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- Volunteer | ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Volunteer with ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation! Sign up and make a difference for kids with cancer through community engagement at our annual events and seasonal volunteer opportunities. VOLUNTEER Your Time Thank you for your interest in supporting ASK with your time and helping hands! We rely on volunteers to help make our fundraising events and program socials run smoothly, to support our organization with donation drives and fundraising, to raise awareness, and to help engage our community in a variety of ways. Interested in volunteering with ASK? Fill out our sign-up form below and we'll reach out to you with upcoming opportunities to get involved! Get Started Volunteer FAQs 01 What are your volunteer opportunities? Volunteer needs vary throughout the year and include helping at our fundraising events like the ASK 5K & Fun Walk, wrapping gifts for the holidays or handing out school supplies. Sign up here to volunteer and we'll email you with all our upcoming volunteer opportunities! 02 How old do I have to be to volunteer? We ask that volunteers are 16 years or older to volunteer at an ASK event. Younger volunteers are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 03 Why should I volunteer? By volunteering your time, energy and expertise with ASK, you are helping to make life better for children with cancer or a serious blood disorder and their families right here in our community. Volunteers lending a helping hand make all of our ASK Events possible. Program events such as the Holiday Party, Fall Festival, and our Kourageous Kids party are great for volunteers who wish to have direct interaction with our ASK families and kids. Fundraising events like the Donut Run, ASK Walk, and the Annual Gala are fun events that require all hands on deck to make the event successful and enjoyable for all. Sign up to be a part of our incredible volunteer crew and you will receive the quarterly newsletter with upcoming volunteer opportunities! 04 Can I get school community service hours for volunteering? Absolutely! Following your volunteer shift, just check in with the ASK staff member in attendance to sign off on your hours. You can also contact one of our two volunteer program leads: Jess Harris, Program Events Coordinator, at jharris@askccf.org or Jessica Sop, Special Events Coordinator, at jsop@askccf.org 05 How can I volunteer with kids in the hospital or the ASK Hemoatology/Oncology Clinic? The ASK Hematology/Oncology Clinic is located in the Children’s Pavilion at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR). To volunteer at the clinic or any other inpatient or outpatient areas of the hospital, you must apply through CHoR. More information to volunteer through CHoR can be found at https://www.chrichmond.org/about-us/volunteer. 06 What about volunteering with a group? We welcome groups to join us as volunteers at our an annual 5K events – The ASK 5K & Fun Walk (includes Donut Dash) in the spring. Depending on the size of the group, there are some other volunteer opportunities throughout the year at our large program socials and events. 07 What are other ways to get involved with ASK? Along with volunteering, you can make a difference with ASK in many ways, including participating in our fundraising events, starting a community fundraiser or donation drive, or advocating and raising awareness in the community! Visit our Get Involved page for more information. "I have loved being a part of ASK because you can see the immediate impact of your time, energy and donations and the change we are making for children locally." - Meghan Dickey Hale, ASK Ambassador Committee Chair Get More Involved There are lots of ways you can help make life better for children with cancer and their families. Learn how else you can get involved with ASK below! Learn More
- Get Involved | ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Explore various ways to get involved and support childhood cancer families: volunteer, advocate, attend or host your own fundraising event to make a difference! GET INVOLVED Help make life better for our ASK families! ASK was started by a small group of parents of childhood cancer patients and volunteers who wanted to help other families in the same boat. Their spirit of generosity planted the seeds that have grown “the little organization that could” into the ASK you see today. Our mission is thriving because of our incredible ASK community – which will shine even brighter with you in it! WAYS TO GIVE All the ways you can give Assistance, Support and Kindness to an ASK family in need. Find A Way Signature Events Join us at an ASK signature event to give back to our community and have fun at the same time! Upcoming Events Community Fundraisers Lend a hand by hosting your own fundraiser! It can be as easy as 1-2-3 with our toolkit and downloadable resources. Host Your Own Volunteer Your Time Are you more hands-on when it comes to doing good? Volunteer to show your support! Lend a Hand Advocate For Change U se your voice to advocate and raise awareness for children with cancer across Virginia's communities. Be An Advocate More Ways to Get Involved ASK Ambassador Program The ASK Ambassador Program invites students and working professionals to lend a hand to support children with cancer! Each year, ASK Ambassadors embark on a fundraising and awareness campaign to engage our community and make a positive impact on childhood cancer patients and survivors. Together, they work to raise public support and critical dollars to help the 6-7 children and families across Virginia diagnosed each week. Sign Up #MakingLifeBetter Campaign We invite businesses to join us in activating a point-of-sale campaign to deepen their connection with their customers and raise vital funds to ease the burden of a cancer diagnosis for our families. From rounding up at the register to co-venture promotions, there are lots of creative and impactful ways to get your business involved! Learn More Common Questions Already have an event and want to connect with a charity partner? ASK would be honored to serve as the beneficiary of your fundraiser! Reach out to Kelsey O lszewski , Associate Director of Development, at kolszewski@askccf.org for more information. ? about getting involved with ASK: Your Support Truly Matters. When you get involved with ASK, you’re making life better for kids with cancer and their families across Virginia. Take a look at our latest Annual Report to meet some of ASK’s families and see the impact of your generosity in action! Read Our Annual Report
- About ASK | ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Learn about ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation's mission of making life better through supportive resources and programs for families and children fighting cancer in Virginia. ABOUT ASK Assistance, Support and Kindness since 1975. ASK Mission Making Life Better for Children with Cancer and their Families Vision To serve as a leading source of support for children with cancer Our Guiding Principles We believe in children and families first Be ethical Be mission driven Be responsible stewards of resources Be an open and collaborative community partner Be proactive as well as responsive Be creative and innovative Be compassionate at all times You’re in good hands. ASK has been helping families in Central Virginia for over 50 years. Our History Our team is ready to provide care and support every step of the way. Our People Every single dollar you give stays here to help families in our community. Our Financials Where We Help ASK is proud to support children and their families across Virginia in their cancer journey. Home Base/Primary Office: ASK Family Center 5211 W. Broad St., Ste 100 Richmond, VA 23230 Hospital Partners: Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters UVA Children's Hospital Carilion Children's Inova Schar Cancer Institute Children's National Fredericksburg Lending a Helping Hand for over 50 years! Since 1975, ASK has provided assistance, support, and kindness to children in Virginia with cancer and their families. This support is delivered through our three areas of focus: educational support, family support, and community and connection, and your support remains the secret sauce to our mission's success. Together, we will continue to provide support to our communities and help ensure no child or family faces cancer alone. See Our Impact Careers at ASK Work seems less like "work" when you’re helping to make life easier for children with cancer and serious blood disorders and their families. Join the Team Program Events Our educational and social events are offered to patients and survivors enrolled with ASK, as well as their families, free of charge. Learn More Get in Touch Do you have a question about our programs? Maybe a specific question about getting involved? Send us a message below! Contact Us
- Community & Connection | ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Connect and build community through ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. From family gatherings to program events for patients, survivors and siblings of all ages, find support, connection and understanding. COMMUNITY & CONNECTION CONNECTION Cancer treatment and survivorship can feel very isolating. Social connection with others who understand the unique challenges along the childhood cancer journey is helpful for the whole family. Our goal is to build opportunities for community and connection among ASK kids, siblings, parents and caregivers. See our most popular opportunities for community & connection below, and explore our Program Events to learn more about all the different types of events we offer throughout the year! ASK Program Events Summer Camp Every summer we host camp in Richmond and Fredericksburg. ASK’s Summer Camp is a day camp experience for ASK kids and their siblings. We understand and accommodate the range of emotional, physical, and developmental challenges that can follow cancer treatment. We do crafts, play games, tell stories, and talk openly and confidently about the cancer experience. We also welcome guests from around our community for interactive activities and learning opportunities. Younger kids can meet older kids who are survivors, too. Best of all, they make friends. Retreats ASK holds retreats throughout the year; two for middle school and high school survivors and one for young adult cancer survivors (YACS) . Held at local camps and conference centers, the retreats include team-building activities, games, wellness topics and connection with peers. Holiday Cheer Our annual Holiday Party is a tradition that every ASK family loves. Families come out to celebrate the season, meet up with friends, and remember all of the fun events we have enjoyed throughout the year. Everyone loves stopping for a photo with Santa, eating snacks, dancing to music, and leaving with a special present to start the holiday season off right! For families with children in active treatment who cannot attend our Holiday Party, we provide private 1-on-1 visits with Santa at the ASK Family Center for maximum safety and comfort. Parent & Caregiver Socials We hold quarterly Parent & Caregiver Socials in our ASK Family Center. These even ts provide a chance for parents to connect in a safe space, share experiences, and lend a listening ear! Each social includes a fun activity to enjoy as they meet other parents navigating life after a cancer diagnosis. We als o provide quarterly Parent Night Out events to allow parents a chance to get out and enjoy a night to themselves. Sibling Socials Often when one child in a family has a complex medical diagnosis siblings feel left out. We offer special events just for siblings to come together and play laser tag, go horseback riding, or enjoy a glow party! These events make the sibling the focus of attention and bring them together with other kids in their same situation, cancer affects all members of a family. ASK Family Center Opened in May 2021, the Family Center is ASK’s colorful, kid-friendly “home base.” It’s a meeting place for fun events. It’s a safe space for parents and caregivers to gather to tell their stories. It’s a big, open room with movable furniture for kids to play after their homework is done. It’s where we want you to gather and feel at home. It’s where we work, learn, and play! Take a Tour "Your retreats are such a beautiful part of my year. It's our annual family reunion. We get to check in on each other, support each other, and welcome new people that need our community." - Young Adult Can cer Survivor
- COVID-19 Policy | ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Stay informed about ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation's COVID-19 Policy. Learn about safety measures, masking guidelines, and more. COVID-19 Policy Background ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation (“ASK”) is committed to maintaining a workplace that is free of known hazards and to safeguarding the health of the patients and families whom it serves while providing critical in-person opportunities for community, connection and support. This policy is intended to comply fully with applicable state and federal laws and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and other health authorities. Public health measures and guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic remain in flux, and ASK reserves the right to amend this policy from time to time to stay abreast of and consistent with such measures and guidance. Policy Subject to the remaining provisions of this policy: During periods when the CDC’s Community Level of COVID-19 is “high” : When ASK families are present, ASK employees and contractors will be masked when in any ASK facility unless (i) they are alone in an office, or (ii) they are in a public area and able to maintain six (6) feet of distance from other persons; Visitors to ASK facilities will be masked; Mask policy at indoor events will be determined in consultation with the venue and executive committee. Masks will be optional at outdoor events unless required by the venue; and Individual requests for exemption from mask requirements due to disability will be subject to review and accommodation consistent with state and federal law. During periods when the CDC’s Community Level of COVID-19 is “medium” or lower : ASK employees and contractors are permitted but not required to mask when in ASK facilities; Visitors to ASK facilities are permitted but not required to mask; and Mask policy at events will be determined in consultation with the venue and executive committee. ASK will make this policy or a summary available to all visitors. Other ASK policies related to COVID-19 and/or workplace safety remain in effect. Definitions For purposes of this policy: CDC’s Community Level of COVID-19 may be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html The ASK Family Center is located in Henrico County. Fredericksburg program events are located in Fredericksburg City. These localities are used when determining CDC Community Level guidance per event.
- Conferences | ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Enhance education for childhood cancer survivors. Earn free CEUs/CNUs at our annual ASK Educator Conference and gain valuable insights from expert perspectives to support children in your school. CONFERENCES Educating Childhood Cancer Patients & Survivors Conference February 23, 2024 | Live Broadcast 9:00am - 4:15pm EST About the Conference Our annual Educator Conference helps schools know how to make life better for students affected by childhood cancer. Administrators, teachers, nurses and counselors are invited to attend and earn free CEU & CNE credits. 2/3 More than two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors experience late effects from treatment. These can include physical, emotional, cognitive, and/or social effects which can impact learning. We give concrete examples from a panel of experts across disciplines so that educators feel better equipped to support cancer survivors and their siblings as they navigate school both during and after cancer treatment. 1 Conference Info Flyer Share this info flyer with your colleagues who may be interested in attending this year's conference with you. The more, the merrier! Download Presentation Topics Overview of Childhood Cancer Learn how frequently childhood cancer occurs and how it differs from adult cancers. Learn the most common types of childhood cancer, treatment protocols, survival rates, and what survivorship looks like. Session Length: 45 Minutes Late Effects of Treatment While survival rates have increased significantly for almost all types of childhood cancer, treatments often cause long-term side effects known as ‘late effects’ of treatment. These late effects can be cognitive, physical, or social-emotional, and all affect a survivor’s academic experience. Learn how educational plans like 504 and IEP can help support these students’ unique needs: Physical Late Effects (30 minutes) Cognitive Late Effects (30 minutes) Social Emotional Late Effects (30 minutes) Educational Plans (30 minutes) Session Length: 2 hours Early Childhood Intervention & The Importance of Play Childhood cancer treatment of young children often disrupts opportunities for socialization and play for both the patient and siblings. The effects of this are seen in the early elementary classroom experience. Learn how to support these early learners, and the important role of play for these children inside and outside of the classroom. Session Length: 45 Mi nutes Young Adult Success Panel A diverse panel of childhood cancer survivors who are now young adults will share their experiences transitioning back to school after treatment, challenges they faced, and what helped them the most. Session Length: 45 Mi nutes Active Treatment Case Studies A strong school-based team plays a critical role in helping childhood cancer patients and survivors succeed socially and academically in the school setting. We will walk through a real-life case study and address the role of school nurse, social worker, counselor, and administrator. This is an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned throughout the day and share your ideas. Session Length: 45 Mi nutes Speaker Panel Speaker Panel Violet Borowicz, MD Pediatric Hematologist/ Oncology Specialist , Carilion Children's Read More > Amanda Thompson, PhD Chief, Pediatric Psychology & Director of Pediatric Programs, INOVA Schar Cancer Institute Read More > Mandy Tribe Educational Consultant, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters Read More > Evelyn Joran-Thiel Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, UVA Health Children's Hospital Read More > Joe Bauer Child Life Specialist, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Read More > "Excellent, well-organized, useful information I will implement at my school. Thank you!" - Conference Attendee In partnership with
- Stay Connected | ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Stay connected with ASK with email or text updates! Opportunities to give, volunteer or advocate with ASK to support children with cancer in Virginia. Stay Connected with ASK Sign up to hear about opportunities to give, volunteer or advocate with ASK, and receive monthly stories to meet the children and families your generosity is helping to support. First Name* Last Name* Email* What types of messages would you like to receive from us?* Feel Good Stories Ways to Give Volunteer Opportunities Event Notices Advocacy Are you an ASK parent or ASK caregiver? Yes No Please provide just a few more optional details about you that will allow us to keep you more engaged! Phone Number Birthday Month Month Day Year Subscribe
- Our History | ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Explore ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation's journey and legacy in supporting children and families affected by cancer and sickle cell disease in Virginia since 1975. OUR HISTORY HISTORY Lending a helping hand for 50 years! ASK began in the mid-1970s with a group of parents whose kids were in treatment for cancer. Through months of sitting together in the hospital waiting room, they got to know each other’s stories. For the first time since diagnosis, they felt like someone understood what they were going through. They recognized the need for support and wanted others to feel supported, too. These parents, with members of the pediatric hematology/oncology team at MCV Hospital (now the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU), decided to do something to help. Pooling ideas and resources, this group of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to lessen the burden of childhood cancer for local families by providing social, emotional, spiritual and financial support. We still believe in this holistic approach to making life better for families of children battling cancer. Today, we also help childhood cancer survivors, siblings, and parents successfully navigate new realities. Take a trip down memory lane with us! Let's create new memories together! We have so much to look forward to here at ASK, and we know our community will shine even brighter with you in it. Get Involved
- Education Toolkit | ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Elevate school success with ASK's Education Toolkit. Addressing late effects after childhood cancer treatment. Empowering parents and schools for student achievement. Download now! EDUCATION TOOLKIT TOOLKIT Make Back-to-School Season a Success T reatment for childhood cancer can affect a child’s ability to think, remember, move, play, communicate, and socialize. These challenges that come up after treatment are called “late effects.” In partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Childhood Cancer Workgroup, ASK created the Childhood Cancer Education Toolkit to make sure everyone involved knows how to help accommodate late effects and support patient and survivor school success. For Parents and Caregivers (Para Padres y Cuidadores) It is natural, and expected, for parents to have questions and concerns when their child goes back to school following treatment. While this experience can be overwhelming, a successful transition is possible with proper guidance and support from your child's school and medical teams! This toolkit shows parents and caregivers how to work with schools to meet their child’s educational needs after a cancer diagnosis. Download Descargar For Educators and Schools (Para Educadores) After treatment, both children and teens can experience late side effects of treatment, including physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Some late effects may come up right away, but it’s also common for children and youth to experience new challenges as they get older and school gets harder. This toolkit contains information for school personnel that they can use to support patients and survivors in the school setting. Download Descargar Young Adult Toolkit This toolkit is designed to empower Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) as they transition into adulthood following cancer treatment. It provides comprehensive guidance on navigating higher education and the workforce, while offering practical strategies for independent living—from mastering executive functioning and daily chores to managing healthcare and social relationships. Download Helpful Handouts Tap/click to download these handouts from the Childhood Cancer Education Toolkit. Classroom Accommodations List School Health Plan Information Toolkit How-To Our education toolkit was created with the help and expertise of Alma Morgan, ASK’s Associate Director of Education. Hear from her about how parents, schools, and hospitals can use it to support students in treatment or survivorship. Related Videos Recognizing Cognitive Late Effects in Education Educational & Vocational Issues in Survivorship More Videos
- Privacy Policy | ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Learn about ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation's Privacy Policy. Your privacy matters. Find information on data collection, protection, and more. Privacy Policy Your privacy is of great importance to us and our website has been developed with that in mind. We recognize your right to know what information is being collected about you and how that information will be used, as well as our obligations to protect what we do collect. Our privacy policy tells you about our information practices when you visit us online to browse, obtain information, or request services, such as making a pledge. The policy includes, among other things, what data is collected and why; ways for you to access information or submit inquiries; security features; and website analysis tools used. ASK respects your privacy while you are an online visitor to our website. At our site, we do not collect personal information unless you provide it to us voluntarily and knowingly. We acknowledge your right to: know what purpose the information gathered might be used. know with what other entities the information gathered might be shared. a guarantee of reasonable security of any data collected. a guarantee of data accuracy and fidelity. access to data gathered to ensure accuracy and fidelity. choose not to be included in any use of the data unrelated to the stated purpose for which the data was collected. choose not to be included in any transfer of data to any third party for any use unrelated to the stated purpose for which the data was collected. Our Commitment to Our Donors Donor Privacy Policy. We will not sell, share or trade our donors’ names or Personal Information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations. This Donor Privacy Policy applies to all information received by ASK, both online and offline, on any Platform, as well as any electronic, written or verbal communications. Information We Collect About You Personal Information. We may collect the following types of personal information: Information provided by you when requesting information through the site. For example, you may be required to submit personal information such as your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address in order to join our email list or register for an event. Credit or debit card, or bank account information collected from you when making a donation. Information you provide us through customer service correspondence and general feedback. Non-personal Information. When you visit the site, we may collect non-personal information, such as a catalog of the Site pages you visit. Non-personal information is generally collected through the Site from the following sources: server log files, cookies, and other technologies and information that you voluntarily provide. Cookies and similar technologies. We and our service providers may use "cookies" or similar technologies on our Site. A cookie is a piece of data stored on your computer that ties your computer to a web server for recordkeeping purposes. Most browsers allow you to control the use of cookies on your computer. If you choose to limit the use of cookies on your computer, we may not be able to provide you the services you request on our Site. Cookies, when used, are not persisted. Server log files. Your Internet Protocol (IP) address is logged in our server log files along with other information about your activity on our Site. We use your IP address to calculate Site usage levels, help diagnose problems with our servers, and generally administer the Site. Collecting IP addresses is standard practice on the Internet. How We Use Information We Collect Personal Information: We may use the personal information we collect in the following ways: Fulfillment of requests. We may use your personal information to provide you with the services you requested. Administrative communications. From time to time, we may use the personal information you provide us to contact you about the services you have ordered or important changes to the site. Because this information may be important to your use of the site, the fulfillment of your request, or required by Federal regulation, you may not opt-out of receiving such communications. Non-personal Information: Because non-personal information does not personally identify you, we may use such information for any purpose. Accessing and Modifying Information and Communication Preferences Upon request, ASK will grant individuals reasonable access to Personal Information that we and our agents hold about them. For example, visitors to the Platform who have provided Personal Information to us may review and/or make changes to the same by contacting ASK. In addition, individuals may manage their receipt of marketing communications by clicking on the “unsubscribe” link located on the bottom of any ASK marketing e-mail or by following the instructions found on the Platform. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to process such requests in a timely manner. How We Protect Your Information We take appropriate security measures to protect against unauthorized access to data. These measures include internal and external reviews of our data collection, storage, and processing practices and security measures, including physical security measures to guard against unauthorized access to systems where we store personal data. We restrict access to personal information to employees and contractors who need to know that information in order to operate, develop, or improve our services. These individuals are bound by confidentiality obligations and may be subject to discipline, including termination and criminal prosecution, if they fail to meet these obligations. When visitors to our Site provide personal information, the data is encrypted and protected using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol. Changes to this Privacy Policy Please note that this Privacy Policy may change from time to time. We will not reduce your rights under this Privacy Policy without your explicit consent. We will post any Privacy Policy changes on this page and, if the changes are significant, we will provide a more prominent notice. Inquiries Please direct any questions or concerns regarding this privacy policy or ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation’s treatment of personal information by contacting us or you may write to us at ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, 5211 W Broad Street, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23230. We will investigate and respond to your inquiry. Your inquiry will be treated confidentially, and will not be shared with external parties, except service providers and those who govern and oversee ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. Last Updated: 08/01/23
- Family Support | ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Emotional and financial support for families of children with cancer in Virginia. Discover community resources and meet the team who will help ease the journey. Financial Assistance Everyday Relief & Resources In Clinic Support Mental & Emotional Wellbeing Mental & Emotional Wellbeing Bereavement Support FAMILY SUPPORT SUPPORT We understand how isolating a cancer diagnosis can be. We are here with you every step of the way. As we always say, once an ASK family, always an ASK family. New to ASK? Fill out our Enrollment Form to officially join the ASK community! Enrollment Form/Forma de Inscripción Financial Assistance Everyday Relief & Resources In Clinic Support Mental & Emotional Wellbeing Bereavement Support Financial Assistance A childhood cancer diagnosis can be devastating for families, financially as well as emotionally. Expenses during treatment can overwhelm an otherwise financially secure family. ASK is here to help. Qualified families may apply for help paying non-medical (housing, utilities, transportation) bills. We offer financial assistance to families being treated at: Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters UVA Children’s Hospital Carilion Children’s Inova Schar Cancer Institute Children’s National Fredericksburg Apply Now Aplica Aqui We are proud to support families across Virginia in their cancer journey. As a proud partner of Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU for nearly 50 years, we are proud of the following resources and support families can expect while receiving care in the ASK Hematology/Oncology Clinic at CHoR. We hope to expand this support to our other treatment center partners across the state in the future. Everyday Relief & Resources Dayana Bjorkman Bilingual Community Coordinator (Spanish/English) Get In Touch Jenna Cline Family Support Coordinator Get In Touch Meet Dayana & Jenna They talk with families to see what can make their experience less stressful, often connecting families with financial support and community resources. How they help The challenges that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis can look a little different for everyone. Dayana and Jenna provide the level of support that works with your needs, such as: providing assistance with non-medical expenses, like gas and grocery gift cards checking in regularly to offer a kind word or a listening ear offering a pick-me-up surprise when your child or their siblings feel down inviting families to ASK social events connecting you with community partners for everyday needs, such a s a free oil change * Managing your household, bills, and daily responsibilities does not stop after your child’s diagnosis. Dayana and Jenna are there to help alleviate some of that stress for you and your family. ASK also encourages families to check in with their hospital social worker, too, to see what other organizations may be able to help. *Free oil changes are currently only available for families in active treatment. Contact Jenna Cline for more information. In Clinic Support Meet Katie ASK Child Life Specialist, Katie Barber (also known as “Miss Katie” to our kids!) is one of the first people you will meet while in clinic. She is here to ease your child’s anxiety as they receive treatment in the ASK Clinic. How She Helps Katie uses medical play to teach kids about what they are going through, like accessing their port. What looks like play is really a clever way to help kids feel less stressed at clinic! This helps them understand what the doctors and nurses are doing to make it less scary. Katie can also help by: providing fun distractions like crafts, games, and playing with toys encouraging your child to do an art project or engage in pretend play to help them express their feelings teaching your child how to find their voice and speak up for what makes them comfortable ASK is proud to fund this child life position at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Katie Barber Child Life Specialist Get In Touch Take the Virtual Tour! Mental & Emotional Wellbeing Rev. Rich Catlett, BCC Chaplain Get In Touch Meet Rich ASK Chaplain, Rich Catlett, is available wherever your child is along their treatment journey in the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. Chaplains support families with a strong religious faith as well as those who don’t claim any religion. How He Helps Spiritual support can vary widely, including prayer, addressing concerns about death and after life, dealing with a loss of faith, or discussing ways to use spirituality for strength. Whatever your beliefs, Rich listens to your concerns and helps you process what you are going through. ASK is proud to fund this chaplain position at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Bereavement Support Ev en with the best doctors and medicines, the heartbreaking reality is that cancer takes the lives of some children. We feel your heartache and mourn the loss of your child. Our chapla in and su pport team will be with you throughout your grief and moments of remembrance, as much as you need us to be. ASK financial assistance is available to help with funeral services, and connect you with community grief and loss resources that can help your family process your loss. If you need a break from ASK after you've lost your child, that's okay and completely normal. Know that our community is ready and waiting with open arms to welcome you back, when you're ready. Because once an ASK family, always an ASK family. “Kim has been incredible since day one explaining services and offering/providing support to our family. Kim makes us feel so welcomed and supported.”
- Resources | ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Empowering support: ASK's resources for parents, caregivers & educators of children with cancer. Education toolkit, videos, webinars, and more! RESOURCES Empowering parents, caregivers, and teachers with the know-how to best support a child with cancer. Whether at home, in clinic, or in the classroom, there are a lot of things to learn when it comes to supporting a child with cancer. A childhood cancer diagnosis introduces a maze of brand-new medical terms, unfamiliar routines and procedures, and many new and overwhelming emotions. It can also greatly impact educational needs during treatment and into survivorship. ASK is here to offer a helping hand. Education Toolkit Missed days and late-term side effects from treatment are just some challenges kids with cancer face with school. We designed our education toolkit to support our kids every step of the way as they transition back to the classroom. Learn More Video Library Learn the ins and outs of the ASK clinic, ways to best support your child from diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond, how to cope with the unique emotions that come with caring for a child with cancer, and much more. Learn More Conferences ASK hosts an annual educator conference for teachers and other school personnel to learn about the support kids with cancer might need as they go through treatment and return to school. They also learn how to create an environment where survivors can learn and thrive. Learn More Webinar Series Our webinars cover a variety of educational and mental health topics meant to empower parents, teens, and young adults affected by childhood cancer and sickle cell disease. Learn More Additional Resources Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, "Coping with Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma" Children's Oncology Group, "Health Link: Educational Issues Following Treatment for Childhood Cancer" Children's Oncology Group, "Health Link: Emotional Issues After Childhood Cancer" Leukemia Lymphoma Society, "14 Essential Things to Know When Childhood Cancer Touches Your School" Understood.com, "Slow Processing Speed and Anxiety: What You Need to Know" Hope Portal, Childhood Cancer Organization Database

