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Nikola’s family stays positive, even on the toughest days of treatment. “To anyone out there, we want you to know that we are stronger than childhood cancer,” says Nikola’s dad, Jorge. “Even on the worst days, we have hope that tomorrow will be better. Each day, we are stronger than the day before, and we are reminded that our focus should be on our family.” When five-year-old Nikola – Niko, for short – began feeling lethargic and complaining of joint pain, his parents knew something was wrong. After several doctors’ appointments and a simple blood test, Niko was diagnosed with leukemia (B-Cell ALL). The next few days were a total blur, but Jorge shares that the help they received from ASK during that time kept him and his family feeling grounded and supported. “From the very first days, ASK has been such a blessing,” Jorge remembers. “The emotional support we continue to receive from people who know what we’re going through is invaluable. My wife had to quit work to care for Niko, and ASK was there to provide financial support when we needed it most. And, ASK gives us the opportunity to forget about childhood cancer by planning trips and activities outside of the hospital. We could never express how grateful we are for all of their support.” Niko’s family also appreciates the connections that ASK has allowed them to make with all of the other families they serve. “We realize how lucky we are to have one another to lean on and stand together,” Jorge continues. “When we connect with other families, we know that It’s not just our family going through this struggle. We are reminded to stay strong.” Niko is progressing through treatment, which is at least a two-year process. He is still active and loves to play outside with his older sister, Yaredith. “Niko is happy, in spite of his circumstances,” Jorge laughs. “He reminds us every day that we can fight childhood cancer as a family, and we will win. Thank goodness ASK will be fighting in the trenches with us until childhood cancer is gone forever.”

Ada is an inquisitive, spunky three-year-old who loves blue popsicles, singing and playing on her playset with her loving parents, Savanna and Austin. To know Ada is to love her. Her bright personality will capture your heart and her humor will keep you on your toes. She may look and act like your typical toddler, but Ada has faced a lot more than most children her age: She is currently fighting a bilateral optic pathway glioma, a type of brain tumor that has caused her to lose much of her vision. Even so, Ada goes into each day living her life to the fullest! “Since about nine months old, we noticed that Ada’s eyes were moving from side to side really fast, which is called nystagmus. We were reassured, and it was being monitored,” Savanna explains. “But when her right eye started to turn inward, I became alarmed and we were referred to VCU Pediatric Ophthalmology. I honestly thought we would get a prescription for glasses and she would have to wear an eye patch to correct the lazy eye, but we left that appointment in shock and terrified.” An MRI later revealed an extensive bilateral optic pathway brain tumor, and their worst nightmare was confirmed. Many follow-ups, testing and specialty appointments followed, where they learned that treatment would involve 60 weeks of chemotherapy. “In spite of the chaos of childhood cancer, our Clinic visits are filled with comfort and love,” Savanna shares. “The first time we were in Clinic was one of the hardest and scariest days of our lives, but almost immediately, the entire staff helped to calm our fears and make us feel at home. I will never forget that day. It was 4 days before Christmas 2022, and in walks Miss Katie, ASK’s Child Life Specialist, with Bat Girl and Christmas presents for Ada. Receiving this gesture within minutes of us being placed in our infusion room made all the difference in our world, and gently eased Ada into her first day of chemotherapy. Ada now runs into Clinic, so excited to see and play with everyone. The entire staff is so sweet and completely spoils our precious girl. Not only do they support Ada, but they support us as parents as well. They work so hard to make each child feel special and make the hard days seem easier.” Savanna is a Labor and Delivery nurse at VCU CMH in South Hill and an adjunct nursing instructor for SVCC. Austin works in both Forestry and Farming. They have both continued to work full-time during Ada’s treatment, which has been a lot to navigate through while putting their daughter’s healthcare first. Driving from their home in Keysville, Virginia, Ada and her family travel more than an hour each way to get to treatment at the ASK Oncology/Hematology Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. The financial burden that comes with a childhood cancer diagnosis can be devastating, but thanks to ASK’s community of support, Ada’s family doesn’t have to face it alone. “We are so grateful to ASK for the gas, gift, and grocery cards we have received to help mitigate the costs such as of traveling to the clinic and purchasing a safety vest for Ada to wear during chemotherapy." - ASK mom Savanna "The snacks, popsicles and treasure box full of toys that ASK provides are always there to lift her spirits and keep her busy during long chemotherapy days. They continue to show us so much love and support in so many ways.” Savanna continues. Miss Katie also referred the family to Roc Solid Foundation, who donated and built Ada her very own playset last autumn. Since Ada’s diagnosis, she’s been able to attend ASK’s Night at The Diamond, the ASK 5k & Fun Walk, and ASK’s Kourageous Kids Party – experiences this family says they are so thankful for and will forever hold close to their hearts. Ada’s doctors had a plan for her to complete her chemotherapy this month, February 2024. However, recent MRI findings have changed her course and extended her chemotherapy regimen for an additional 2 years. While they still have a long road ahead of them, Ada and her family know they will have a community of support by their side. “God, our family, friends, community and all the teams at VCU CHoR have been with us every step of the way. And if anyone can fight brain cancer with a smile on her face, it’s our Ada,” Savanna reflects. “She has inspired so many people with her courage, strength, and resilience and I have no doubt that she will continue to move mountains until she finally rings that bell. ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation has greatly impacted our lives and given us so much joy to look forward to during some of our darkest days. We could never thank them enough for being one of the constants that has kept us grounded during Ada’s adventure.”

On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation advocates gathered at the General Assembly of Virginia for a day full of legislator meetings to emphasize the transformative impact of the state-funded Education Navigator Program, which has proven to be a beacon of hope and assistance for children and their families facing the challenges of childhood cancer and late effects of treatment. In attendance were ASK parents like Melissa Healey, ASK Mom of Tallulah, a 4-year-old battling B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, and ASK survivors like Grace Black, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of five. They shared their unique stories of battling cancer and how ASK's Education Navigator Program has made an impact on their child's life and personal journey with cancer. Tracy Sears at CBS6 Richmond has the story: Grace Black was five years old when she was first diagnosed with cancer. Today, at 16 and cancer-free, she’s speaking with Virginia lawmakers about the long-term effects of her illness that can make learning challenging. She says educational support has played a big role in helping her navigate big learning hurdles. “There’s definitely discouragement, like why can’t I learn like everyone else?” Grace said. “I lost 96% of my visual memory so it makes it very hard to spell and it makes my brain work ten times harder in order to do the same schoolwork that my classmates are doing, and my peers are doing.” Grace was among 40 advocates with ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation who met with Virginia’s state delegates and senators on Wednesday, thanking them for their support of children and adolescents who are battling cancer or are survivors… Children like 4-year-old Tallulah, who now has an Education Support Navigator helping her adjust to preschool while undergoing treatment for B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Tallulah’s mother, Melissa Heatley, says the support provided by ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation has given her family peace of mind. “The relationship that we’ve forged and the friendships, they mean everything to us,” Heatley said. Heatley also met with lawmakers Wednesday morning to encourage more funding to assist families. While there is one education navigator in all five major cancer treatment centers across the state, ASK is hoping the program will grow to include more education specialists. With over 500 children receiving education assistance in its first year, ASK aims to support even more children in the coming years through its Education Navigator Program. The goal is to provide support to the 6-7 children diagnosed with cancer in Virginia each week. As we reflect on this past year's accomplishments, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting children with cancer and those in survivorship. ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every child and adolescent facing cancer receives the education and assistance they need to thrive beyond their battle with cancer. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by childhood cancer in Virginia. You can watch the full segment by Tracy Sears on CBS6 here.

Being a parent or caregiver brings joy and purpose to many. This statement couldn't be more accurate for Robbie Westermann, a proud father of three. The role of being a dad sparked his deep dedication to improving the lives of children navigating challenging circumstances and drew him to the mission of ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. As the new Board President of ASK, Westermann effortlessly blends the nurturing qualities honed through parenting into his leadership style. “Listening well and being open to different ideas are not just skills from being a parent; they are essential to shaping ASK's goals,” says Robbie. To him, leading a nonprofit is like being the conductor of a family orchestra, where every voice plays a part in creating something beautiful together. Robbie's dedication to creating an inclusive environment where every voice is valued harmonizes perfectly with ASK's vision for a more impactful and inclusive future. When questioned about his vision for ASK's evolution amid the ongoing statewide expansion, he emphasized the importance of bringing on board members from different regions of Virginia. "This strategy is imperative to garner diverse perspectives, enabling ASK to extend its reach even further with a broader scope and a more substantial foundation of funds and talent," he shares. "We are grateful for Robbie's steady and impactful leadership as we navigate this growth,” says Amy Godkin, ASK Executive Director. Robbie has already hit the ground running and has made it very clear that during his term as Board President, he will “put the organization in the strongest place for staff and funding to keep this state model going while preserving our central Virginia roots” and that “we are in the right spot to take ASK to the next level in making life the very best for our children and their families.” Robbie has been a critical member of our Board of Directors since 2017, and like many members of our committee, he is no stranger to ASK as he has been a supporter and cheerleader for our ASK children and families for over a decade. As he reflected on his most memorable moment of 2023 at the Kourageous Kids Party, where fourteen children and their families were recognized for their bravery and resilience, he couldn’t help but be inspired and proud of the great work that ASK does to serve its families. When Robbie isn't wearing his Super Dad hat and trying to make life better for children with cancer, he works as an Attorney and Shareholder at Hirschler Fleischer, P.C. Throughout his time at Hirschler Fleischer, he has focused on streamlining all business areas to maximize impact, a skill he has put in to practice as the Board Chair since taking on this role in July 2023. Thanks for all you do, Robbie!

In many ways, Shyann is your typical shy and curious 10-year-old girl. She likes to play outside with her friends, draw, watch TV, learn new things in school and be the best big sister to her younger brother. In other ways, Shyann is different from most of her peers and the challenges they face; earlier this year, she was diagnosed with stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma and is currently fighting for her life. Shyann’s mom, Elizabeth, first noticed something was wrong when Shyann started looking pale and was losing her appetite. Elizabeth’s worries grew after a phone call from Shyann’s school principal, who was concerned about her fatigue. Instead of running around with her classmates as she normally would, Shyann favored the bench on the sidelines. Elizabeth and Shyann’s stepdad, Nicholas, immediately rushed her to the hospital and urged doctors to do whatever they could to explain what was happening to their daughter. Tests soon confirmed their worst fears: there was a tumor on Shyann’s pelvis that had merged with her spine. She received her official diagnosis a week later, and ASK has been by the family’s side ever since. We were overjoyed to see Shyann’s loving parents and brother go all in when it came to helping her feel less alone! “Our whole family shaved their head in support of Shyann,” Elizabeth laughs. “This is just the beginning of our journey, and we have a long road ahead of us, so we wanted her to know that we’re all in this together.” These days, Shyann’s life revolves around the ASK Hematology/Oncology Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU for chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. She has spent months in and out of the hospital, endured rare, life-threatening side effects from radiation, and braved dozens of blood transfusions. Even so, Shyann and her family stay resilient and headstrong with their community of support with them at every step. “This diagnosis and treatment plan is so scary for all of us and so stressful. ASK’s support team has been with us since Shyann’s diagnosis, and we look forward to participating in the family events and support groups once Shyann is able,” Elizabeth continues. “ASK has been incredibly helpful with gift cards for groceries and gas. We live in Dinwiddie, so we travel a good distance to get to Clinic. We also have only one car, so it needs to remain dependable. It’s so comforting to know that someone will have our backs throughout this process, in big and small ways.” - ASK mom Elizabeth Through the generosity of ASK’s donors, Shyann and her family will continue to receive financial assistance, access to mental health counseling, opportunities for community and connection as Shyann is able, as well as post-treatment educational programs and services to help her thrive in school and life. “If everything goes well, Shyann will complete treatment in 18 months,” Elizabeth explains. “Childhood cancer is unforgiving, and it comes on so fast. The worst part of Shyann’s disease is that you don’t know that you have it until it’s stage 4. We are so blessed to have ASK to help us navigate this new and confusing world of clinics and hospitals and treatments and remain our advocates!”

Sweet and petite four-year-old Zhuri loves Peppa Pig, playing with her dolls, and most of all, being a big sister to her baby brother. ASK mom Talia’s “little daredevil” has faced adversity her entire life, a battle that reached its tipping point when Zhuri was diagnosed with Pilocytic Astrocytoma – a rare type of brain tumor – at just three years old. Zhuri struggled with health issues long before her cancer diagnosis. For years, she would vomit after every meal. Doctors misdiagnosed her with gastric intestinal issues and resorted to feeding tubes to get Zhuri the nutrition she needed to survive. Even so, she stopped gaining weight. As a toddler, she still wore baby clothes. Concerned and desperate for answers, Zhuri’s parents urged doctors for more consultations and tests. An MRI scanning for chemical imbalances finally revealed the culprit: a tumor in Zhuri’s brain. Soon after, she and her family were introduced to ASK. “At our first appointment in the ASK Clinic, Ms. Katie brought Play-Doh to Zhuri and introduced us to many of the programs for pediatric cancer patients and their families," remembers Talia. "We felt an immediate sense of relief in the midst of so much confusion and heartbreak.” “They have helped us in big and small ways. From financial aid and gas cards to help ease our financial burdens to a friendly smile and something as simple as Play-Doh, ASK is always present to help make our lives better,” she continues. “Truly, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation has blessed us throughout this process, and I can’t imagine going through a childhood cancer diagnosis without the people, programs and services of ASK.” - Talia, ASK mom Surgery is not an option for Zhuri because of where the tumor is located in her brain. While the treatments keeping the mass at bay have created new developmental hurdles to overcome as Zhuri grows, her family knows she’ll have a community of support by her side to face every challenge that comes her way. “Although Zhuri is very tiny, we’ve come a long way,” laughs Talia. “Her speech is delayed, and we believe she has some processing issues, but she is a fighter, and the chemo seems to be keeping the tumor from growing more.” “I went into this journey expecting the worst, but Zhuri’s demeanor and joy in spite of her circumstances have been an inspiration to all of us, and ASK gives us hope and happiness every day,” Talia gushes. “We remain positive and refuse to succumb to negative emotion. We will always have hope in this situation.”

Little 22-month-old Augie has just started learning how to run, loves music, and discovers something new every day thanks to his handy glasses. He’ll scan up and down the grocery store aisles with his mom, Katie, amazed by the brilliant colors. It’s small moments like this that Augie’s family is grateful for ever since he was diagnosed with Bilateral Retinoblastoma, a rare pediatric cancer in the eye. “Childhood cancer affects every aspect of your life,” Katie shares, recalling when Augie was diagnosed at just five months old. “You have to put a lot on hold, and the whole family grieves the loss of childhood and normalcy. Luckily for us, we had ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation to support us through some of our darkest hours.” Katie is a pediatric physical therapist and routinely conducts visual screenings on children. Her instincts kicked in shortly after she noticed Augie looking to his left side more than the right and observed shaky movements in both eyes. Their appointment with an ophthalmologist confirmed Katie’s worst fears: cancerous tumors. They were sent to Duke Hospital to start Augie’s treatment the next day. Augie’s treatment included intra-arterial chemotherapy (localized to the back of his eyes) to shrink the tumors, followed up with systemic chemotherapy (whole body) at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Thankfully, the tumors have stabilized, and everyone is hopeful that Augie’s eyesight (which is already exceeding expectations!) will gradually improve as he continues to be monitored frequently by the retinoblastoma specialists in Philadelphia and supported by the ASK Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. “We didn’t get connected with ASK for the first few months after his diagnosis, but once they found out about us they immediately started supporting our entire family in the ways that each of us needed them,” Katie recalls. “Augie had blood and platelet transfusions at CHoR, and ASK was there to share programs and services that we didn’t even know existed. They knew what we needed in terms of psycho-social support before we did,” Katie continues. Augie’s family especially enjoyed ASK’s holiday events, a zoo trip, and sibling-specific programs for his three older sisters. “His sisters Josey (15), Teresa (12), and Clara (9) are very protective of him, and each dealt with his diagnosis in their own way,” Katie explains. “Participating in family events introduced us to others who were going through the same thing and understood what we were facing. That’s incredibly comforting and one of the things that makes ASK such a unique organization.” “We are grateful that ASK will never leave us, as well,” Katie continues. “They say, ‘Once an ASK kid, always an ASK kid,’ and I am in awe of that. The rest of society doesn’t stay in the trenches long term, but ASK will be here for our family for a lifetime. That’s incredible!” Augie’s family shares that his cancer diagnosis has given them a new meaning to the phrase, ‘stop and smell the roses’ – even at the grocery store. “He has shaped our family’s perspective on life and reminds us every day to slow down and enjoy the small things in life with him. We are so grateful for those opportunities!”

For the most part, three-year-old Zion is your typical toddler: he loves dinosaurs, superheroes and wrestling with his older brothers. “He’s a flirt and a charmer,” Zion’s dad, Andre, says with a chuckle. “And as long as he stays hydrated, we let him try new things and play hard!" Zion was just one week old when he was diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD): an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become crescent - or “sickle” - shaped, stick together and block blood flow to the rest of the body. Both of Zion’s parents carry the genetic trait for SCD, as does his twin, Nuri, so the diagnosis wasn’t a huge surprise; Rather, it marked the first of many challenges ahead in managing his lifelong illness. Within days of his diagnosis, Zion and his family were introduced to ASK. “ASK is phenomenal,” remarks Taniqua, Zion’s mom. “Everyone is so helpful and kind, and the financial help that ASK has given us has been incredible. The kids appreciate the gifts and toys and the people at ASK are always on hand to lift our spirits.” Zion’s family was able to participate in ASK’s 2021 holiday Tacky Light Tour, a trip to the Richmond Zoo, the ASK 2022 holiday party and several more ASK events. Being diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic meant extra isolation from the outside world, so these opportunities for connection were that much more impactful for Zion and his family as they navigated his illness. “The older kids were very upset because they understood what Zion may go through, but we have rallied as a family and they are very protective of their little brother,” Taniqua continues. “Now, we’re hoping that Zion will be able to have a bone marrow or haploid transplant to improve his situation, with the new marrow coming from either me or his dad if not an unrelated donor.” Sickle cell disease patients can experience episodes of intense pain. Zion experienced his first pain crisis when he was eight months old, causing a terrifying stroke. While monthly blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy currently keep Zion’s pain crises at bay, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant is vital to helping him live a long and full life. Even so, Zion doesn’t let sickle cell disease stop him from being his awesome self! “Treatments have improved, technology has improved, and Zion can be an example that children can live a normal life with sickle cell,” shares Andre. Taniqua and Andre want people to know that children living with SCD in Virginia need blood transfusions, and encourage everyone who is able to step up and give what they can to save kids like their son. “It was heartbreaking to know that during the blood shortage, some kids couldn’t get the blood transfusions they needed. Please give blood if you are able. You never know whose life you may save. We are so grateful that Zion could receive the blood he needed... Someone out there helped save our baby."

On Mother’s Day of 2022, Melissa and her then two-year-old daughter, Tallulah, tested positive for Covid-19. Nothing was the same after that diagnosis. Unfortunately, Tallulah never fully recovered and her mom continued to question why, weeks later, she wasn’t feeling better. Once a simple blood test revealed critically low platelet, red and white blood cell counts, Tallulah was rushed to the pediatric emergency room, where she and Melissa were dealt an unexpected blow: a diagnosis of B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. “We live in Powhatan, so by the time we arrived at VCU, Tallulah was unresponsive. I thought she died in her car seat, and I would never see my baby alive again,” Melissa remembers. “I just wanted to rewind the clock and go back to the day before Mother’s Day, the day before our whole world changed.” An ER doctor confirmed that Tallulah was “nearly incompatible with life.” The hospitalization that followed marked the start of their difficult journey ahead. "Immediately, we were greeted warmly by Katie Barber, ASK’s Child Life Specialist. Within minutes we felt like we were home, where people were going to love us, nurture us and help us through the most difficult situation we’d ever encountered.” - ASK mom Melissa “I didn’t want to be in the ASK Childhood Cancer Clinic,” Melissa continues. “I didn’t want to be near the Children’s Hospital of Richmond, and, most of all, I didn’t want my baby to have cancer. But there we were, confused and terrified. Immediately, we were greeted warmly by Katie Barber, ASK’s Child Life Specialist. Within minutes we felt like we were home, where people were going to love us, nurture us and help us through the most difficult situation we’d ever encountered.” A two-and-a-half-year regimen of treatments, chemotherapy, steroids, transfusions, infusions, and surgeries lay ahead. Tallulah has endured multiple hospital stays and surgeries – but through it all, she stayed resilient. A true fighter. Thankfully, she is now entering her last year of chemo treatments and is celebrating by counting down the days on a chalkboard. Each day is represented with a one-of-a-kind drawing that Tallulah’s mom plans to turn into a book for family and friends. “God is so good,” Melissa says with appreciation. “We have gratitude not for cancer, but for this experience that has taught us to treasure every single day and love deeper.” Alongside their faith, Melissa, Tallulah and family continue to find hope through ASK’s emotional and educational support services, as well as a community that fully embraces and understands them. This care goes beyond the clinical and the medical – it’s personal. “We are so grateful to ASK for being our constant cheerleaders and advocates, and for providing so many opportunities for us to interact with other families. We learn and grow from one another, and those connections with people who truly understand what we’re experiencing have been vital to bringing a sense of normalcy to an abnormal situation. The sense of community that ASK fosters is unique,” Melissa explains. “Jon Longenecker, ASK Education Support Coordinator, helped us find a new preschool that was more accepting of Tallulah’s situation, and someone is always on hand to give us gift cards for gas and food, or just a much-needed hug. They are personally committed to all of the ASK families.” “Tallulah is not only the happiest child that I know, but the most joyful person that I know,” Melissa exclaims, radiating with pride and love. A four-year-old dynamo, Tallulah infuses life with music, dance, and Sesame Street-inspired cakes. “Her cup runneth over,” she continues. “I think, on some level, she knows she’s living through a special time in her life and she’s determined to make the best of it. We’re going to celebrate every day of this journey.”

When Monica was told she had leukemia, she considered ending her own life. A single mom of two young children who speaks limited English, she knew her life during treatment would be hard and she would be alone. It was too much to bear, but then she remembered her babies. “I was so tired, and so sick during chemotherapy. My life was hard and some people that I thought loved me, left me. But I had to stay strong for my children,” recounts Monica. Monica, now 19, was 5 months pregnant with her second child when she noticed that she was so tired, could barely walk and couldn’t sleep. She went to a few hospital emergency rooms before a doctor did a simple blood test, which showed that her hemoglobin and platelet counts were too low, indicating leukemia. To save her life, her son was immediately induced and she began chemotherapy treatments shortly after. Now in remission, Monica looks forward to returning to all the things she enjoyed doing before her diagnosis, like being outside, playing basketball and being a mom to her children. She credits the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation with supporting her through diagnosis and treatment, and now getting back on her feet. “ASK has helped me so much,” exclaims Monica. “Gift cards to help with food and diapers and clothes for my kids, as well as helping me with all the health insurance stuff. I couldn’t have gotten through this terrible experience without them!” “ASK is like my family now... I experienced so much joy with my children at the Bingo Night and the picnic for Latino families. I learned I can feel happy in the middle of cancer.” - ASK Kid Monica “ASK is like my family now,” continues Monica. “They helped us financially and emotionally and have provided enjoyment and words of encouragement during this difficult time, just like a real family. I experienced so much joy with my children at the Bingo Night and the picnic for Latino families. I learned I can feel happy in the middle of cancer.” ​Monica is quick to add that because of financial donors, ASK now provides bilingual support for Spanish-speaking families. “For many Hispanic patients, there is a serious language barrier when trying to understand medical guidance. I want financial donors to know that because they are providing resources for people like me, God will bless them. I can’t say ‘thank you’ enough!” Like many pediatric cancer patients, Monica has a positive spirit. “I know now that everything is going to be well and if I stay positive, things will turn around. Every day, I’m so grateful for my life and for the support that ASK has given me to help me get here!”

"I had equal amounts of fear and anxiety watching him... praying to God that this was not his last race," shares ASK mom Jenny, thinking back to the bittersweet moment she watched her son, Gavin, catch up to the pack and finish first at his swim meet. The next day, he would undergo a biopsy for the mass growing in his right leg and begin the race for his life. "Gavin was very active, into sports. Baseball, swimming, and just any other active 10-year-old thing you can imagine," says Russ, Gavin's dad. "He started to complain of having pain in his right leg, but it would come and go. He would have moments where it hurt and then an hour later he was running around like nothing was wrong." Soon, his intermittent pain became overwhelming. Gavin's pediatrician urged Jenny and Russ to rush their son to the emergency room, terrified and unsure of what to expect. He would have a series of tests that revealed a tumor, and soon after, received the official diagnosis of Ewing Sarcoma in July 2023. "Once we got the Ewing Sarcoma diagnosis, the next day he started treatment. We didn't know that morning we were going to hear every side effect that was going to happen to him. It was one of the hardest days," Jenny recalls. "This is one of those examples of how ASK knows what we need before we need it... Katie Barber snatched up Gavin with a smile and said, 'Let's go play Uno!'" Along with Katie, the family would meet Rich Catlett, ASK Chaplain, and Anne and Leanne, members of the clinic team at the ASK Hematology/Oncology Clinic at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Every day, they provide a hand to hold for kids and families like Gavin's as they navigate the emotional, spiritual and financial challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. "ASK has always known what we needed before we needed it. We didn't know how we were going to make ends meet and they jumped in and said, 'We'll pay your mortgage. We'll pay your bills,'" Jenny explains. "Jon is another person who jumps in for our homebound. Our homebound has been phenomenal because his teachers are angels, but Jon helps get that paperwork through and makes sure that's one less thing on our plates... ASK has become our community." In October 2023, Gavin underwent rotationplasty surgery to amputate his right leg. It was a difficult decision, but one that would, eventually, help Gavin get back to the things he loved in life: sports, being active, playing with his brothers, Charlie and Luca. Jenny shares how deeply grateful she is for ASK Chaplain, Rich Catlett, who was by Gavin's side during those early morning hours on the day of the surgery, praying over him and the surgeons. "Rich Catlett was another constant for Gavin, who he connected to and felt at ease with. He came in with a smile and could judge if Gavin was up for some sports talk that day or not. He talked about Virginia Tech sports while Gav couldn’t attend the games he usually goes to," Jenny shares. "Rich was always a listening ear for my husband and me. He gave us encouragement and support in the hardest moments. We will always be grateful for Rich supporting our family." - ASK mom Jenny A few months after his surgery, Gavin regained enough strength to start learning how to walk again using a prosthetic leg. On February 18, 2024, the family celebrated Gavin's final day of cancer treatment with a parade in their neighborhood, where their friends and neighbors lined the streets to surround him with love and support. We're happy to report that in March 2024, Gavin's one-month-out scans came back clear and cancer-free! "It changes who you are. We're all going to be different people because of it. But I think we'll be stronger as a family and stronger in our community," Jenny reflects. "No one wants to live in this world, but once you're there, you need the support and to be able to lean on people... there's power in knowing you're not the only one and that you're not alone, and that's what ASK gives him."

Aaliyah’s favorite saying is, “Never give up!” That constant positivity helps Aaliyah face life’s challenges, like being born with Down’s Syndrome, and battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. ​​When Aaliyah was 12 years old, she received new braces on her teeth. But when her mouth continued to consistently bleed, her mom, Karen, knew something wasn’t right. Her dentist recognized the symptoms of leukemia, and immediately sent Aaliyah to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond (CHoR) at the VCU Health System, where she spent the next three months in the hospital. ​“I thought she had an infection, not cancer,” remembers Karen. “My world fell apart that day we got the blood test results.” Almost immediately, staff from ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation contacted Karen to provide emotional, spiritual and financial support for the entire family. "ASK folks knew exactly what she needed to help her through the most difficult days.” “I was amazed by their generosity and willingness to help. They made sure there were fun distractions at clinic for her during blood transfusions. It was a small gesture, but made the world of difference through her treatment and hospitalizations. ASK folks knew exactly what she needed to help her through the most difficult days.” Now, Aaliyah is a happy 16-year-old, working hard to regain her physical strength by participating in ASK’s Moving Forward partnership with the YMCA. “The almost three years of chemotherapy caused neuropathy in her fingers and feet. We are extremely blessed that this program exists for Aaliyah and all ASK kids because it’s not only improving her physical condition but giving her confidence and inspiration.” For more than a decade Moving Forward has provided additional physical training for cancer patients, their siblings and their parents. Each participant receives a 1:1 trainer who communicates directly with CHoR pediatric oncologists and physical therapists to determine individual needs and the best protocol for training. This program is available in Fredericksburg as well. "I can’t imagine going through this without ASK and all of the programs they provide for the entire family.” “I can’t say enough about this phenomenal program,” says Karen. “We have seen great improvement in Aaliyah, and the fact that Moving Forward includes Aaliyah’s brother is incredible. He’s not left out of this and that’s important to him. I love that Moving Forward can take care of two kids with entirely different needs. I can’t imagine going through this without ASK and all of the programs they provide for the entire family.”