Meet ASK kid Valentin

ASK kid Valentin was first diagnosed with Pre-B ALL Leukemia at the age of 2.5 and then relapsed at the age of 6 in 2017, shortly before his seventh birthday. He has had chemo treatment ever since he can remember and in two countries, Germany and the US, as the family was traveling at the time of first diagnosis. He's an incredibly courageous, gracious, patient and kind little boy who inspires us to keep going. And that is why we asked him to be our co-chair of the 14th Annual ASK 5K & Fun Walk. His mom, Margaret, shared their story below at the walk on May 4, 2019. 

Valentin is currently getting treatment, which includes chemotherapy and all the effects that still brings. Valentin returned to school after heavy treatment in October 2018. He has been making the honor roll the entire school year since then - actually, he did during treatment as well, when he had home bound school. He is great at math and making good progress in reading and language arts. He loves to play soccer with his friends, is an excellent swimmer and loves monster trucks and RC cars.

​​ASK has been such a help to us over the course of both illnesses. The first time, we were especially grateful for the pre-school program that allowed Valentin to hang out with little friends in similar circumstances under the caring, watchful eyes of Miss Jane and Miss Ellen. This is a unique program – one of only two in the country – that adds significantly to the quality of life and development of young children affected by cancer. Valentin had attended pre-school, and this gave him a sense of normalcy and time to be a kid with peers!

​Valentin is a regular participant in the ASK afterschool program, and both boys go to the summer camp in the summer. We know they are in good hands. Ms. Alma manages to keep track of how the kids are doing, who needs specific help, and offers suggestions on navigating school.

Valentin receives homework help from Libby, an after school enrichment volunteer.

We are also incredibly grateful for all the support to siblings that ASK provides – outings, summer camp, evenings with friends, the list goes on. This has helped Florian, older brother to Valentin, to feel validated and cared for, and us to remain connected to the cancer community.

​​One of the favorite outings was Build-A-Bear this year. The boys chose the dragons from the movie. The dragons have travelled with us on trips long and short. The boys put them to bed regularly. They negotiate who gets to have them for the night.

​I think it is remarkable that this shared experience of acquiring the dragons together and seeing their making led to polite dialogue and civil sharing between two brothers known for bickering and rivalry! ​

Valentin and Florian with their dragons.

​To summarize, ASK has been with us every step of the way, through difficult and joyful days, always ready to lend a hand, spread some cheer.

The work they do at the clinic is invaluable – to have a chaplain, psychologists and dedicated child life specialists on hand to help families cope, to have friendly staff ready to listen/chat/share/while away boredom (thanks Ms. Katie and Ms. Denice), has made a huge difference in our cancer journey.

I can’t imagine the clinic without ASK. It would not be the same. I think it’s the exercise of trying to imagine ASK not being there that makes me realize how omnipresent they actually are, how the medical mission is infused with their tireless work and effort, and what a difference they make in patients’ lives. ​​Thank you, ASK, for your wonderful programs and support that have kept our family strong and fighting!

Valentin with Morgan Dean, 8News Anchor, after co-chairing together the 14th Annual ASK 5K & Fun Walk at The Diamond.