Site Search

Elevate lives: Join the #MakingLifeBetter Campaign for children with cancer in Virginia. Fundraising and awareness through partnerships with local businesses and corporate supporters. #MAKINGLIFE BETTER CAMPAIGN BETTER Campaign The #MakingLifeBetter Campaign is a retail campaign that rallies corporate supporters, local businesses, their consumers and vendors in a movement to make life better for children with cancer across the state of Virginia by 1) raising funds for essential programs and resources, and 2) raising general awareness for childhood cancer. Ways to Participate: Round Up Upon checking out, customers have the option to round up their total to the nearest dollar. Golden Hand Pinup The cu stomer is asked at the time of check-out to make a donation of $1, $3, or $5 to ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. Once donation is given, the customer is provided a gold hand to sign and hang to showcase their support. Co-Venture Promotion The retailer can provide a specific item where ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation receives a percentage of the profits or a designated dollar amount of the price. #MAKINGLIFEBETTER Community Partners in Action We’re only able to do what we do because of our incredible ASK community, which will shine even brighter with your company in it! Benefits to Leading a Campaign: Co-branded #MakingLifeBetter resources to display in your business and on social media Company logo recognition on ASK website leading up to and during the campaign Company acknowledgment in social post and email communications throughout the campaign Invitation to ASK's annual celebration with other donors and supporters who have helped make an impact for our families Interested in becoming a #MakingLifeBetter partner? Contact Amy Godkin, ASK Executive Director, at agodkin@askccf.org YOU make a difference Thank you for leveraging your business to lessen the burden of cancer for our kids and families throughout Virginia. How Your Support Helps

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

Enhance your child's education through ASK's comprehensive support services. From tutoring to graduation ceremonies, preschool through high school, we're here for every educational step. EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SUPPORT Cancer can greatly impact a child’s education at any age: from time out of school, a transition back to the classroom, or effects from treatment that make learning more challenging. ASK provides educational support from preschool through high school and the transition to adulthood. We are here to make sure your child has the extra help they need. Education Support Navigators In 2022, the state legislature allocated state funds specifically to support childhood cancer for the first time. These funds allow ASK to provide an Education Support Navigator at each pediatric cancer treatment center in Virginia. Our navigators help bridge the gap between the medical team and school team. They help patients and survivors stay on grade level, and receive the accommodations they need to be successful. Find My Navigator Education Support Navigators Back-to-School Supplies We passionately believe that every child deserves a strong start to the school year. We know that parents have a lot to juggle and the cost of school supplies adds up. We are happy to provide a backpack filled with school supplies to help start the school year off right. Back to school is a great time to check in with your Education Support Navigator to make sure your IEP or 504 plan is up to date. In-Person and Online Tutoring In-Person Tutoring In-person tutoring provides a certified teacher to help one-on-one with schoolwork. They’ll meet weekly with your child at a public space, like the library, to provide learning support in a way that your child will understand. In-person tutoring is currently only available in Richmond and Fredericksburg. Online Tutoring Online tutoring is a great option if your child has an IEP and needs some extra help with their schoolwork, but it needs to be in your home and on your schedule. ASK’s online tutoring program matches your child with a carefully chosen academic mentor from our partner, The Brain Bodega, to help with schoolwork and other study skills. They’ll meet online with your child up to twice a week to provide school support in a way that works for your child. If your child receives treatment in Virginia, contact the Education Support Navigator at your hospital or clinic for more information. Tutoring First STEP Preschool The First STEP (Socialization Through Enriched Play) preschool class is a special class at First Baptist Preschool just for our ASK families. Our teachers look for both typical developmental milestones as well as late effects from treatment to help our kids get the best start possible. We take extra cleaning precautions to keep our kids healthy and safe. Our focus is to prepare students for a successful kindergarten experience with skills like sharing, listening, focusing, and cooperating. First STEP Preschool Graduation Ceremony Graduating from high school is no small achievement, and we proudly honor our graduates each spring in an ASK graduation ceremony. Whether your ASK kid went through treatment when they were ten years old or are going through treatment during their senior year of high school, we want to celebrate them. Family, friends, educators, and healthcare providers come together to celebrate this important milestone. ASK Graduation Young Adult Support It’s not unusual for teens and young adults who have been through childhood cancer to feel different from other kids their age. Their experience may have changed them emotionally, academically, and socially. They might not take the typical path of graduating from high school, going to college, and finding a career. Sometimes it’s easier for another adult to ask the questions that help guide them forward into adulthood. Michelle Jarnagin-Johnson, ASK Young Adult Support Coordinator, will talk with your teen or young adult to see where they are in their journey, what their goals are, and what they might need to achieve them. She can assist and connect them with: SAT prep College prep workshop Driving school Community college, vocational school, or college tours Community resources Tuition assistance Job readiness skills Whatever your child’s needs and interests are, Michelle is here to help. Learn More Young Adult Support More Education Resources Education Toolkit Video Library Conferences Webinar Series

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 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

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 almost 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 ASK is making life better! But you don't have to take our word for it. Check out what our kids and families have to say about how ASK has made their cancer journey a little easier. 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 23220 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 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

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 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

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

Stay informed with the latest ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation media stories. Read and watch news updates on how ASK is making an impact in Virginia. IN THE NEWS NEWS Looking for Press Releases? > Featured Story May 2024 19th Annual 5K and Fun Run held at The Diamond raised money to support childhood cancer programs Read More Previous Stories May 2024 ASK 5K & Fun Walk raises record breaking amount of money March 2024 ASK 5K and Fun Walk Returns to Richmond February 2024 WDBJ7 Roanoke: ASK Kid Nikolas’s Journey through Pediatric Cancer and the Support of ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation January 2024 CBS6 News Richmond: ASK Parents and Pediatric Cancer Survivors Drive Home Need to Continue Funding for Education Navigator Program Across the Commonwealth at Childhood Cancer Advocacy Day February 2023 New program helps young cancer patients return to classroom July 2022 Supporting children, families facing pediatric cancer June 2022 Virginia budget funds new position at UVA Children’s Hospital April 2022 Sponsoring an 'ultra-marathoner' who is going the distance to fight childhood cancer December 2021 Drive-thru Christmas party brightens these deserving kids and their families November 2021 A Growing Effort September 2021 Governor’s mansion turns gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month September 2021 Virginia's Executive Mansion goes gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month September 2021 ‘Go Gold” with ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation September 2021 Health Watch: Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month July 2021 Dunkin’ donates $10,000 to ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation July 2021 Doubling in size, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation unveils new “Family Center” December 2020 Charity Begins on Zoom November 2020 ASK 2020 Donut Run: taking our donuts to-go this year! September 2020 Champions for Charity tournament raises money for ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation February 2020 History Makers: ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation September 2019 Kids kicking childhood cancer honored with portraits in Virginia exhibit November 2017 A Very Good Day Are you writing a story about ASK? Please contact Hanna Gardner, Associate Director of Marketing, for media kit materials, brand guidelines, and communication materials at hgardner@askccf.org.

ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation is a Virginia-based nonprofit dedicated to making life better for children with cancer and their families through financial assistance, educational support, and opportunities for community and connection. We're here to make life a little better. Your generosity means kids like Isiah don't have to face cancer or serious blood disorders alone. better. Give Today Isiah 13, ALL B-Cell Leukemia Where we help: ASK is proud to support children and their families across Virginia in their cancer journey. How we help our families: Community & Connection Fighting cancer can be an isolating experience. We helped our kids and families build meaningful connections throughout 2023 with more than 100 program events. Educational Support On average, kids miss 43 days of school during their first year of treatment. In 2023, we helped more than 500 patients return to school with the support they need to be successful. Financial Assistance Half of all families with a child in treatment will experience severe financial hardship. In 2023, we helped families stay afloat with more than $250,000 to cover everyday expenses. Get Support Lending a Helping Hand for 50 years! Since 1975, ASK has been committed to providing Assistance, Support, and Kindness to children with cancer and their families—during treatment and beyond. What began in Richmond, VA has grown to serve families across the state through educational support, family services, and community connection. Thanks to you, we’ve funded key positions, offered financial aid, and built a support network that reaches beyond medical care. But there’s still more to do—together, we can ensure no child or family faces cancer alone. See Our Impact 6-7 children are diagnosed with cancer every week in Virginia. Let’s give them a hand and help make life better any way we can. How to Get Involved > Meet Our ASK Kids Read Their Stories Stay Connected with ASK Sign Up for Updates

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.

Get in touch with ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. Contact us for information about family programs, how to get involved, partnership opportunities and more. CONTACT Have a question about our programs? Maybe a specific question about getting involved? Send us a message below! Helpful Links Submit Thanks for reaching out! A member of our team will get back to you as soon as they can. Helpful links: Financial assistance information, requirements and how to apply Ways to give and support ASK kids and families Volunteer information and opportunities to lend a hand About ASK program events and how to sign up Need to reach a specific member of our team? Address 5211 W. Broad St Suite 100 Richmond, VA 23230 Phone (804) 658-5910 Email info@askccf.org

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