Family Support

for patients & survivors being treated at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Due to COVID-19, not all of ASK's programs are operating as they would normally. If you have any questions about the status of any of our programs, please contact Denice Grawe, ASK's Program Manager, for up-to-date information.
ASK’s purpose is to provide Assistance, Support and Kindness in the critical moments you face and to help make life better for your child and family. We were started by parents over forty years and continue to rely on the involvement and feedback of our parents today. Many of us have been through it and we’ll help you get through it too.

Whether your child was recently diagnosed or you’ve been on this cancer journey for a while, we are here to provide a helping hand. Use the navigation below to learn more about the emotional, social, financial and educational support we provide along the way.

Ways We Can Help

Emotional Support

We see your life get turned upside down in a moment. You’re worried, have questions and don’t know what to do. Our psychosocial team consisting of a child life specialist, child psychologist and chaplain are based at the ASK Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. They'll be there to provide support and answers during treatment and beyond.

Financial Assistance

We understand you’re focused on caring for your child, have missed work and the bills are piling up. Our financial assistance program for families with a child on active treatment at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU range from repairing cars to paying the mortgage to helping with home repairs. Let us provide a little relief so you can worry less as your child goes through treatment.

Family Support

We know your family’s journey is unique and we’ll reach out to better understand what support you may need. Whether sending a care package to siblings, providing a gas card or bringing toiletries while inpatient, our team will be there to tend to the needs that help make life a little easier.  

Bereavement Care

We feel your heartache and mourn the loss of your child. Our chaplain and psychosocial care team will be with you throughout your grief and moments of remembrance. Once an ASK family, always an ASK family

Educational Support

We prepare you and your child for PreK-12 learning, whether it's just starting-off or returning to the classroom after treatment. This is one of our core areas of expertise as we offer direct support to your child and their siblings through our preschool, after school and tutoring programs. 

Sibling Support

We recognize that brothers and sisters experience their own cancer journey. Let us connect them to a tribe that understands! Siblings are included in our programs whenever possible and also get invited to sibs-only events throughout the year. Our child psychologists are also available to meet when there are big things to talk about.

Social & Wellness Support

We focus on the well-being of your child as a patient and survivor. Whether a week of summer enrichment camp, a teen weekend retreat or working out through our Moving Forward program, we provide experiences and skills for our kids to form lifelong friendships, build confidence and live happy, healthy lives. 

Family Events

We love to see you and your family enjoy the good days and smile! Throughout the year, we plan social events so all you have to do is come, have fun and get to know others going through the same experience. Be sure to sign-up for our family newsletter and join the ASK Family Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on events and special opportunities provided through generous supporters.

Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS)

We support and celebrate your success – from graduating high school to applying to college or pursuing vocational training. Your next step in life is important to us! Our Launch Project offers coaching, workshops and resources that help you feel confident, connected and ready. We also know you like to have fun which is there are social get-togethers and an annual retreat. 

Online Resources

We capture the expertise of our childhood cancer support team so you have needed information at your fingertips. Our resource page, video library and blog include aspects of childhood cancer, from diagnosis through treatment to survivorship. We’re here to answer the many, many questions you may have about what your child and family are facing.