and Traci were told that no genetic link exists to Leroy’s previous cancer.
 
Skylar started chemo the day she arrived at VCU, which lasted four months until she had her first bone marrow transplant, bone marrow donated by a stranger.  “We’ve been told Skylar’s donor is a 35-year old man who didn’t hesitate when given the chance to save our daughter.  He’s our hero, and he gave enough marrow to last Skylar a lifetime, if she needs it,” chokes Leroy. 

She did need it, having her second bone marrow transplant one year later. “Her engraphment started to decline, so we elected to have a second transplant,” explained Traci.  “We wanted to be proactive this time, rather than reactive.”
After a second round of stronger chemotherapy, Skylar’s health is on the upswing.  She still visits the ASK clinic twice per week and takes “medicine” each night at home, but now she helps administer the medicine by handing her parents the necessary equipment and pushing the syringe herself.  

“She’s so resilient.  She loves to imitate Beyonce, playing peek-a-boo and hanging with her big sister, Elana.  And Elena is the best big sister ever,” gush Leroy and Traci.  “Elana can calm Sky, when nothing else works.  We would FaceTime Elana from the hospital and she would say ‘it’s OK, Sky.  Big sister is here,’ and Skylar would be fine.  They have a beautiful bond.” 
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ASK kid Skylar is lovingly embraced by her sister Elana during the Kourageous Kids photo shoot, July 2019.
The Reed family shares a bond with the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, as well. 

​“All of the ASK staff and care partners are amazing.  Whenever I think of them, I cry,” say Leroy.  “They’ve been with us from the moment we entered the hospital, through chemo treatments and lengthy hospital stays, and sat with us during both transplants.  ASK has helped us financially by paying our mortgage and electric bill, provided gas cards and meal vouchers for the many days we’ve spent at the hospital, and delivered Christmas gifts to our home for both of the girls when Skylar was too sick to go to the holiday party.  After they left, we sat in the middle of the floor and cried like babies.  Tears of gratefulness, for sure.”
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The family cheers on Skylar as she's recognized at the Kourageous Kids party, September 2019.
“And the ASK chaplain, had the ability to show up just when we needed him most,” continues Traci.  “I would see him coming and I knew everything was going to be alright.”  ASK financially supports the chaplain position, as well as a child psychologist and child life specialist in the clinic at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU.  “We are forever changed because of the kindness we’ve experienced.”
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Meet ASK kid Connor

11/2/2020

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Connor was diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia (ALL) at age 3. He had more than four years of chemotherapies following a National Children’s Hospital protocol, but ALL couldn’t stop this bright and strong boy from becoming the talented young man he is today. 
Now 17, Conner is an accomplished artist, attending his first year at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts for graphic design. His accomplishments didn’t come easy, and he’s worked for every accolade he’s received.

“Experiencing cognitive delays and the inability to fully focus are common side effects of some chemotherapies and steroid treatments,” explains Jane Gordon, one of the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation’s First STEP Preschool and After School Enrichment program teachers. Jane met Connor in first grade when she was working then as an educational consultant for the Hospital Education Program. 

“Connor had some processing issues but was very bright. It was recommended that Connor repeat first grade, but we knew that he just needed some help. That’s when Connor became a huge part of my life, and I’m honored to have played a small role in his success.”
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Connor's Kourageous Kids Portrait on display.
Together, Jane and Connor studied for tests, Virginia SOLs, the SATs, his driver’s license test, and Jane even helped with research in art institutes for Connor’s undergraduate opportunities. Jane also attended every IEP meeting with his schools, providing critical input for Connor’s educational goals.  ​

“My wife and Mrs. Gordon spent hour after hour working with Connor,” says Russell Tennessee, Connor’s dad.  “Every time he passed his SOLs, it was time to celebrate. In fifth grade, Connor received the Fifth Grade Achievement Award, the highest distinction at fifth grade graduation.  I cried tears of joy because I knew how hard he worked and that he was a young man of integrity.  I credit my wife and Mrs. Gordon for that.”
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Connor's awards and recognitions remain treasured keepsakes from his journey.
“We had great days and we had not-so-great days,” laughs Jane.  “I became his tutor, sounding board, confidant and friend.  I’ve always been so impressed with his ability to face difficult circumstances head-on, with determination and hard work.  His faith in God is so strong and he prayed every morning before school.”

Praying is something else Jane and Connor are comfortable doing together.  While attending an ASK Summer Camp, the children had to take cover because of a tornado warning.  Connor asked Jane to pray with him because he was scared.  “Well, now we can’t be worried,” said Connor after their prayer.  “We prayed about it, so now it’s God’s job.”  


“Mrs. Gordon is family,” says Connis Tennessee, Connor’s mom.  “She’s Connor’s honorary grandmother and she was even in our family Christmas card picture one year.  She knows Connor as well as we do and she is sunshine to us.”  Jane jokes that she would follow Connor to the University of Hawaii if that’s where he chose to go.  “I’ve always told him that I had his back if he needed me, and I meant it.  I hope we have many more years together.”
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The Tennessee Family with Miss Jane at an ASK Holiday Party.
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Connor's goofing off at ASK summer camp made the Annual Report cover.
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Connor attending College Bootcamp as part of the ASK Launch Project. (July 2019)
ASK funding supports online tutoring, an after-school enrichment program and the First STEP preschool program, which is one of only two preschools in the country dedicated to serving pediatric cancer patients. Jane Gordon has been with ASK for more than ten years, serving as a First STEP teacher, After School Enrichment tutor and Summer Camp helper. 

“My background is elementary education with a Masters degree in learning disabilities.  I get these kids and their individual needs, and I love my job,” gushes Jane.  “I tried to retire but they wouldn’t let me!  I’m so happy to be with these kids every day.” 

“An experience like childhood cancer will either make or break a family,” says Russell.  “We thank God for this journey he gave us, and for Mrs. Gordon. We asked God to take care of Connor and to let us love him, and not only have we loved him but so has Mrs. Gordon. She has given her time and love and things money could never buy. We have so much to be thankful for.”
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Connor volunteered his time to help out at ASK Summer Camp. (2017)
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Connor enjoying a game of Connect Four with Miles, friend and fellow ASK kid. (2017)
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The kids at ASK Summer Camp loved having Connor to lean on. (2017)
Mrs. Gordon probably won’t retire any time soon, if ASK families like the Tennessee’s have anything to do with it.  Thank you, Jane, for your tireless and selfless gifts of time and expertise and joy!
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Ways You Can Help This Holiday Season

10/28/2020

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1. Adopt-a-Family & Shop 
Update: All families and young adults are now adopted - thank you for your big hearts!  If interested in still lending a hand, we would be grateful for your support in shopping for a toy or gift card as outlined below.
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Since COVID-19 started, 30 children have been diagnosed with cancer here in our community. ASK estimates that at least 40-50 families with a child on active treatment could use extra support during the upcoming holiday season. Adopters will receive a wish list from the family to shop from. Gifts will need to be wrapped and delivered by December 14th to the ASK office at 5211 West Broad Street, Suite 102. Drop-off times will be coordinated following social distancing guidelines. ​Your generous gifts will alleviate stress while providing comfort to families taking care of a child with cancer. 
2. Purchase a Toy for a Child or Gift Card for a Teen
Help us get ready for this year's socially-distant ASK Holiday get-together by purchasing a new toy valued $25-$30 of gift card of equal value (Target, Walmart, Amazon, Michael's, Old Navy, DSW, Starbucks). No stuffed animals, please. 

Toys and gift cards can be shipped or dropped off during a scheduled time by
December 4th to the ASK office (5211 West Broad Street, Suite 102). We welcome your thoughtful gifts after that date, which we'll use for inpatient visits and to help our kids celebrate treatment milestones and birthdays throughout the year.
AMAZON WISH LIST
TARGET WISH LIST

3. Don't have time to shop but want to help?

Monetary donations to are always helpful to make sure no family is overlooked, especially those families diagnosed in December. A gift of $30 helps to buy a holiday toy for a child, $300 to adopt a family of two or $600 for a family of four.
MAKE A GIFT
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ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation | 5211 W. Broad Street, Suite 102 | Richmond, VA 23230 | 804.658.5910 | info@askccf.org