The Heyer's Adopt-A-Family Tradition

One ASK Family Gives Back to Other ASK Kids

This week, we will welcome 50 ASK families as they stop in and pick up some amazing, thoughtful and incredibly generous gifts that are bought with love by volunteers throughout RVA.

This would not be possible without the ASK Adopt-A-Family program which provides support for parents of children who are in treatment so that they can focus on things other than shopping, wrapping and the stress of having to make sure their loved ones are able to open something special on Christmas morning.

For the Heyer family, the ASK Adopt-A-Family program has become an annual tradition for helping out during the holiday season. Joyce Heyer has been coordinating and matching volunteers with ASK families in need during the holiday season for more than 18 years!  Joyce has helped so many wishes come true for hundreds of kids and was inspired to get involved because she comes from an ASK family, too. Joyce's son William (Bill) Heyer was diagnosed in 1997 at the age of 15 with rhabdomyosarcoma. 

"From day one, ASK was instrumental in helping me and my family through a very challenging time," shares Bill.

Each year, Bill now adopts several ASK families of his own with the help of his extended family. "I hope our gifts enable the children and families to escape, if even just for a moment," Bill said.  "During my treatment, I escaped by playing video games, which also helped get me out of my parent's hair!"

So many ASK families have had their holidays feel a bit brighter thanks to the Adopt-A-Family program and to the Heyer family's dedication, which is why we consider Joyce, Bill and their family as one  of our most treasured gifts!