We're Grateful For So Much

Mid-year review of what we've accomplished together

As the calendar rolls over to 2018, we pause to reflect on the first half of our program year. We are so proud of all that we have accomplished in the last 6 months. ASK is able to touch people in our community, not only supporting families whose children are in active treatment for cancer, but we are also dedicated to taking a 360-degree view of how other lives are affected. ASK continues to create events, seminars and special programs that surround the childhood cancer community and lead the way in educating others through assistance, support and kindness.

Special Events for Kids
Kids just want to be kids and have some fun. Through ASK hosted programs like these, a child who is living with cancer, or a young adult who knows what it’s like to fight through childhood cancer, can meet and bond together in a relaxed environment.

• Family Picnic - Hallsley Clubhouse – amazing partnership with East West and HBAR - 141 attended in July
• Teen Paint Night – A new program to engage specific age groups - 17 attended in August
• Kourageous Kids Celebration - ASK’s community presence for Childhood Cancer Awareness month - 183 attended in September
• Fredericksburg area social events – held quarterly
• Holiday Parties – throughout December -

         -  ASK Holiday Party – ASK’s largest social event of the year, allowing families to socialize outside of clinic.  The                      holiday party includes clinic staff and bereaved families-450+ attended
         -  Holiday preschool party for First STEP
         -  Holiday parties at all three After School Enrichment locations
         -  Clinic staff lunch
         -  Clinic holiday party
        -  Young Adult Tacky Light Tour
        -  50+ Adopt-a-Families  

Special Events for Siblings & Parents
The family calendar can change dramatically when a child is diagnosed with cancer. Instead of running to basketball games and ballet, parents are now visiting with doctors and making trips for tests and treatments. ASK hosts programs for siblings and parents of kids with cancer to offer some fun, normalcy and bonding opportunities.

• Sibling Game Night – September

• Parent’s Night Out - Social event for the kids (including siblings & bereaved families), a break/night out for the parents and caregivers - 32 attended in October

• Parent Discussion Groups – 2 completed, 6 more scheduled

 
Education Based Support

• First STEP Preschool – First STEP (Socialization Through Enriched Play) Preschool began in 2006 as a wonderful partnership between ASK and First Baptist Preschool. 8 registered kids - Serving children in active treatment, siblings, and non-oncology kids.​
• Educator Conference in November – A new program created to work with teachers and administrators at schools throughout RVA to assist them in learning how to best teach and care for a child in their school who is fighting cancer. Over 40 participants registered and future conferences will be held on an annual basis, alternating for survivors and their parents.

 
This is just a glimpse of how ASK is reaching out to families in Central Virginia thanks to our community of support! Your gifts allows us to make these amazing opportunities possible for local families. Please consider committing your new year to helping ASK. Check out our “Ways to Give” section on our website for information on how you can get involved and how you can make a donation.

Make a Gift