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Mykahi, a vibrant teenager with a contagious smile, always seemed to radiate joy, making it hard to believe he was battling a hidden pain. Despite his joyful exterior, the pain in his legs intensified, defying painkillers and raising his mother, Ahisha's, concerns. “We saw pediatricians, orthopedic doctors, and nutritional specialists, but the pain in his legs just increased. It took three months of testing to get a final diagnosis, but my momma heart knew something terrible was happening to my baby.” Mykahi's diagnosis brought immense challenges, but the support of the ASK team provided a helping hand when Mykahi and his family needed it the most. ASK offered a range of assistance, including financial support to help alleviate the financial burdens many families face after diagnosis and throughout treatment. "We appreciate the gift cards for gas and food more than I could ever say," continues Ahisha. "Knowing that some of the financial burden is taken away has been a huge relief and allows me to concentrate on Mykahi’s needs." Beyond financial support, the ASK team also prioritized Mykahi's education. Jon Longenecker, an ASK Education Support Navigator, played a vital role in ensuring Mykahi's education remained on track. "Thanks to John," Ahisha shares, "he’s looking forward to returning to school soon and has a plan to ensure a successful reentry." Mykahi also found solace in connecting with other children battling cancer. "Kids learn from other kids," Ahisha emphasizes. "These events have been crucial for his social life. Mykahi suffers from depression and was hospitalized a few times during diagnosis and treatment. These types of activities help him realize that other kids are going through the same thing, and they find comfort in being together." Events like the summer pool party, the ASK 5K & Fun Walk, and the holiday party provided valuable opportunities for social interaction and support. To document his journey, Ahisha created a scrapbook filled with encouraging quotes."I’m not having a bad day, just a bald day," and "I can promise that I will fight with you," provided motivation, especially on the hard days. "We all win the race," Ahisha believes, "we just don’t win it in the same way. You don’t have to give up and you can just keep fighting." Guided by the Serenity Prayer – 'God and Heavenly Father, Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed; courage to change that which can be changed, and wisdom to know...' – Mykahi and his family faced four months of chemotherapy. Finally, Mykahi entered remission and the day arrived when he finally rang the bell, signifying the end of treatment. The joy was shared by his mother and the entire ASK Clinic team. "I want parents of a newly diagnosed child to know that the staff of ASK is always by your side and you should accept all of the help that they offer. This is an indescribable ordeal. As a mother of a child with cancer, we are so appreciative of donors who want to help our children. Thank you!" - Ahisha ASK Kid Mykahi's Mom

Kalvin's life has been a series of challenges, but his spirit remains unbroken. With a quick wit and a vivid imagination, Kalvin lights up every room he enters. When he's feeling well, he loves to dedicate his free time to practicing his drawing techniques and sharing a 7-Eleven Slurpee with his mom. His determination to overcome hardship and his passion for creativity inspires all who know him.  While admirable, Kalvin's resilience and positive attitude made it difficult to recognize the subtle signs of his declining health. It wasn't until his mom, Brittany, noticed something was amiss. "He was walking to and from school, and it's about a mile exactly from where we live…I noticed that he would come home and be breathing rapidly like he couldn't catch his breath. It started during the wildfires, so I thought, 'he walks [to school], has a gym for his last class, and then walks home. The smoke from the wildfires is getting into his lungs.' I'm thinking that's what is happening." ASK mom Brittany recalls the early days of Kalvin's symptoms. On December 1st, three days after Kalvin turned 16, Brittany took him for quick visit to the emergency room, just to double and triple check on Kalvin's breathing. This initial “quick visit” took a turn for the worst after running a few blood tests. Immediately, Kalvin and his mom were transferred from the emergency room in Fishersville to UVA Children's Hospital for further evaluation. Brittany recalls that exact moment when she asked the doctor at Fisherville's ER, "Are you telling me my kid has cancer?' like, let's just cut to the case, and he said, 'It's looking that way.' So we were transferred from the hospital here in Fishersville to UVA [Children's Hospital]...that was 8:30 am when I took him to [the ER in Fishersville], and then by 11 pm that night, we were officially admitted at UVA Children's Hospital." Not only did Brittany leave the emergency room with potentially a new diagnosis for her son that would devastatingly rock any family to its core, but they were also being transferred to a hospital within the UVA Medical System that already holds heartbreaking significance to their family. "I should also point out that this is the 6th anniversary of the passing of his father and my husband this past October. He died at UVA, and I hadn't set foot in UVA up until that day." The memories of his father passing away at the same hospital made this new reality even more difficult for Kalvin and his mom. "Neither one of us really wanted to go back there…I had tears rolling down my eyes…Anything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong…this is the only connection I have left to my husband… he's my baby, and I mean we lost his father, we lost our home, we lost his cat, we had just started to get back on our feet" Brittany shares tearfully.  The Hematology/Oncology Team at UVA Children's Hospital was immediately able to diagnose Kalvin with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. "It is a three-year process, and this will be the first year…we basically lived at UVA for a whole month…Now, my son has never had any surgery, never had blood taken, nothing. He has had a lot of firsts thrown at him. The last time he was in a hospital was when he was born."  Throughout the past year of Kalvin's treatment, Brittany, a single mom, has been able to focus on his care and well-being without worrying about financial burdens. "ASK has really been absolutely wonderful with the financial support, and that has been such a stressful area for me. My main concern was how I was going to keep up with the new bills and things he needs to help him get through this, and thanks to ASK, I haven't been late on one bill, which makes me feel great and helps in the long run." - Brittany ASK Kid Kalvin's Mom ASK provides support to active treatment families like Kalvin’s to help pay non-medical bills with the understanding that a childhood cancer diagnosis can be devastating for families, financially as well as emotionally. Kalvin and his family will continue to receive financial assistance and access to community resources throughout his treatment to make their experience less stressful and so that Brittany can pay full attention to Kalvin’s health.  With one year of treatment under their belt and time to process their new reality, Brittany and Kalvin can now look back on the early days of their diagnosis and share this advice with other families facing similar journeys:" Try not to let your imagination or thoughts [run wild]. Because cancer is the scariest word on the planet, and nobody thinks they are going to go through it…be patient, and it's okay to get mad or speak up...That is your baby, and you know them better than anyone."

“I know a Kourageous Kid,” says Patra, mom of eight-year-old ASK Kid Brendan. “He’s teaching me the true meaning of love,” she continues.  “He never gives up and his strength is inspirational. He never complains but is not afraid to tell us of his pain and symptoms. He asks questions and stays informed on treatment. He respects and admires his doctors and nurses. He is creative and kind. He has an amazing spirit. He is always up for a challenge and is fighting the challenge of his young life. My son has cancer, and every day, I wish cancer didn’t know my child’s name, but I know he will win this fight.” Last year, Brendan was diagnosed with Leukemia. After several trips to the pediatrician for a cough and ear infection, a simple blood test revealed low hemoglobin. He was sent to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU where a pediatric oncologist awaited him and so did ASK’s in-clinic support team. He began chemotherapy and went into remission just three weeks after starting treatment. Eight-year-old Brendan, a bright young reader and math enthusiast, was determined to stay engaged in his studies despite undergoing treatment. With the dedicated support of ASK Education Support Navigator, Jon Longenecker, Brendan made a smooth transition back to the classroom this year. He's now thriving academically and has achieved AB honor roll!  ASK’s educational team will continue to support him throughout his school career, including career counseling as he transitions into young adulthood. "I didn't think I was deserving of financial help, so I was beyond grateful when ASK offered to pay our electric bill and had our car serviced at Midas of Richmond so that we had air conditioning in our car this summer. These people are so kind and continually provide emotional and financial support when we need it most. They have changed our lives with their generosity.” - Patra ASK Kid Brendan's Mom As Brendan continues to heal, he looks forward to participating in the many ASK programs and events. Patra recognizes the invaluable support offered by connecting with other families navigating the challenges of childhood cancer. "I love the ASK-sponsored opportunities to support and be supported by people who truly understand what we're facing on a day-to-day basis. Without ASK, we wouldn't have this vital network." Brendan still has a long road ahead of him but is now in the maintenance phase of treatment, taking daily oral chemotherapy, a regular routine of antibiotics and a lumbar puncture infusion one time per month. Patra's hope for the future is echoed by many parents facing similar challenges. "One day my son will ring the bell. I'll be by his side to cheer him, and so will the people of ASK. We're all in this fight together!"

It wasn't until Glis was eight years old that her family began to notice a change in her health. Unusual bruises started appearing on her body, and disappearing after a few days. Soon after, she experienced persistent vomiting and a complete loss of appetite. However, as her condition deteriorated and her skin turned pale, a deeper concern emerged. "I remember looking at her feet, which had turned white, and feeling a growing fear that something was seriously wrong," Alma recalled, her voice filled with worry. After conducting several tests, the doctors delivered the devastating news: "Your daughter has cancer."' Alma recalls at that moment, her world crumbled, and she fell into a state of disbelief at the words she was hearing from the doctors. "I held onto hope, thinking, 'No, this can't be possible.' I rushed to the internet to research leukemia, my heart filled with fear. I kept asking, 'Is she going to die? What will happen to her? Please, someone tell me.' I was lost!" The news shattered the family's world, plunging them into fear and uncertainty. ASK Mom, Alma, recalls the day her daughter Glis began to lose her hair during her Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, stating: "I will never forget the moment my daughter touched her hair and realized it was falling out. As she lost her hair in front of me and my other two daughters, they quickly grabbed a Ziploc bag to collect and save their sister's hair. I was devastated as a mom, crying harder than I ever had in my life. Witnessing my daughter's sad face during that terrifying moment for our family was heart-wrenching. Glis, my eight-year-old little girl, taught me a valuable lesson when she said, 'Mommy, it's okay; my hair will come back.' That moment reminded me to stay strong and be there for her." "I am grateful to organizations like ASK, which have been by our side during these difficult times. We attended a social event, Bingo, which was a great moment of joy and support. I also appreciate the educational support the navigator provided, and I thank Dr. Newton for your patience and care for my daughter" - Alma, ASK Kid Glis's Mom When people began asking about Glis's diagnosis, many feared the worst, but Alma knew she had to be brave and strong for her daughter. "This was leukemia versus us, and we had the power of God on our side, along with the best medical team, including Dr. Newton, the ASK team, and everyone who supported us during this process." As Glis bravely faced the challenges of treatment, she taught her family a valuable lesson in resilience. Her unwavering spirit, even in the face of adversity, inspired them all. After many days in the hospital and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, the doctors informed the family that the day for Glis's final chemotherapy was approaching. So close to the end of a grueling journey, they found a kidney stone, postponing Glis's final chemotherapy session. In 2023, Glis was able to complete her last round of chemotherapy, and the whole family wept tears of joy when she rang the bell. "I am grateful to organizations like ASK, which have been by our side during these difficult times. We attended a social event, Bingo, which was a great moment of joy and support. I also appreciate the educational support the navigator provided, and I thank Dr. Newton for your patience and care for my daughter" - Alma, ASK Kid Glis's Mom Since completing her treatment, Glis has been back playing with her friends, and her hair has grown back so long that it reaches her waist. She loves it and is incredibly proud of it. She tells her mom this feels like a new beginning.

On the surface, Colin seems like any other kid eagerly awaiting to start middle school. He always has a pep in his step and takes pride in his curly locks, no matter how often Mom Allison asks if she can give them a trim. However, six years ago, Alison recalls the early days of Colin's illness: " He had a lot of bone and abdominal pain at night; it got better during the day, but it was most nights, and he wasn't eating very well, and he was much more tired. Colin had just started kindergarten, so we were just saying that 'Maybe the fatigue was because [he was] starting kindergarten.'" Colin and his family's lives changed forever when a month of fevers, extreme bone pain, numerous trips to the pediatrician, and ER visits resulted in a devastating diagnosis of Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and it instantly turned their world upside down. For the past six years, Colin and his family's life has been a rollercoaster of treatments, setbacks, and moments of hope. His first round of chemotherapy was riddled with complications, often landing him in the hospital and challenging his family's spirit. Participating in the PH-ALL clinical trial at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia offered a glimmer of hope. "Colin was in remission, went off treatment in October 2020, and then he relapsed the first time in June of 2021. He got back in remission, with CAR T at UVA Children's Hospital, went through a bone marrow transplant in October of 2021 at CHOP, and did well with the transplant but then relapsed again March of 2023,"  Alison shared, her voice filled with a mix of hope and heartache. After receiving chemo, Colin was back in remission, and to this day, he is still in and out of the clinic in maintenance receiving treatment. However, his treatment doesn't prevent him from leading a life of fun and excitement like any other 11-year-old boy. Colin and his family have since participated in ASK's first-ever community and connection event in Charlottesville, where families from across the region met for a fun-filled family picnic. They spent the afternoon building community and enjoying time as a family. He has also started middle school with the help of former ASK Education Navigator Lauren, who helped ensure Colin received the necessary resources to support his education throughout his treatment. "[Lauren] was really helpful for his 504 meeting for starting middle school… and really helped [ed] advocate for him. She was the one who helped [Colin] with not having a calculator or having a calculator for all of [his] stuff and for all of the state testing, which not everyone gets. So she was really good to advocate for him for things for school," Alison, ASK Kid Colin's Mom Colin's family also participated in ASK's most recent GlowGold campaign to help raise awareness of pediatric cancer in their community and the need for funding for additional resources for families with a child with cancer. "Cancer affects the whole family, not just the child," Alison explained. "Cancer affects the whole family and siblings too. People need to know how much [families diagnosed with cancer] have to go outside the state of VA to get treatment and that we need more resources within the state."  Allison and her family continue to find ways to get involved in the ASK community, which has made a big difference not only in Colin's life but also in their entire family's during difficult times.

Nine-year-old Ruby is an adventurous, creative, and lively spirit. However, you would never know this spunky nine-year-old girl had been diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, acute myeloid leukemia. During the fall of 2023, Ruby was experiencing several bouts of what doctors thought was the stomach bug or flu. It wasn't until a simple blood test that Ruby and her family received life-altering news. The diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia led to four difficult rounds of chemotherapy in complete isolation. Despite these challenging circumstances, “Ruby's bravery shone through every day in the hospital,” recalls her mother, Jessica. “She actively engaged in her treatment, researching leukemia to understand her condition. Her care team empowered her to ask questions, and ASK Childhood Foundation provided the answers and support she needed.” From the early days of her diagnosis, ASK became an integral part of Ruby's journey. Determined to start fourth grade on time with her friends, ASK Education Navigator Jon Longenecker worked tirelessly to ensure she could continue her studies in the hospital. Jon is one of six Navigators stationed at each of Virginia's five pediatric cancer treatment centers. These dedicated professionals bridge the gap between hospital inpatient stays and patients' schools, helping them stay on grade level and receive the necessary accommodations to succeed. ASK's support extended beyond education. Financial assistance allowed Ruby's parents to focus on her treatment, while special programs like Summer Camp offered her a chance to connect with other kids going through similar experiences. "She created a spreadsheet to make sure she didn't miss a single activity," Jessica laughs. "ASK Night at the Diamond and art classes at the Art Factory are two of her favorites." Today, Ruby is a cancer survivor, and ASK remains committed to supporting her throughout her young adulthood. “It's incredible to see her back to doing what she loves, like archery and tae kwon do, We couldn't have faced this challenge without ASK. They were our safety net, providing strength and support during the most difficult times. While we focused on our child's life, ASK took care of our everyday needs. We are eternally grateful for their unwavering support.” - Jessica, ASK Kid Ruby's Mom A silver lining for this family has been the opportunity to strengthen their bond during these challenging times. “[With Ruby] as an only child in a tight-knit family, it’s been amazing to find that we could get even closer together. Our little family unit of three has been able to thrive and strengthen our bond during these long hospital stays. The support we receive has made it possible to stay at Ruby’s side during the most unimaginable worst time,” says Jessica.

It was November 2022, and ASK mom Ashley was gearing up for her one-year-old son Easton’s second Christmas. The family was excited to be together again, ready for a holiday season filled with joy and celebration. However, Easton started having medical issues, and his mom was worried he may have a fractured knee. She took Easton to several doctors appointments throughout November and December to determine what was wrong. It wasn’t until January 2023 that they finally received an answer. Ashley and her family's entire world immediately turned upside down. Now, the start of winter brings Ashley right back to the day she heard those chilling words: “Your little boy has cancer.” “It was like we were in a tunnel and our ears were ringing with all of the medical terminology and testing,” Ashley remembers. Once they received Easton’s official diagnosis – B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia – he immediately began chemotherapy treatments, spinal taps, and hospital stays. “ASK was with us from the first day of diagnosis when we were inpatient and in the ASK Clinic. Our first Christmas immediately after diagnosis was really hard because we couldn’t be with our extended family and do the typical Christmas activities, but ASK arrived with presents and good cheer for the entire family and saved our holiday,” - Ashley, ASK Kid Easton's Mom While Easton currently faces as many as three years of active treatment, ASK will be at his family’s side to provide them with the resources, services, and community they need to get through it. Now that he is in the maintenance phase of treatment, Easton and his two older siblings can expand their participation into more events like ASK Night at the Diamond, programs like Summer Camp, and sibling-only socials. Being the sibling of a medically complex child can be isolating, and these events help them feel special and build relationships with other siblings who have similar life experiences to theirs. Ashley is looking forward to a time when things return to normal for her family. “My biggest fear is that Easton will be developmentally delayed because of the really strong treatments at such a young age. At one point, he stopped walking and had to relearn how to crawl, walk, and run, but his resilience amazes me,” Ashley continues. “The silver lining in this diagnosis is that he received it at such a young age and he thinks taking medicine daily is normal. He’s a fighter, so we fight with him. He will have photos of when he was bald, but now he has long, curly hair hanging in his eyes. He won’t remember all of the hard days.” This year, the holidays will be filled with extended family once again, as well as lots of fun and togetherness with their ASK community at the upcoming Holiday Party. “ASK celebrates the entire family at Christmas and we are so grateful that they see and hear our older children as well as Easton. We could never say thank you enough!”

“She’s bubbly and talkative all the time,” laughs Shanekqa, mom to ASK Kid Kenya. “When she walks into a room, everyone immediately falls in love with her!” Kenya is a jokester at heart who loves to laugh and make others laugh with her. That’s why Shanekqa knew something was wrong when she watched Kenya slowly withdraw from friends and family, as the pain in her side and back grew stronger. After several months of a steady decline in physical ability, she was taken to the doctor and diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a type of blood cancer that happens  when the bone marrow produces too many abnormal B-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.  “My baby was only 10 years old when she was diagnosed with cancer,” Shanekqa remembers. “I was devastated by the news, but ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation was there for both of us. Immediately,   the ASK Clinic and support staff were with us, and I knew I wasn’t going to do this by myself. They made me feel comfortable and relaxed.”  ASK provided food and gas cards, as well as other financial assistance to Kenya’s family. ASK’s Richmond-based Education Support Navigator, Jon Longenecker, worked with Kenya throughout her treatment to help her keep up in school. Jon is one of six Navigators stationed at each of Virginia’s five pediatric cancer treatment centers, bridging the gap between hospital inpatient stays and patients’ schools to help them stay on grade level and receive the accommodations they need to be successful. Kenya continues to benefit from ASK’s tutoring services, social events, and connections to community resources that help relieve some daily stress for her family. "It seems like they know what the families need before we know." - Shaneqka, ASK Kid Kenya's mom “I think we forget about the emotional support these kids need and ASK is here with events to help lift our spirits,” Shaneqka shares with a smile. “Christmas for our entire family was amazing! It seems like they know what the families need before we know, even if it’s providing cleaning services so we can focus on our child.” Kenya loves to draw and wants to be a professional artist someday. For now, in the maintenance phase and taking daily chemotherapy at home, she’s back to enjoying the things she loves: arts and crafts, playing board and card games, cooking and baking, reading, solving riddles – and, of course, making others laugh!

Baby Orin was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma at just 13 months old. He braved extensive chemotherapy to try and shrink the tumor doctors discovered in his liver, but they didn’t work. Orin’s best chance at survival was surgery to remove the right lobe of his liver, followed by more chemo to make sure the cancer stayed away. It was a scary time for his mom, Alex. “I told the doctors to give us all of the news, no matter how hard it was to hear,” Alex remembers. “We wanted to do whatever we needed to do to keep him comfortable and help him survive. We were introduced to ASK on our first day of Clinic, and I knew our family had a lifelong partner in Orin’s battle against cancer, and then survivorship.” Long appointments were made much more fun for Orin and his big sister, Iris, with the help of Katie Barber, ASK’s Child Life Specialist at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. She works with children and families every day, entertaining them with games and toys from the Clinic toy box, lending emotional support to make the big, scary hospital a bit not-so-scary. ASK also stepped in to support Orin’s family through the many financial challenges often brought on by a pediatric cancer diagnosis. "We didn’t even ask for it, ASK just offered it to us. I can’t tell you how important that support is to us!” - ASK mom Alex “Financially, ASK continues to be a huge help,” Alex explains. “My husband used all of his leave from work and had to take unpaid leave. ASK was able to pay part of our mortgage and regularly provides gas and food cards, which takes away some of the financial stress. We didn’t even ask for it, ASK just offered it to us. I can’t tell you how important that support is to us!”  Orin is now cancer-free and enjoying all the things sweet two-year-old boys like to do: climbing on furniture, throwing things, and having bubble parties with his sister! As Orin continues to improve, his family looks forward to continuing to build community and connection at ASK events like the upcoming ASK Night at the Squirrels and ASK 5K & Fun Walk at the Diamond next May. “We went to the ASK prom, and it was a blast. Although we’re taking it one day at a time, we’re looking forward to meeting other ASK families and experiencing some of the fellowship opportunities now that Orin is finished with treatment,” Alex continues. “This has been a gut-wrenching experience, but we’ve learned to do what we need to do for our child. We don’t have immediate family in the area, so the folks of ASK have become like family. I know that as long as we have the support from ASK to guide us and support us, we’ll be OK, and we can do this thing called ‘childhood cancer!’”

“She has never complained,” shares Eden, reflecting on her daughter Izabella’s cancer journey. “She has never not done what they asked her to do. And she has had that smile on her face the whole time.” That’s just the type of person Izabella is. Yes, she is a cancer patient – but she’s never let that define her. She’s a vibrant and resilient 14-year-old who loves sushi, the color pink, her two cats, and spending time with her friends and family. She’s a devoted student who never lets anything get in the way of her learning. She lights up every room she enters, and stays positive for her future. We are, too. Izabella’s cancer journey started in 8th grade with unexplained headaches, vomiting, and dizziness. Even so, Izabella rarely complained and continued in school. Her mom, Eden, initially chalked her symptoms off as maybe too much screen time, being too tired… not enough water. It wasn’t until an emergency trip to the doctor during the family vacation that the severity of Izabella’s condition became clear. An MRI revealed a mass in her brain, and she soon received her official diagnosis of Medulloblastoma. Because of its location in Izabella’s brain, surgery to remove the tumor caused loss of muscle tone, unsteadiness, and decreased ability to talk. The road to recovery was a challenging one.  "Over the next two weeks, she lost one function after another. By day 15, she could only move her left knee to signal 'yes,' and her right knee for 'no'," Eden remembers. “She spent a month in inpatient rehab learning how to walk, and after we came home, she really started being able to talk again. Most of her speech recovery has come from therapy and singing. She loves singing.” The next phase of treatment included six weeks of daily radiation, six months of chemotherapy, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapies multiple times a week. It was an intensive and tiring schedule that involved a lot of driving to and from appointments and the clinic, which meant expensive gas tabs and a heavy toll on the family car. “The gift cards that ASK gave us for gas got us through. At a certain point during treatment, the brakes were going out on my car. Some places quoted me between three and four thousand dollars. ASK connected us with Midas of Richmond, and they gave us a rental car so we could make it to chemo that day and fixed our brakes for us. They took all of the stress out of it." - ASK mom Eden Going through cancer treatment often makes it difficult for young patients to keep up with their peers in school, but Izabella was determined. ASK’s educational support team members worked with Izabella and her parents to ensure she could continue to excel. She ended up completing her ninth-grade year on the school honor roll. "Tammy (ASK Fredericksburg Community Coordinator) and Jon (ASK Education Support Navigator) have been just so great,” Eden continues. “Izabella was diagnosed in June and wasn’t able to start homebound teaching until December. Tammy’s tutoring was a big part in getting Izabella through. Izabella returns to the classroom for tenth grade in August, and Jon’s been in all the meetings to make sure they are ready for her and that she has any of the accommodations that she needs.” Since her time with ASK, Izabella has also enjoyed a number of social events and opportunities to build community with other kids and families going through the same thing. This summer, she and her family attended our annual family pool party, made friends at ASK Summer Camp, grabbed school supplies and backpack at our back-to-school event, and even threw the first pitch at a Fredericksburg Nationals game! “ASK is who got Izabella connected with the baseball game. She got to throw out the first pitch and has become a local hero in town,” says Eden. “I take her out in public, and people stop us and say, ‘Didn’t I see you at the baseball game?’” Izabella herself was thrilled about the experience, eagerly practicing all week leading up to the game, sharing “I practiced all week!” "Growing closer together, seeing life for what it truly is, experiencing the kindness of humanity, and growing closer in faith are some of the best things to happen since the diagnosis," Eden reflects. "Izabella is a true example of perseverance, grace, courage, and hope. Her smile alone makes the world a brighter place.”

Adrienne’s positive energy and smile light up every room she enters. Right away, you wouldn’t know that Adrienne lives with chronic pain and has spent countless nights in the hospital fighting complications from Sickle Cell Anemia, an inherited group of blood disorders that causes the red blood cells to form in a sickle shape. Diagnosed at birth, Adrienne doesn’t know any other way of life and is very comfortable navigating pain meds, hospitalizations, and ER visits – but her mom just wants her to be a typical teenager. “Adrienne is very active in church and loves to sing and dance,” laughs her mom, Gisele. “Her cousins and siblings are her best friends, and she loves to go to school when she can and hang out with her friends at church. But ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation is our backbone, and the staff and other ASK families are our extended family. They feed us emotionally, spiritually and physically in the good times and the bad. I truly don’t know what we would do without them!” Gisele describes the time that Adrienne spent more than 15 days on a ventilator as “the most devastating time in [her] life,” but ASK’s financial support allowed her to stay in the hospital with her daughter, providing meals and paying some bills so that Gisele could focus on Adrienne. When Adrienne is feeling well, she loves to participate in ASK’s many family events and programs, like camps, Flying Squirrels games, trips to the zoo, and ASK’s annual Holiday Party. “ASK is always here for our family and provides anything we need, even furniture. If they don’t have it, they can find it!" - Gisele, Adrienne's mom "From the time Adrienne was two and participated in the ASK preschool program and all through her journey, ASK has provided for us, cared for us, and educated us on Sickle Cell,” Gisele continues. “This has empowered me to be an advocate in my community to raise awareness about the disease.” “ASK changes lives for families who are going through horrific ordeals, whether it’s Sickle Cell Anemia or childhood cancer. They let the child be a child, despite their circumstances. Sickle Cell affects every major organ in the body and is not for the weak. Thankfully, ASK is our partner and will never leave us. We are family for life!”

ASK mom Jeongeun is no stranger to cancer. She’s a cancer survivor herself, so when her three-year-old son, Caelan, stopped running and complained of pain in his legs, instinct told her that something was wrong. Jeongeun took Caelan to the doctor for a routine checkup, but they said he was fine. Over the next six months and several more trips to the doctor, she got the same response. Thankfully, Jeongeun followed her gut and took Caelan to a different doctor who did a simple blood test that revealed the true cause of his illness: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Jeongeun was diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with Caelan, so he was induced prematurely. “I had so much guilt over this, like I did something wrong in pregnancy and introduced this chaos into my child’s life,” remembers Jeongeun. “We were so cautious as I finished chemo and Covid exploded, and then Caelan was diagnosed. As everyone else was slowly coming out of the Covid bubble, we had to go back in. It was very difficult emotionally. Fortunately, we had the folks of the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation to guide us through this new challenge in our lives.” “Katie, ASK’s Child Life Specialist, visited Caelan’s hospital room in the early days of diagnosis and has never left our side,” Jeongeun explains. “In the beginning, Caelan was so scared to go to Clinic, but Katie worked hard to combat his anxiety and now he actually looks forward to going to Clinic. The psychological support from the counseling team has been vital to his health and to the emotional health of his older sister; she had a very difficult time with his diagnosis, but the team taught her how to cope with this challenging situation." "ASK helps the entire family, and I think this is one of its distinguishing features from other cancer support organizations.” - ASK mom Jeongeun After initial intense chemotherapy, Caelan went into remission. Now five years old, he will continue a daily oral maintenance chemo and traditional chemo for another year – alongside his father, who is currently going through treatment for melanoma. Clinic visits will remain a part of their lives for years to come, but Caelan and his family will be supported by ASK forever. Throughout every upcoming grade in school, as he enters young adulthood, and eventually, as he starts his career, ASK will be there with the financial, educational and community resources, programs and support he needs to thrive. “A childhood cancer diagnosis impacts the whole family,” Jeongeun continues. “Throughout this experience, Caelan has remained so happy, but I see the struggles he will face with his body and emotions and possibly learning.  We are so grateful to ASK for its continued support and the strength they provide us.”